SingTel Group has announced that they have partnered with Samsung aimed at driving next-generation mobile communication, infotainment and technology services. These SingTel Group of companies include, SingTel in Singapore, Optus in Australia, AIS in Thailand, Airtel in India and Africa, Globe Telecom in the Philippines and Telkomsel in Indonesia. Initiatives under this partnership include a retail collaboration programme, direct carrier billing, regional mobile app development challenge and direct access to selected apps.
Retail collaboration programme
Selected stores of Samsung and the SingTel Group’s regional mobile associates would sell both the smartphone and mobile connection. This initiative now available to Globe Telecom (Philippines) customers and would be available for Airtel (India) and Telkomsel (Indonesia) soon.
Airtel recently partnered with Samsung to sell the Samsung Galaxy S5 through the official Airtel Shop. It also offers bundled data plans for the Galaxy S5 customers.
Direct carrier billing with Samsung Apps
Direct carrier billing allows postpaid customers to buy apps and content from Samsung Apps easily. SingTel (Singapore) is the first in South East Asia to offer direct carrier billing. This will gradually roll out to AIS (Thailand), Globe Telecom (Philippines) and Telkomsel (Indonesia) customers.
Mobile app development programme
Mobile app development programme will identify innovative start-ups in the region and offer opportunity to have their apps marketed by SingTel (Singapore), Optus (Australia), AIS (Thailand), Globe Telecom (Philippines), and Telkomsel (Indonesia) in their respective markets.
Direct access to applications
SingTel Group Digital L!fe would preload mobile services to customers to access selected services directly on Samsung smartphones in AIS (Thailand), Globe Telecom (Philippines), and Telkomsel (Indonesia) starting with the Samsung Galaxy S5.