Press Release | Prepys' Homepage

Thakral One Awarded HID Partner of the Year, 2013

July 10, 2013July 10, 2013 Joey Leave a comment

Thakral One plays a pivotal role in extending HID?s ID Assurance reach across APAC

Manila, Philippines, July 8, 2013 – Thakral One, an IT consulting and services organization focused on emerging markets, recently announced that it has won the prestigious Partner of the Year award for the ID Assurance business of HID Global, the trusted source for secure identity solutions.

The Identity and Access Management (IAM) market is growing exponentially and is expected to reach US$ 12.3 billion by 20141, a massive increase from US$ 3.7 Billion in 20102. By the end of 2013 the IAM Asia Pacific market will witness the fastest growth3. ?Businesses are eager to adopt the best-in-class IAM and it is Thakral One?s aim to bring world class solutions and services to meet these requirements. The proven methodologies that the HID – Thakral One partnership brings to the table will enable our customers to adapt to the increasingly complex compliance mandates as well as fortify their authentication processes,? Santie Heydenrych, VP ? FSI Solutions at Thakral One shared.

Thakral One?s strengths lie in its local presence across Asia Pacific, strong partnerships with leading software providers and a focus on offering end-to-end solutions.

Tim Phipps, VP Sales at HID Identity Assurance, APAC spoke about the relatively new partnership that has emerged to be favourable for both the companies. ?The HID ? Thakral One partnership aims to deliver the best authentication solutions to our clients, across Asia Pacific. Thakral One?s continuous endorsement and strategic focus to develop the Asia Pacific IT Authentication market in absolute alignment with HID Identity Assurance is much appreciated. We congratulate Thakral One for winning the well-deserved partner award for the business segment of ID Assurance, and look forward to a continued and successful association,? he shared.

Berocca in Boracay Challenge – May 2 to 5, 2013

April 29, 2013April 29, 2013 ajay Leave a comment

If you happen to be in Boracay from May 2 to May 5, you can join the Berocca in Boracay Challenge. What’s at stake for the winners: a lucky Berocca drinker and three of his or her friends will win an all expenses paid trip to Boracay, and exclusive passes to join exciting Berocca organized activities on the island. In Boracay, they will enjoy fun in the sun on Boracay’s legendary beaches, and then party with Berocca drinking celebrities from dusk till dawn at Boracay’s hottest and coolest night spot, Epic.

Check out the Berocca in Boracay stations near Villa de Oro, Boracay Peninsula, La Fiesta and in Cagban Port to join the challenge.

With a minimum purchase of one tube of Berocca from any of the Berocca stations on site, you will be eligible to participate in the Berocca in Boracay challenge. The activities will be fun, but you will need to be both mentally and physically on full blast to get them done quickly. Exciting challenges such as the Berocca Hunt, the banana boat ride and many others are sure to thrill, to top it off you can also win loads of mini prizes along the way. Samsung S3 and S3 Minis await the top three finishers, loads of Berocca will be up for grabs as well. The event is also supported by Discovery Shores Boracay, Fox International Channels and Adidas Body Care.

Follow @BeroccaPh on Twitter to get more updates about the event.

Government Announces TV White Space Plan

February 1, 2013February 1, 2013 Joey Leave a comment

The Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ICTO) announced its plans for the deployment of a new wireless data communications standard called TV White Space (TVWS) technologies. This announcement was made at a press conference after a TVWS Workshop that was participated in by representatives from Telcos and Service Providers, members of the KBP, ICT industry representatives and members of the academe.

TV White Spaces refer to unutilized Television frequencies in the VHF and UHF bands. In 2010 The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the use of TVWS for data communications. “TVWS is an ideal wireless data delivery medium for the Philippines, with its long distance propagation characteristics and the ability of its signals to travel over water and through thick foliage, we are hopeful that this will be the technology to bring connectivity to rural areas and bridge the digital divide” Usec Casambre said.

DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo also added that: “Other that providing Internet access to Rural Areas, TV White Space technologies can also be utilized to support government initiatives requiring data connectivity such as sensors used by project NOAH for disaster mitigation, thin clients for education currently being developed by ICTO for DepEd through the Cloud Top project, as well as for tele-health initiatives being done by the UP TeleHealth Center.”

DOST-ICTO also announced that after consultations with stakeholders from the private sector, technology and spectrum regulatory experts from here and abroad, they now a have a clear idea on best practices and issues that need to be addressed prior to the adoption of TVWS technologies.

“Right now TVWS is still very much in the experimental phase both in terms of technology as well as the policy regime, we plan to maintain constant consultation with various stakeholders during the process, particularly that of encumbent users of the spectrum, we still have a lot to do, but we are confident that we can make this happen and are excited about what TV White Spaces can do for the Philippines.” Usec. Casambre added.

The DOST-ICTO also announced plans for pilot tests of broadband connectivity using TVWS in selected remote and unserved public schools in the province of Bohol. Another pilot application included in the pilot tests is providing connectivity for the Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries or Ecofish project in Talibon and Tubigon, Bohol for reef and fishing vessel monitoring.

About TV White Space Technology

TV White Spaces refer to unutilized Television frequencies in the VHF and UHF bands. In 2010 The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the use of TVWS for data communications. Likewise, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) have issued standards for the development of TVWS devices for wireless regional access networks, under IEEE802.22, similar to standards used for wireless local area networks or WiFi also known as IEEE802.11 and its variants.

Currently available TVWS equipment can deliver up to 6 Mbps of data throughput at a maximum range of 10 kilometers. TVWS’ long range means that less base stations are required to provide coverage for a given area compared to existing wireless technologies, making it a cost effective means of broadband data delivery.

Other than its long range propagation characteristics, TVWS signals can literally pass through several concrete walls as well as thick foliage, this means that customer premise equipment or CPE’s can have indoor antennas also making it ideal for the uneven terrain in the countryside.

About DOST-ICTO – The Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology is the Philippine Government’s lead agency on ICT related matters. Its primary thrusts are in the ICT Industry Development, eGovernment, ICT policy development, Internet for all and Cybersecurity.

Check out the ICTO-DOST website for more.

Smart Bares Biggest Prepaid Trinet Offer ‘Unli Call & Text 25’

January 29, 2013January 29, 2013 Joey Leave a comment

Banking on the sheer size of the combined Smart, Talk ‘N Text, and Sun Cellular subscriber base, wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is launching its biggest ever and most affordable unlimited offer called ‘Tri-Net Unli Call & Text 25’.

The new product allows all Smart Prepaid subscribers to enjoy unli calls and send unli SMS to the combined 68.6 million subscribers of the three wireless brands, all at only P25 for one day. The package also includes 20 SMS to other networks.

“With this tri-net version of our bestselling Unli Call & Text 25, we are ramping up our prepaid business by turning a great offer into an even better one,” said Melissa Limcaoco, head of prepaid and postpaid marketing at Smart.

“It’s still unli, but it’s now tri-net – which means that Smart Prepaid subscribers can stay in touch and enjoy virtually endless conversations and SMS exchange with their friends and family, but their world has become so much bigger since now they can also call or text people using Sun. What’s best, we’ve kept it to its flat rate of only P25 for 24 hours’ use,” Limcaoco added.

To avail of Unli Call & Text 25, subscribers must have at least P25, then register to the package by sending UNLI25 to 6406.

Once registered, users can start sending an unlimited number of tri-net SMS to any Smart, Talk ‘N Text, or Sun number. They can enjoy unli calls by calling *6406 plus the 11-digit mobile number, e.g., *640609181234567.

“Combine the flexibility of keeping in touch with the most number of people via calls or SMS with Smart’s superior nationwide network coverage, and you have a service that simply cannot be matched – and that’s Tri-Net Unli Call & Text 25,” Limcaoco added.

Limcaoco refers to the recently reported results of the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) 4^th Quarter Quality of Service (QoS) Benchmarking tests, validating the superiority of the ‘supercharged’ Smart network over competition.

“This supercharged network is what allows us to offer services that are extremely high in value but very easy on the pockets,” ended Limcaoco.

Smart has over 52.6 million mobile subscribers as of end-September 2012, more than 90% of whom are on prepaid. They are served by a network of over a million Smart Load retailers all over the country selling Smart Load and other bucket offers.

Smart has the largest and most pervasive cellular and broadband network infrastructure in the country, providing coverage to over 99% of the population.

Smart Unveils Most Affordable LTE Broadband Plan

January 29, 2013January 29, 2013 Joey Leave a comment

Wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) the country’s pioneer in LTE networks, makes the Philippines’ fastest wireless broadband service more affordable than ever as it unveils the new Smart LTE Broadband Plan 1299.

“Designed for netizens who want their occasional LTE fix, Smart LTE Broadband Plan 1299 gives even more Filipinos the opportunity to Live Faster and Live More,” said Smart Broadband Internet and Data Services Head Lloyd Manaloto.

“Similar to LTE Broadband Plans 3500 and 1749, Smart LTE Broadband Plan 1299 is capable of speeds of up to 42Mbps so you get the full LTE experience,” he added.

Backed by the country’s first and only 100% super-charged network, Smart’s LTE services can be enjoyed in more than 500 establishments in 10 cities across Metro Manila—many of which feature Smart LTE “sticker pins” in their respective storefronts.

The list of LTE hotspots includes popular public places such as malls, restaurants bars, clinics, salons, and other recreational areas. Smart LTE is also present in certain residential areas and in select areas in Boracay, Cebu, and Davao.

As a special treat for early adopters, Smart LTE Broadband Plan 1299 can be used on an unlimited basis until January 31, 2013*. Subscribers also have the option to avail of a Pocket WiFi device for a one-time fee of just P2,000.

“With the Smart LTE Pocket WiFi, all of your devices can now run on the power of LTE,” said Manaloto.

“This gives you the chance to get the most out of our world-class LTE service and to experience what it’s like to truly Live More,” he added.

For more information on other Smart LTE Broadband plans and devices and to view the complete list of Smart LTE hotspots, visit www.smart.com.ph/lte.

*A 5GB allocation will then take effect afterwards.