PH telco giants Globe and Smart both extend their support to Filipino customers who are located in regions of the Middle East that are currently experiencing elevated security risks and tensions.
Escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran and military alerts in neighboring Gulf states have raised security concerns and caused airspace disruptions, travel advisories, and intermittent service interruptions. Several governments, including the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), have advised impacted nationals to stay watchful and have dependable contact.
In light of this, Globe and Smart have activated their respective support measures to help customers in key Middle East markets stay connected with family and access essential services.
Free Roaming Package for Globe Users
The Middle East relief initiative of Globe includes free roaming services in select countries and assistance with credit/bill relief when necessary.
Eligible subscribers can connect via Globe's roaming partners in the following countries:
- Saudi Arabia - via STC and Zain
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) - via Du and e& (Etisalat)
- Bahrain - via Batelco and Zain Bahrain
- Qatar - via Ooredoo and Vodafone
- Kuwait - via Ooredoo Kuwait, and stc Kuwait
Globe roaming relief package inclusions:
- 1GB of open-access data
- 15 minutes of calls
- 15 SMS credits
- Valid for 7 days (1 week)
Eligible Globe Prepaid, TM, and Globe Postpaid customers in the said markets will receive the offer automatically with no registration needed. Once the service is activated, subscribers will receive confirmation messaging.
For Globe users in Iran, the telco offers load support or bill adjustments to cover connectivity costs. Usage-based account credit adjustments for roaming partners like MTN Irancell will provide assistance.
Paula Rivera-Castillo, Globe International Business head, stated:
We recognize the importance of connection, especially when circumstances are unpredictable. These measures represent Globe's commitment to supporting our customers abroad, keeping them reliably linked to family and critical communication even in challenging contexts.
Free Calls for Smart Users
On X, PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) stated that PLDT and SMART offer free calls for Filipinos in specific Middle Eastern countries:
- Bahrain
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
OFWs in the said countries can use Smart's free call service through its TinBo app (using Smart Virtual Number). You can install the app via the official website (tinbo.ph) or via Google Play and Apple App Store.
MVP added that PLDT, Smart, and TNT users in the Philippines can call their loved ones in the aforementioned countries for free until March 7, 2026. He also noted that they will monitor the need for an extension.
In addition, Filipinos can call the crisis hotline of Smart (+63288457799) to reach their families, free and available 24/7. The TinBo app also allows DMW-OWWA 1348 hotline calls.
For further details regarding these relief initiatives by Globe and Smart, I encourage you to follow the telcos' respective Facebook pages, @globeph and @SmartCommunications. – PinoyTechSaga
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