Smart users in Myanmar get free access to data amid mass protests

Smart Communications is providing its subscribers residing in Myanmar with free 1GB data access, helping them keep in touch with loved ones and the Philippine embassy amid the nationwide protests in the country against the military coup.

File photo: Smart

Smart provides free data access to Filipinos in Myanmar

PLDT's wireless arm announced this in a statement on Tuesday afternoon, noting this is for those who are subscribed to its roaming services.

It added that Filipinos who are using Smart roaming SIMs in Myanmar will also have free access to important sites such as the Philippine Embassy website and other communication apps through GIGAROAM 1GB open access, which is valid for five days.

Alice Ramos, VP and Head of International Roaming and Consumer Business at Smart, stressed connectivity is crucial during a situation like this.

Smart, through our roaming partners, is here to help. We will continue to monitor the situation, and we will be ready to assist with more data roaming allocation for our countrymen in Myanmar should the need arise. Access to communication and information at this time are paramount, Ramos was quoted as saying in the statement.

Globe Telecom over the weekend announced its customers in Myanmar could also make outgoing calls, receive incoming calls, send SMS to their loved ones, and use data roaming (whichever service is available) during this time.