ASIA : SMART Communications, Inc., the Philippines' leading wireless services provider announced on June 30, 2007 the launch of the Philippines' first mobile speed dating 3G service, (SMART CMe). SMART has partnered with Ericsson and Sweden-based Ironroad to provide the new 3G service to around 25 million subscribers nationwide. 

Rajendra Pangrekar, Ericsson Philippines President and Country Manager, says: "Ericsson is pleased to be able to support SMART in providing new and exciting 3G services in the country.  The Philippines is a key market for Ericsson in South East Asia and we foresee that SMART CMe will be another popular service that will be enjoyed by SMART subscribers in the country."

On the other hand, Ironroad's complete suite of its MeetMe Community Services will be used for the new 3G service. The MeetMe services allows the user to blog, chat and date using his or her 3G mobile phone instead of a PC - by sending and receiving videos rather than typing.

SMART Head for 3G Business Jerome Almirante explains: "We have a relatively young population in the Philippines and we are confident that this new service will enrich the mobile communications experience of Filipinos. It is the first service of its kind in the country and we are pleased to continue to introduce innovative new services in 3G."

SMART Communications first conducted trials for its experimental 3G wireless system in the Philippines in 2001.  They were also the first operator to conduct 3G demonstrations via nationwide television and in selected local schools.  Currently, SMART 3G has nationwide coverage of the Philippines, with over 800 sites spanning 119 cities and municipalities.  SMART 3G services include video calls, high speed Internet via PC, E-mail, and mobile Internet browsing.