Aquto Launches Sponsored Data Program With PLDT and Smart in the Philippines

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwired - May 28, 2015) - Aquto, the leader in Sponsored Data Monetization, today announced a partnership with leading telecommunications and multimedia provider PLDT through its mobile subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) in the Philippines. The partnership brings Aquto's Sponsored Data service to millions of Smart subscribers, giving them access to more mobile data through sponsorships, and enables Smart to give its subscribers more value while monetizing its mobile data network.

"Aquto was founded on a premise that mobile Internet data can be made more accessible to all through a model that provides value for consumers, operators, and advertisers," said Susie Kim Riley, Founder and Chief Executive of Aquto. "We're excited to extend our reach into the Asian market with PLDT/Smart -- a strong, forward-thinking innovator with over 70M subscribers."

Mobile engagement is accelerating in the ASEAN market, as social platforms, app developers, and marketers pay increasing attention to the rapidly growing smartphone base and growing economy in the region. Just a month ago, Facebook launched Internet.org in the country, its pioneering initiative to bring the Internet to more users around the world through a mobile app and site that they can access for free, underscoring the importance of the market.

The sponsored data service will initially be available to subscribers of Talk 'N Text, the value brand of Smart, as well as Sun Cellular, a wireless unit of PLDT.

"Smart is always on the lookout for innovative ways to better serve our customers," said Michele Curran, FVP for Data Services at Smart. "Aquto's experience and success with Sponsored Data will enable us to increase mobile data connectivity for our subscribers and bring even more value to our services."

Aquto's service, which is active in the US and Europe, enables users to get more out of their mobile devices by giving them free access to mobile data, sponsored by third-party app publishers, advertisers and marketers. Aquto has a global footprint with operations in US, Europe and, with the PLDT partnership, now Asia.

About Aquto
Aquto is the leader in sponsored data with deployments with Tier 1 operators including AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Vodafone and now PLDT/Smart in the Philippines. Founded in 2012 with headquarters in Boston, the company provides a frictionless way for app developers, advertisers and marketers to engage with users over mobile, and a new way for operators to monetize their data and network assets. For more information, visit www.aquto.com or follow @aquto on Twitter.

About Smart Communications
Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is the Philippines' leading wireless services provider with 54 million subscribers on its GSM network as of end-December 2014. Smart has built a reputation for innovation, having introduced world-first wireless offerings such as Smart Money, Smart Load, Smart Padala, and SmartNet. Smart offers 3G, HSPA+, and LTE services, while its satellite service, Smart Link, provides communications to the global maritime industry. Smart Broadband, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, offers a wireless broadband service, Smart Broadband, with 2.3 million subscribers as of end-December 2014.