Mobile-8 launches smart buy

JAKARTA: Cellular firm PT Mobile-8 Telecom launched on Tuesday its Fren Smart Buy program, which gives its credit card customers an opportunity to get free or discounted cellular telephones.

The program is a collaboration between Mobile-8, Nokia and eight local financial institutions: Bank Central Asia (BCA), Bank Danamon, Bank International Indonesia (BII), GE Money, Bank Mandiri, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), Bank Niaga and Permata Bank. Only holders of credit cards issued by the banks are eligible for the new service.

Under the program, people who opt for a monthly subscription fee of either Rp 618,000 (US$72.70) or Rp 418,000 for 18 months will get a free Nokia 6225 or Nokia 6585. Those who opt for a monthly subscription fee of either Rp 318,000 or Rp 218,000 for 6 months will get one of the phones at a 60 percent discount from the original retail prices of Rp 2.85 million (Nokia 6225) or Rp 1.85 million (Nokia 6585).

With this program, the company expects to increase the number of its subscribers to 800,000 by the end of this year, from 150,000 currently. -- JP