Mobile-8 launches smart buy

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