October 30, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Wireless giant Smart Communications Inc. has partnered with sister e-wallet Maya in providing consumers with ease of access by removing convenience fees for load purchases.
Smart yesterday announced that its subscribers may now buy airtime load and data packages on Maya without convenience fees as part of efforts to ease the cost of connectivity.
Likewise, Maya can be accessed by Smart users without consuming mobile data, allowing them to use financial services even when they are offline.
Smart first vice president for corporate marketing and strategy Lloyd Manaloto said the telco is working on bringing down the cost of connectivity for customers. Smart also sees the urgency of expanding access to financial services in a time when Filipinos are almost always online.
“This collaboration goes beyond promos — it is about breaking barriers to digital access. Together with Maya, we are making it easier for Filipinos to stay connected and take control of finances, without the extra costs,” Manaloto said.
Maya Group chief commercial officer Khurram Malik said the e-wallet has agreed to give Smart users data-free access to the app so they can use its financial services anytime.
Malik said Maya and Smart are rolling out the initiative in phases nationwide, understanding the need to reduce the cost of accessing digital services nowadays.
“By working with Smart, we are making it easier for Filipinos to access the tools that they need to manage their money, transfer funds, save, pay bills and stay online — without worrying about the extra costs,” Malik said.
Right now, Smart is offering exclusive data bundles like Magic Data 99 and All Data 99 through Maya and Smart Online Store. The offer will run until Dec. 31.
Smart is trying to sustain operational stability following a workplace mess that led to the exit of its chief operating officer Anastacio Martirez. The executive has resigned from his post recently to pursue his own entrepreneurial ventures.