Tuesday, January 16, 2007 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
News
New service allows overseas workers to send money over Wi-Fi
Filipinos working overseas can now take advantage of Wi-Fi technology to send money back home, aside from chatting with their loved ones through the Internet or calling them on the phone through voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP).
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Overseas workers now have the option of using Wi-Fi technology to send money back home. |
The new remittance service for overseas Filipino workers or OFWs, "Tele-OFW One Follow Me," makes use of PDA (personal digital assistant) phones equipped with the Windows operating system for mobile devices, which allows users to connect to the Microsoft Live Communication Server within a Wi-Fi area and then manage funds in a bank account.
Microsoft Philippines and the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) launched the project last week at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Pasay.
OFWs can use the service by opening an RCBC TeleMoney remittance service account and then purchasing a phone equipped with Windows Mobile 5.0. With Wi-Fi access they can transfer funds from one account to another and send money to relatives in the Philippines.
They can also use the device to make VoIP phone calls and send instant messages to relatives in the Philippines.
Recipients of instant messages must have a computer with the Windows XP system and a broadband Internet connection.
The product was developed in the Philippines by an international team led by Randy Granovetter, Microsoft’s worldwide general manager for emerging markets. The Philippines is an "ideal" location for the product because of the large number of overseas workers and Filipinos’ strong family and community ties, Ms. Granovetter said.
"Our first target market is seafarers. We have already tested the phone on ships that have Wi-Fi in different parts of the world. Later on, as we expand to different segments, we can also provide additional content, such as educational services," she explained.
The service could soon provide information on government services and job-related training. Microsoft is set to demonstrate the product to Filipinos abroad, and if successful, it will be marketed to other countries with a large number of workers overseas, such as in Central and South America.
RCBC clients can purchase the phone and computer package for about P50,000. Clients of RCBC Savings Bank can also apply for personal loans to buy the package. Calls through the phone are charged based on local time use instead of international roaming charges. Remittances done through the service are subject to normal remittance charges.
OWWA administrator Marianito Roque said the service is a way for OFWs to maintain strong ties with their families.
Savings from communication costs can be used for other items, such as investments and savings, he said.
Mr. Roque said the service is being scheduled for a global launch. "This launch is to be replicated in several countries with a strong Filipino presence, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, the Middle East, and different parts of Europe." — Allan E. Lalisan
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