Over 3.7 million customers of PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. shifted to paperless billing in the past two months as pandemic infections started surging.
However, both telcos assured clients of continued service amidst the current tighter community restrictions. “We are fully prepared to serve our customers amid mobility restrictions," said Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT and Smart President and CEO. "We can address their inquiries offline and online through our physical stores, virtual booking sites, official social media accounts and other channels,” he added.
Nevertheless, PLDT and Smart stores will remain open -- following government guidelines -- should customers need to drop by. Customers can also book virtual appointments for their online or in-store transactions. More than 230,000 customers nationwide made appointments via the telcos' booking platform by end 2021.
Mall-based and non-mall-based hubs in areas under Alert Level 3 can still cater to customers according to their regular operating hours, following the customer capacity set by the government.
But, customers can apply for new accounts online, they can buy load and devices through PLDT and Smart’s official websites or via e-commerce platforms like PayMaya, Lazada, Grab, and Shopee; or through official distributors via Facebook Marketplace.
For billing concerns, PLDT customers can text PLDTHOMEBILL and send to 0970 0000 171 or check their bills at my.pldthome.com.
Smart postpaid subscribers can manage their accounts via the GigaLife App or through my.smart.com.ph.
They can download and use the GigaLife App to purchase load for their prepaid phones and other services.
Through GigaPay, GigaLife App users can link their PayMaya accounts and conveniently top-up, buy data, and access other exclusive promos on-the-go.
PLDT and Smart customers can pay their bills via PayMaya, Lazada, and Shopee, or through online banking.
They can also enroll their bills in the auto-debit service of their credit cards for a hassle-free transaction.
Customer service frontliners are ready to support subscribers via virtual meetings and online services.
They can also inquire via verified official social media channels of PLDT and Smart.
Although these channels have been in place even before the pandemic happened, PLDT and Smart are continuously helping customers to transact online, especially at a time where people are encouraged to stay at home.