Globe Telecom, a major telecommunications provider in the Philippines, frequently structures its postpaid plans around device bundles and promotional incentives. For customers considering re-contracting their service agreements, the provider offers various freebies, device subsidies, and flexible payment options. These offers are typically tied to specific postpaid plans, such as ThePLAN and ThePLATINUM, and often include smartphones from major manufacturers like Huawei, Samsung, and Apple. The availability of these perks generally depends on the chosen monthly plan, the device model, and specific promotional periods. Understanding the details of these offers requires examining the specific terms, cash-out requirements, and included accessories associated with each plan.
ThePLAN and ThePLATINUM Plan Structures
Globe’s postpaid ecosystem is built around ThePLAN, a customizable mobile plan that allows subscribers to select a monthly allocation suited to their digital needs. When paired with a new device, ThePLAN often requires a one-time cash out in addition to the monthly bill. The cash out amount varies significantly based on the selected plan tier; generally, a higher monthly bill corresponds to a lower one-time cash out for the device.
For example, when offering the Huawei P30 Pro (512GB, Amber Sunrise), Globe structured the pricing across multiple ThePLAN tiers. The cash out ranged from PhP 44,400 for ThePLAN 599 to PhP 25,200 for ThePLAN 2499 and ThePLAN 2999. The monthly bill corresponded to the plan name (e.g., PhP 599 for ThePLAN 599). This tiered structure allows customers to choose between a lower upfront cost with a higher monthly fee or a higher upfront cost with a lower monthly fee.
In addition to ThePLAN, Globe offers ThePLATINUM Plan 4999. This premium tier is designed to provide an elevated mobile experience, including access to the Globe Priority Network, which aims to maintain optimal connection quality. Platinum subscribers also benefit from All-Month Data Surfing, allowing unrestricted data usage, and access to Thea, a Virtual Concierge service that assists with Globe-related concerns and lifestyle reservations such as hotel bookings and restaurant reservations.
Device-Specific Freebies and Bundles
One of the primary attractions of re-contracting with Globe is the inclusion of free hardware and accessories. These bundles are often designed to create a complete "ecosystem" experience for the user.
Huawei Ecosystem Bundle
When Globe offered the Huawei P30 Pro, the package included significant additional value. Subscribers received the Huawei Watch GT smartwatch and Huawei FreeLace earphones. The total value of these freebies was estimated at PhP 16,480. This strategy encourages the adoption of multiple devices from the same manufacturer, enhancing the overall value proposition of the postpaid plan.
Samsung Galaxy Bundles
Globe has historically included premium subscriptions with Samsung devices. For the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, subscribers on ThePLAN 1499 received a three-month membership to Spotify Premium and a six-month subscription to Netflix. These digital freebies complemented the hardware, offering immediate entertainment utility. For the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and S21 Ultra 5G, Globe offered "limited-edition freebies" intended to round out the Galaxy ecosystem experience, though specific items were not detailed in the available data.
Apple iPhone Offers
For the iPhone 16, Globe provided a different type of perk: delivery benefits and partner discounts. Online orders placed at the Globe Online Shop during a specific promotional window (October 18-24, 2024) received free delivery. Additionally, a partnership with Casetify offered a 10% discount on iPhone cases (no minimum spend) using the promo code GLOBE10, valid from October 18 to December 31, 2024.
Financial Flexibility and Trade-In Programs
Globe provides several financial mechanisms to make device acquisition more accessible for re-contracting customers.
Payment Options
Customers purchasing devices like the iPhone 16 can utilize various flexible payment options. These include: - Credit Card Installments: 0% interest installment plans for up to 36 months with select banks (BPI, UnionBank, Metrobank, RCBC, and HSBC). - GCash Installments: 0% installment up to 24 months via GCash using the GGives feature. - Charge-to-Bill: Eligible subscribers can add the device cost to their monthly Globe bill.
Trade-In Program
To support device circularity and reduce electronic waste, Globe operates a trade-in program in partnership with CompAsia. This program allows both new and re-contracting customers to exchange old devices (iPhones, Samsung, and Huawei models) for cashback. For the iPhone 16, trade-ins of older models ranging from the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 15 could result in a discount of up to PhP 55,700. The trade-in value is credited to the customer’s postpaid bill within the next billing cycle.
Historical Context: Contract Terms and Cash-Outs
Examining historical offers provides insight into how Globe’s re-contracting structures have evolved. For the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus in 2015, Globe offered plans with specific cash-out requirements. While Globe’s total cash-out was competitive (often just PhP 24 cheaper than competitor Smart for the iPhone 6s), the competitor offered a "no cash out" option in exchange for a longer 30-month lock-in period. This highlights a recurring trade-off in telco re-contracting: balancing upfront costs against contract duration and monthly fees.
Promotional Mechanics and Validity
Promotional offers from Globe are often subject to specific timeframes and stock limitations. - Stock Availability: Offers, such as the Huawei P30 Pro bundle, are valid "while stocks last." - Registration Requirements: While not specific to Globe re-contracting, the source data illustrates standard promotional mechanics. For example, JBL’s "Unwrap the Unexpected" promo required customers to register their receipt at a specific URL (jblpromo.com.ph) to claim prizes. Globe’s offers typically require visiting official stores or the website globe.com.ph for pre-orders and re-contracting. - Contract Duration: Plans that include smartphones generally come with a 24-month contract period. However, specific high-value offers or "no cash out" deals may extend this to 30 months to subsidize the device cost over a longer term.
Summary of Offer Availability
The availability of specific freebies and device models depends on current inventory and active campaigns. For the most current information on re-contracting offers, customers are directed to Globe’s official channels.
Conclusion
Globe Telecom’s re-contracting offers are characterized by a tiered plan system (ThePLAN and ThePLATINUM), device-specific bundles (Huawei, Samsung, Apple), and financial flexibility (installments, trade-ins). The value proposition lies in the combination of monthly service allowances and high-value freebies, such as smartwatches, earphones, and digital subscriptions. Customers considering re-contracting should evaluate the trade-off between one-time cash out amounts and monthly bills, while keeping in mind the availability of trade-in programs to offset costs. All offers are subject to specific terms, stock availability, and promotional periods.