Latest news with #SmartCommunications
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Smart and PayJoy Partner to Expand Access to Credit, Empowering More Filipino Consumers
SAN FRANCISCO and MANILA, Philippines, June 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of smartphone users in the Philippines is forecasted to grow in the next four years, reaching more than 80 million consumers. To keep up with this demand, mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has partnered with PayJoy, a Public Benefit Corporation focused on bringing responsible financing to underserved customers in emerging markets to provide Filipino consumers, particularly those new to credit, the opportunity to purchase smartphones through PayJoy's financing solutions. 'This collaboration aims to provide Filipino consumers, particularly those with limited budgets and no access to traditional credit, the opportunity to purchase mid to high-end smartphones through innovative financing solutions that will enable them to upgrade their means of communication and easier access to information,' said Jac Bocalan, Department Head/VP at Smart. Customers in the Philippines can now acquire smartphones by simply providing an ID and phone number, without needing a traditional credit card. Payments can be made weekly over a period of four, six, or nine months, making it easier for individuals to own high-quality devices to stay connected at home, work, or school. 'Our partnership with PayJoy aligns with our commitment to serve more Filipinos through innovative solutions. By providing accessible financing options for smartphones, we are helping bridge the digital divide and ensuring that everyone can benefit from our extensive 4G/LTE and 5G network which allows them to access their essential productivity, entertainment, gaming, and other favorite apps on the go. We also encourage our customers to upgrade from 3G to LTE or 5G so that they can enjoy a better experience on their Smart-powered mobile phones,' said Christian So, OIC-AVP Sales Head at Smart. PayJoy, currently serving 66 million low-income consumers in the Philippines, provides responsible financing to underserved populations in emerging markets. Using proprietary phone-security technology and AI-driven underwriting, PayJoy helps borrowers build credit and access digital tools for work, education, and connection. 'Our mission is to unlock financial freedom for the next billion people worldwide. By partnering with Smart, we are enabling more Filipinos to access the technology they need to stay connected and improve their lives,' said Rene Payan, Country Manager at PayJoy. Smart continues to lead the way in expanding 4G/5G connectivity in the Philippines, covering 97% of the population and offering unparalleled coverage and availability. This expansion allows customers to enjoy faster internet speeds, seamless streaming, and improved mobile gaming experiences, further enhancing their digital lifestyle. Customers who purchase a participating mobile device bundled with a Smart/TNT Prepaid SIM and avail of a nine-month device amortization from PayJoy will be eligible for a free one-month device amortization, applied to the last payment term. This promo runs from April 9, 2025, to February 24, 2026. This partnership is aligned with PLDT's mission to contribute to the country's achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. About PayJoy PayJoy is a Public Benefit Corporation providing responsible financing to underserved populations in emerging markets. Using proprietary phone-security technology and AI-driven underwriting, PayJoy helps borrowers build credit and access digital tools for work, education, and connection. Learn more at About Smart Communications Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT Inc., the Philippines' largest and only integrated telecommunications company. Smart serves approximately 97% of the country's population with its combined 4G/LTE and 5G network, providing mobile communications services, high-speed internet connectivity, and access to digital services and content, supporting the country's growing digital economy, and providing the best customer experience for an increasingly digital Filipino lifestyle. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE PayJoy
Sinar Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Survey finds consumers warming to AI, frustrated by omnichannel gaps
The report also stated that 67 per cent of respondents would switch service providers if communications did not meet their expectations, underlining the importance of effective engagement. 29 Jun 2025 06:00pm Global consumers are increasingly open to AI in healthcare, finance and insurance customer experiences, signalling a shift in expectations for personalised and efficient service. - 123RF photo KUALA LUMPUR - A growing number of global consumers are ready to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) in customer experiences within healthcare, financial services and insurance sectors but continue to be frustrated by poor omnichannel services and outdated data collection processes, according to new research by Smart Communications. In its 2025 Customer Experience Benchmark report, the technology firm said the survey, which polled 3,000 consumers worldwide, found 62 per cent rated communications from service providers in these sectors as good or excellent, with notable gains in banking (67 per cent), insurance (46 per cent) and healthcare (75 per cent). Despite growing AI acceptance, many consumers remain frustrated by inconsistent omnichannel services and complex digital forms, highlighting the need for simpler, faster data collection processes. - Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily However, the report also noted that 67 per cent of respondents would switch service providers if communications did not meet their expectations, underlining the importance of effective engagement, according to a statement. "Customer expectations are shaped by top brands in retail and technology. When sectors like healthcare and banking fall short, they risk losing customer loyalty,' said Smart Communications chief executive officer, Leigh Segall. The survey revealed a shift in consumer attitudes towards AI, with 54 per cent open to receiving health recommendations, 51 per cent to insurance plan changes, and 46 per cent to financial advice powered by AI. Meanwhile, concern over data security and ethical use has declined, with only about 31 to 32 per cent of respondents expressing hesitation. Despite this growing trust, only 13 per cent of consumers believe generative AI surpasses humans in crafting customer communication content, while 46 per cent insist on human oversight of AI-generated content. On omnichannel experience, just 54 per cent of respondents expressed satisfaction, and 60 per cent said they would trust companies more if these experiences were consistent. Preferences varied by generation, with email most favoured by the Silent Generation (48 per cent) and least by Generation Z (39 per cent). Print ranked lowest across all groups. The study also highlighted challenges with data intake processes. Some 66 per cent of consumers, including 73 per cent of Millennials and 71 per cent of Generation Z said they would abandon interactions if forms were too complex. About 90 per cent of respondents ranked speed and simplicity as key when completing forms, while 63 per cent preferred guided digital forms over fillable PDFs. A further 77 per cent expressed a preference for digital over manual processes such as printing or mailing. - BERNAMA More Like This
Barnama
7 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
AI Crosses The Trust Threshold: Half Of All Consumers Embrace It For Critical Life Advice
NEW YORK, June 25 (Bernama) -- Smart Communications, a leading technology company focused on helping businesses engage in more meaningful customer conversations, released its 2025 Customer Experience Benchmark research today. The global survey of 3000 consumers found that while many are ready for artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their experiences in healthcare, financial services and insurance, they remain frustrated with poor omnichannel experiences and outdated form processes. 'Customers' expectations are set by the best brands in retail, technology and eCommerce,' said Leigh Segall, CEO, Smart Communications. 'When healthcare, banking and insurance organizations fail to meet these expectations, they risk losing customer loyalty and business. That's why we set out every year to gauge where that bar is set, and light the way for organizations in these industries to exceed their customers' expectations through frictionless, digital-first experiences.'
Techday NZ
25-06-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Poor data intake drives customer disengagement in Australia & NZ
Smart Communications has published its 2025 Customer Experience Benchmark research, which reveals that poor communication methods and outdated data intake processes are contributing to significant customer disengagement across Australia and New Zealand. Key findings The global survey, which included responses from 3,000 consumers, examined experiences with healthcare, financial services, and insurance organisations. The research indicates that although consumer attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) are improving, a majority remain dissatisfied with current omnichannel communication offerings and form-filling processes. Nearly two-thirds of Australian (64%) and New Zealand (60%) consumers indicated that they would end their interaction with a company if the data intake process was too complex. This sentiment was particularly pronounced among Millennials (73%) and Generation Z respondents (71%). The study also found that 61% of Australian and 58% of New Zealand respondents rated their communications from service providers as good or excellent. However, 84% in Australia and 85% in New Zealand considered customer communications an important part of their overall experience, and a large proportion—67% in Australia and 61% in New Zealand—would consider switching companies if communications did not meet expectations. According to Leigh Segall, Chief Executive Officer at Smart Communications, "Customers' expectations are set by the best brands in retail, technology and eCommerce. When healthcare, banking and insurance organisations fail to meet these expectations, they risk losing customer loyalty and business. That's why we set out every year to gauge where that bar is set and light the way for organisations in these industries to exceed their customers' expectations through frictionless, digital-first experiences." AI acceptance and trust The report highlights that consumers are displaying increased openness to the use of AI in customer communications, particularly when its benefits are demonstrated through real-world scenarios. Nearly half of all ANZ respondents stated they would value AI for financial advice (41% in both countries), suggestions for insurance plan changes (46% AU, 54% NZ), or health recommendations (47% AU, 49% NZ). Less than half of all respondents expressed concerns about AI's secure or ethical handling of data, with figures at 39% in Australia and 45% in New Zealand for security, and 39% in Australia and 44% in New Zealand for ethics. Notably, only 37% of respondents believe that a disclaimer is necessary every time AI is used in customer communications, compared to 77% a year earlier. Despite increasing comfort and trust in AI, confidence in its communication abilities remains low. Only 15% of Australian and 9% of New Zealand participants believe generative AI outperforms humans in creating customer communications content. Over half (51% AU, 55% NZ) believe human oversight of AI-generated content is necessary. Omnichannel experiences and communication preferences Findings showed just over half (54%) of consumers reported satisfaction with omnichannel experiences from service providers. Trust in organisations was also associated with the quality of these experiences, with 53% of Australians and 44% of New Zealanders more likely to trust companies that offered a consistent approach across channels. Preferences also varied by generation, with Silent Generation respondents (aged 79 to 97) most likely to favour email (48%), while only 39% of Generation Z chose email as their first choice. Print communication was the least preferred overall, at 12%. Digital forms crucial for engagement Form filling remains a significant cause of customer frustration. Two-thirds of respondents said they would abandon a business if the data intake process proved too onerous, underscoring the importance of simplicity and speed. A large majority (90%) cited these as their top priorities when completing forms. Guided digital forms were preferred by 63% of all consumers over fillable PDF documents. There was strong support for digital data collection options, with 80% of Australian and 74% of New Zealand respondents favouring digital processes over those requiring printing, scanning, or mailing. "The data is clear: consumers are ready to see what AI can do," said Leigh Segall. "Organisations have an opportunity to use this groundbreaking technology to create outstanding customer experiences that exceed consumer expectations. Our research shows them where to start, by orchestrating smarter omnichannel experiences." Additional detailed findings, charts, and analyses are available through Smart Communications' digital resources, providing insights by industry, region, and demographic groups. The research was carried out online with a nationally representative audience of customers from the insurance, financial services, and healthcare sectors in the US, UK, APAC—including Australia and New Zealand—and German-speaking markets.
Business Upturn
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Smart Communications Simplifies Digital Archiving with Launch of SmartHUB™
New York, United States: Smart Communications ,the leading provider for cloud-based enterprise customer communications, today announced the availability of SmartHUB , a new cloud-native digital archiving solution designed to help businesses manage high-volume communications at scale, provide easy access to critical archived data, and ensure compliance with evolving industry regulations, regardless of sector or region. SmartHUB is built on the proven technology acquired through Smart Communications' April 2025 acquisition of Joisto, a leading digital archiving provider, and is now fully integrated into the Conversation Cloud™ platform. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: As businesses face growing data volumes, disconnected systems, and increasingly complex regulations, SmartHUB tackles these inefficiencies head-on. It enables seamless integration across systems and reduces IT burden and operational complexity, all while maintaining a strong focus on data security and compliance. With SmartHUB, businesses can trust that their data is securely managed and compliant with evolving regulations, ensuring both operational efficiency and peace of mind. 'By harnessing the power of cloud-native technology, we're enabling our customers to stay ahead of an increasingly complex and fast-moving regulatory environment, while significantly reducing operational risk, simplifying system complexity, and strengthening data security,' said Leigh Segall, CEO at Smart Communications. 'Just as we've redefined how enterprises manage customer communications and forms with modern, scalable solutions, we're now doing the same for archiving—giving organizations a trusted path to move away from legacy systems. SmartHUB will fundamentally transform how organizations store, access, and protect their most critical communications and customer data assets, unlocking new value that was previously out of reach.' Designed on AWS and purpose-built for regulatory environments, SmartHUB also helps organizations proactively manage their legal obligations by offering immutable, audit-ready storage, comprehensive audit trails, and retention rule configurations across multiple jurisdictions with technology that meets requirements for GDPR, ISO 14641, and WCAG 2.1 Level AA. The platform simplifies the complexity of compliance across geographies, allowing enterprises to automate retention policies, track document lineage, and rapidly respond to audits or litigation. ' SmartHUB expands the Smart Communications value proposition significantly, offering a more complete end-to-end platform for managing the entire customer conversation, from creation and delivery to long-term, compliant storage and retrieval. It differentiates Smart Communications in a competitive market by directly addressing a critical pain point for its core customer base,' said Jim Lundy, Founder and CEO at Aragon Research. SmartHUB uses flexible APIs and enterprise-level configuration management to integrate across other ERP, CRM, and HR systems, embedding compliance directly into core business workflows. This enables it to connect teams across customer service, IT, sales, claims handlers and more, reducing common friction points and latency when dealing with a customer service case, on-demand portal requests from end customers, or even to support compliance or litigation requests. 'SmartHUB was designed to meet the demands of today's communications landscape—where speed, security, and compliance are non-negotiable. With ingestion speeds of up to one million documents per hour and a cloud-native architecture, it eliminates the need for hardware while ensuring scalable, always-on access to critical data,' said Simon Tindal, CTO at Smart Communications. 'As AI transforms how archived communications are used—whether for real-time decisioning, self-service, or context-rich customer interactions—SmartHUB ensures that high-volume data is not just stored, but instantly retrievable and audit-ready.' SmartHUB has proven success across financial services, insurance, telco, and utilities, making it an ideal fit for any organization with high customer communications volumes, complex compliance needs, or large customer service operations. As part of the Conversation Cloud, it simplifies archiving at scale and unlocks seamless integration with SmartCOMM™ and SmartIQ™ , offering teams a single, secure place to create, manage, and access all critical customer interactions. To see how SmartHUB transforms archiving into an advantage, visit . About Smart Communications: Smart Communications is the trusted choice for regulated enterprises looking to modernize complex processes and connect with customers in the moments that matter most. Its Conversation Cloud™ platform powers frictionless, compliant, digital-first experiences through omnichannel communications, intelligent data capture, and secure digital archival. More than 650 enterprises worldwide—including Zurich Insurance, Priority Health, The Pacific Financial Group, and The Bancorp—rely on Smart Communications to reduce compliance risk, boost operational efficiency, lower costs, and fast-track digital transformation that fuels business growth and elevates the customer experience. With more than 30 pre-built connectors, Smart Communications' cloud-native platform integrates effortlessly with the world's most trusted enterprise systems including Salesforce, Guidewire, DuckCreek, OneSpan, and Pega, enabling more than 60 billion mission-critical customer conversations globally, and driving faster time to value. View source version on Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
