TECHNOMALIST
Smart Communications has quietly rolled out a new perk for its premium Infinity plan subscribers. Dubbed ROAM+, the feature is an annual roaming wallet that provides international data for a full year—365 days—from the moment it is credited.
Unlike traditional roaming add-ons that expire after a short period or a single trip, ROAM+ is designed to be flexible. The data allowance is credited at the start of each contract year, and subscribers can dip into it whenever they travel abroad, across several trips, until the year runs out. This means no more juggling separate roaming packs or worrying about unused data expiring after a few days.
A key benefit is that roaming usage is billed together with the main plan, so there is no separate payment process. Subscribers also retain their primary Smart number while overseas, which simplifies staying connected. To keep tabs on the remaining balance, users can check the Smart App.
Smart has not provided extensive details beyond this, but it has indicated that more information can be found through Smart Infinity's official channels or at Smart Stores. This appears to be a customer retention move aimed at high-value subscribers who travel frequently, addressing a common pain point of costly and short-lived roaming packages.
The rollout seems to be focused on the Infinity lineup, which targets business and premium users who value seamless connectivity. With ROAM+, Smart is positioning itself as a more traveler-friendly network provider in the Philippines, potentially giving it an edge over competitors that may not offer such a flexible annual data option.
Industry observers might view this as part of a broader trend where telcos bundle value-added services to differentiate themselves in a saturated market. While the exact pricing and data limits are not publicized in this announcement, the annual validity is a clear departure from the typical 7- or 15-day roaming passes.
For now, existing Infinity members and prospective subscribers will need to wait for official word on how ROAM+ applies to their specific plans. The move underscores a growing emphasis on postpaid loyalty benefits, especially those that cater to a mobile workforce that spans borders.
As international travel continues to rebound, offerings like this could become a deciding factor for consumers choosing between telecom providers. Smart's initiative signals that annual roaming packages may become a new standard in the industry, reshaping how Filipinos stay connected abroad.
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