Some of you have probably heard about them, but for those still lagging behind in the latest mobile news, let me introduce once again the latest mobile network here in the Philippines, üMobile.

While the whole company is officially a subsidiary of Smart Telecommunications, their operations are completely independent and there strategy in garnering support is truly unique. They don’t sell SIM cards at dirt cheap prices; they give them away for free. That is if you’ve been referred to them by someone who is already a üMobile user, and with regards to the load, you can do it like the rest or you can get it online. Free P .50 load is also given to subscribers per ad they listen to that’s routed to their number. It’s a small amount, but listening to an ad is such a small price to pay for free load. For a limited time only, they’re also giving away free invites to interested parties.

How successful will üMobile be in the long run is anybody’s guess, but as most telco companies have remained traditional in their marketing scheme, it’s refreshing to have a new player in town with a completely new strategy to bring to the game.