Mobile services provider Smart Communications is helping students deal with the challenges of distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic as it rolls out its Student Circle Program.
Through this program, Smart teams up with select schools across the country to select deserving students who may benefit from data subsidy so they may go online and participate in their virtual classes.
Select students receive data subsidy in the form of GIGA Study 399 per month for three consecutive months. GIGA Study 399 offers 6 GB to access vital study apps, such as the G Suite for Education, Microsoft 365, and Canvas for 30 days.
The subsidy has helped many students push through with their studies amid the quarantine.
“I had to set aside some budget to buy load for my online class, and those were the times that were difficult. I came to the point where I wanted to give up studying, but I realized I was so close to my dreams,” said Saramie Ortiz Flores, a BS Business Administration Student from the City of Malabon University.
“When I learned that I would be one of those students to be given a load subsidy [via the Smart Student Circle Program], I was happy because my problems would be lessened. It’s a huge help because we will have more budget for more important things,” she added.
“[The assistance from the Smart Student Circle Program] is surely a great help to students like me who have financial problems, but are eager to learn and finish their studies,” said Marie Rose Barte, a BS Education Social Studies major from Biliran Province State University.
“We at Smart recognize the value of pursuing education amid our challenging times. We are glad to be able to partner with schools across the country to assist students in their distance learning needs. We look forward to reach and help even more students so that no one gets left behind,” said Melvin Nubla, VP, Head – Go-to-market and Subs Management.
Introduced last August, GIGA Study makes it simpler and easier for students to access a selection of learning apps and productivity tools especially at a time when schools have resorted to online classes. Smart subscribers may register to GIGA Study via the GigaLife App or by dialing *123#.
Giga Study is powered by Smart LTE, the country’s fastest mobile network, as certified by third-party mobile analytics firms such as Ookla and Opensignal.