MANILA, Philippines, March 30, 2016 – Leading telecoms firm PLDT (PSE: TEL, NYSE: PHI) through its investment arm, PLDT Capital, has invested US$5 million in California-based MATRIXX Software, provider of real-time, integrated infrastructure for the business of digital service providers.

PLDT mobile subsidiary SMART Communications is also deploying MATRIXX Software’s real-time Digital Commerce platform for its mobile business.

MATRIXX will enable SMART, the country’s largest mobile network, to deliver an array of lifestyle services and content that can be individually purchased and customized. SMART’s customers will have the freedom to manage their mobile account usage and spend, tailor services and choose ‘sachet-size’ packages based on their preferences and budgets.

MATRIXX provides a real-time Digital Commerce platform for creating and monetizing content and services. SMART chose MATRIXX because they needed a real-time, customer-centric platform that could jump-start entry into the digital market without a lengthy IT project. MATRIXX installed and integrated the solution within weeks, allowing rapid time-to-market for future service propositions that will capture wallet-share and customer loyalty in a dynamic, fast-paced market.

Winston Damarillo, PLDT Chief Strategy Advisor and PLDT Capital Co-Managing Director said, “Evolution of the telco into a Digital Service Provider requires viewing the customer through a different lens, in order to identify new ways of serving them. We’re transforming the customer experience, and we chose MATRIXX Software because its technology and performance is unmatched, and they are able to help drive the PLDT Group’s digital vision more rapidly than anyone else.”

Dave Labuda, Founder, CEO and CTO, MATRIXX Software, said, “The PLDT Group continues our model of prestigious companies that are investors as well as customers,” he said. “It is genuinely changing the game in Asia when it comes to digital service innovation, and we’re excited to help deliver outstanding experiences to customers of its wireless service provider, SMART Communications.”

The PLDT group has nearly 70 million wireless subscribers and SMART recently won Best Mobile Operator of the year at the World Communications Awards for the second year running.