RRSS News Online Newspaper ng mga Pinoy
KiQ Mobile is the country’s first app-based mobile brand designed with Gen Z in mind, but nine months after launch, Smart Communications has said that it will put the project on hold.
According to Insider PH, the project didn’t gain traction – meaning: the number of expected subscribers to enroll in the network was low.
Moreover, in a Facebook group dedicated to KIQ Mobile users, there are qualms regarding bugs in the application and rumors about Smart no longer providing updates on the application as it did when it was initially launched.
There are, likewise, posts of successful port out to other networks or on another product of Smart.
It is worth noting that KIQ promised a personalized digital telco experience where subscribers can choose their data allocation – whether to have calls and texts, and the length of their plan validity to match with their mobile lifestyle.
Then Smart chief operating officer Anastacio “Boy” Martirez, who resigned October last year, said: “Filipino Gen Zs are redefining how they live, share and stay connected. With KiQ, we’re giving them a mobile experience that puts them in full control.”
KiQ project was launched in 2025 when Smart wireless business gained momentum with revenues climbing to P21.8-billion in the fourth quarter.
Smart has yet to issue further statement on KiQ mobile.
Meanwhile, Smart was also planning to return their Smart Money product, the original rival of mobile e-wallet app GCash of Globe Telecom; but this was also put on shelve.
GCash is now the dominant and largest financial technology platform, especially after its partnership with China’s Ant Group in 2017 and the mass adoption during the pandemic.
Smart Money’s relaunch was purportedly delayed due to regulatory issues before management decided to pause its implementation.
Smart Money and Maya, as it appears, are two different products – and seemingly not part of the revolution of the former.
Maya which is backed by PDT and parent firm First Pacific Group has made significant strides and had its first full year of profitability in 2025.
Sources: Insider PH, Walastech, Unbox, Manila Bulletin, Facebook
