Smart reportedly pauses Smart Money revival, reviews KiQ mobile brand

Smart Communications is reportedly putting two initiatives on hold as it reassesses its priorities, according to a report by InsiderPH.

Why it Matters: If the report is accurate, the move could signal a sharper focus on Smart’s core telecom business at a time when competition in both mobile services and digital finance remains tight. A Smart Money comeback would also place it in a crowded payments space that already includes Maya within the broader PLDT group.

According to the report, the Smart Money revival had progressed to internal testing before being delayed over reported regulatory concerns and later paused for reevaluation.

The same report said KiQ, which launched in 2025 as a Gen Z-focused mobile service, is also under review after reportedly failing to gain enough traction in the market.

KiQ was designed as an app-based service that let users manage subscriptions digitally, customize plans, and even choose their own mobile numbers as Smart explored new ways to attract younger customers.The report also noted that Smart’s wireless business showed signs of recovery in late 2025, which may explain the company’s reported shift toward strengthening its main operations instead of expanding newer ventures.

Smart has yet to publicly comment in detail on the reported pause and review. Could this be the start of a wider strategic reset for the telco?