Middlebury, Conn.-based iSend, a global electronic payment service for people who support family members in other countries, has entered into a direct agreement to provide mobile top-ups to the networks of Smart Communications Inc. and Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. through its mobile brand Sun Cellular.

Smart and Digitel are part of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, the largest telecommunications company in the Philippines. The arrangement enables iSend customers worldwide to provide mobile top-ups to Smart and Sun subscribers, which combined total more than 73 million, iSend said in the announcement.

"This relationship with PLDT mobile network operators through the efforts of its PLDT Global Singapore office solidifies our service throughout this important region," Steve LaBella, iSend president and CEO, said in the announcement. "Consumers who purchase recharges for prepaid mobile subscribers of Smart and Sun service will know those recharges will be delivered with exceptional reliability, backed by closely coordinated service."

The iSend mobile top-ups are currently available for purchase at more than 150,000 retail locations in the Western Hemisphere and online at www.aryty.com. Top-ups transfer immediately to recipients' prepaid phones at no charge above the normal price of airtime. The service has become a highly popular means of keeping families and friends in touch across borders, iSend said.