Globe denies pulling Tonino Lamborghini 4G sticks off the market

Globe Telecom Inc. denied pulling out its Tattoo Tonino Lamborghini mobile broadband dongles from the market following licensing issues with the Italian brand. In a statement Monday, the company said the 4G sticks in question are still available in selected Globe stores in Metro Manila, whose locations are covered by the company's 4G service. "Customers who wish to purchase the Tattoo Tonino Lamborghini sticks may visit www.tattoo.globe.com.ph to know the Globe store nearest them," it added. Over the weekend, reports have it that Globe ceased selling the broadband dongles while fixing legal matters with the Tonino Lamborghini. However, technology blogger and GMA News Online contributor Abe Olandres, noted that despite the reports, the Tonino Lamborghini 4G sticks continue to be sold in Globe stores on Sunday. "I had to double-check [the reports] so I visited their website and applied for the Plan 2199 and it was processed. The Plan 2199 and Tonino Lamborghini product page are still up and accepts applications," Olandres said in a blog. Last month, Globe was caught off guard after Tonino Lamborghini issued a statement on its Facebook account claiming that the 4G dongles Globe was selling under the Italian company's brand name were fake. Globe, however, clarified that it obtained the authority to use the brand name from Primo Mobile, a Singapore-based company which holds a master license agreement with the Italian company. Tonino Lamborghini shot this down, saying the limited licensing agreement with Primo Mobile has expired since a few months back. Globe and Primo Mobile refused to comment further on the issue. Globe said the matter is being ironed out with Tonino Lamborghini. Tonino Lamborghini is a luxury merchandise brand which sells non-automotive goods. It was founded by the son of Ferrucio Lamborghini, the founder of world-renowned luxury car company Automobili Lamborghini. Globe launched its Tonino Lamborghini 4G broadband stick in June and touted it as the fastest wireless broadband solution in the country, reportedly capable of running download speeds of up to 10Mbps. — JM Tuazon/VS, GMA News