Wireless internet isn’t something new to netizens anymore. A lot of people around the world have been walking around with their laptops and using postpaid or prepaid internet services for quite some time now. In recent years, the Philippines’s local mobile service providers have jumped onto the bandwagon as well. First with Smart Bro Wireless, then there was Globe Tattoo and then there’s Sun Cellular Wireless Internet.
Recently, we got a USB wireless internet device from Globe Telecom. This is mainly for Chil’s consumption and not mine since I have DSL where I’m staying at.
After using it for the first time, she noted it disconnects sometimes or the connection can be dragging or slow.
So I did some trawling on the internet, looking up forums that have discussed these three different services.
Smart Bro Wireless
User have said that the perk for Smart Bro Wireless is the fact that Smart really has the widest coverage across the country. Even as far up in the mountains like Benguet, you can get a steady Smart signal and where there’s signal, there’s internet access for the Smart Bro Wireless service.
The main complaint appears to be its frequent disconnection which can be annoying.
Their rate is Php10 per 30 minutes.
Globe Tattoo
A newer service and more modern 3G equipment than Smart, (so they claim) Globe Tattoo provides steady internet access. Not as frequent in disconnections as its competitor.
The major downside which I think pisses a lot of people off is its sluggish connection. Smart has up to 2Mbps wireless internet while speed tests for Globe barely make it to 1Mbps and this can be very frustrating for the user.
Their rate is Php5 per 15 minutes.
Sun Cellular Wireless Internet
The newest player in the scene is Sun Cellular and so far, users who have been on the above services previously are claiming that this is the best service by far. Faster speeds, more stable connection.
Downside is that it’s exclusively in certain areas of Metro Manila. And since my house’s roof acts like some sort of radioactive bomb shelter, Sun’s signal is pretty weak inside the house. Can’t bring it outside of Metro Manila either due to lack of coverage.
What’s interesting is that Sun has been able to maintain their unlimited calls and text service for this long and survive alongside the two main service providers. So only time will tell when Sun will be able to overshadow the biggest players in wireless communications with their services.
And to Globe and Smart, Kyouka-chan has only one message:
My question to you is do you already use any of these wireless internet services? (Note: prepaid service and not postpaid, primarily) What are you using and how is their service?
Filed under: Hobby, Ramblings | Tagged: Bro Wireless, Cellular, dongle, Globe, Kyouka Midarezaki, Smart, Sun, Tattoo, USB, Wireless Internet
There are many ways that you can save with a prepaid mobile. Using Internet services over a phone is a growing area, but consumers are often plagued by huge and unclear costs
I have Sun — I notice that it’s faster in the wee hours of the day, and when it rains? I get constant disconnects (boooo)