Well, I was just about to write about this: about how Android keeps accessing data even though Mobile Data is off in the settings. I mean, off means “off”, right? Apparently, that’s not the case for Android. For Android systems, OFF means OS Services will still use data and access the internet — charged to your account, unless you go the Airplane mode.

Anyway, just today, I received an SMS from Smart saying that the Load Protect feature of Smart Bro is now permanently turned ON. Furthermore, to surf your favorite apps/sites, you are now required to subscribe to a data package. Thus, this means that the automatic default rate of P5/15mins.of internet has been removed to avoid any unwanted charges.

There are good points and bad points about this new development in Smart services. The good: at least I don’t have to worry about my diminishing load credits because when I’m not subscribed to a data package, my data will be completely off. The bad: well, what about if I want to continue surfing using P5/15mins. of internet, is there a way to turn this Load Protect feature off?

Then, the question that badly needs answering: what about the regular call and text sims of Smart (postpaid and prepaid), will there also be a Load Protect feature?

Let me reiterate my stance about the telco’s way of charging for internet use. What I think the best way to charge the consumers for mobile internet is by volume instead of time, and start at a cheap price, say P10 for every 50MB. No need for data packages. That way, no one will be charged exorbitant fees for inadvertent access of mobile data from smartphones.