Tag: Telecom

Smart’s regular internet, is it P10 per 15 minutes now?

I have a Smart (Freedom) postpaid plan. I used it merely for internet via a pocket wifi. Since Unlisurf is now gone (the plan is not eligible for SurfMax), I opted for the regular P5 per block of 15 minutes data instead.

Last week, I used it for less than 45 minutes. Going with Smart’s current rate, my unbilled usage should have only been P13.39 (net of VAT), but instead what reflected in My Smart Dashboard was P22.32 (net of VAT).

Last Monday, I used it for another 26 minutes (less than 30 minutes). My total unbilled usage for 75 minutes should have been P22.32 (net of VAT), and yet lo and behold, My Smart Dashboard indicate I have unbilled usage of P44.60 (net of VAT). Continue reading

Why the Need for a “Fair Use Policy?”

I don’t understand the need for a “Fair Use Policy” (FUP). No, I’m not even referring to Smart and Globe’s “unlimited” internet misrepresentation.

According to Globe’s website:

This policy allows us to maintain the quality of our mobile internet service and give all Globe customers a fair opportunity to enjoy our network.

Mobile surfing offers from Globe are generally meant for emailing, browsing and search activities. Customers who frequently use file-sharing software or download large files are usually the ones affected by our policy. Media streaming and downloading of torrents also contribute to the excessive use of bandwidth capacity.

If that truly is their intention, why not make users pay for what they actually use, instead of offering “unlimited” and capping them just the same.

Continue reading

The Truth About Smart’s Freedom Plan

Smart Communications’ Freedom Plan is a postpaid plan but without the minimum monthly service fee (MSF). In other words, you only pay for what you actually used. For me, this is like a prepaid sim without load expiration, but without the worry of where to reload. This is perfect for my iPad (Wifi + 3G), especially that I have wifi both at home and in the office, and I only need to use 3G connectivity when I’m out.

Applying for the plan, according to the official webpage, is as easy as showing your face at any Smart Wireless Center and present a valid ID. But talk about false advertising. Here are additional important details you need to know that are absent from their website and/or ads: Continue reading