Globe Visibility vs. Smart Bro Prepaid vs. Sun Cellular Prepaid

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I’ve been suffering from no-internet-connection-at-home dilemma ever since I moved to Manila for my internship. I bade “goodbye” to my not-so-fast-but-better-than-others PLDT MyDSL connection and said “hello” to the noisy internet cafe. I could always use some free Wi-Fi hotspots around the metro, however, this way can be inconvenient at times. I couldn’t apply for a postpaid plan because of the lock-in periods and the proof of billing they require. So my most probable choice to get my own internet connection is to avail to any prepaid service.

I went to Smart Wireless first and the agent said that the kit was out of stock. I’ve tried it at SM San Lazaro, too, however it was also out of stock due to the higher demand. Then I went on to Globe Business Center, to try if they also have a prepaid internet plan. I didn’t know that they have Globe Visibility plans which also works like Smart Bro Prepaid. Then the last stop was at SUN Cellular Center. I checked on if they also offer prepaid internet. Interestingly, they also offer a similar service.

Why should you choose a prepaid internet plan?

First, it’s convenient and you can load up in thousands of load outlets nationwide. Second, you can use it anywhere there is PC/laptop and a signal. Third, you only pay for what you have used. Prepaid plans are perfect for regular use like browsing and chatting. Fourth, you don’t need to provide any proof of billing and lock-in periods (except for SUN cellular’s prepaid plan). Fifth, you only need a plug and play USB modem to connect to the internet. No phone lines needed.

Here is the comparison of the Prepaid Internet Plans available in the Philippines:

1. Smart Bro Prepaid Kit – It was my first choice because, firstly, I am a Smart subscriber and secondly, I’ve tried the Smart Broadband Plan 999 for 1 year which was not a bad choice (although at times, the connection sucks).

The Smart Bro Prepaid Kit plug and play USB modem costs P3,800 (from its original price of P4,500) with 5 hours free internet hours. The maximum speed is 384kbps. Broadband Internet use is P10 for every 30 minutes. The nationwidest coverage of Smart and the convenience of loading it to thousands of load outlet nationwide.

2. Globe Visibility – It costs P4,500 (increased from its original price of P3,500) with free P30 load good for 6 internet sessions (1 session = 15 minutes) equivalent to 1.5 hours of continuous internet time. Mobile internet access connections available include GPRS, EDGE, 3G, and HSDPA. All of Globe’s 3G sites are HSDPA-ready. In the event of structural or hardware limitations, other connections such as EDGE, GPRS or Wi-Fi may be chosen.

Free hours are applicable to browsing within the Philippines only. Mobile Internet rate in excess of the free hours is charged at P5 for 15 minutes. Similar with Smart Bro Prepaid Kit, which can be loaded at thousands of e-loading stations, it can be reloaded at all Globe Business Centers and Autoload Max Retailers or using Share-A-Load or GCash.

Below are the different Globe Mobile Internet Connection you could use, their corresponding average and maximum speed.

HSPDA – Ave. speed of 400-700 Kbps – Max speed of 1.8 Mbps
3G – Ave speed of 150-250 Kbps – Max speed of 384 Kbps
EDGE – Ave speed of 80-120 Kbps – Max speed of 156 Kbps
GPRS – Ave speed of 30-40 Kbps – Max speed of 56 Kbps
WIZ Wi-Fi – Ave speed is dependent on HotSpot – Max speed is 512 + Kbps

Globe visibility is also available in postpaid plans. For available postpaid plans, please refer to the Globe website.

3. SUN Cellular Broadband. This service was just recently launched by SUN Cellular for Metro Manila users only. It also uses GPRS/EDGE/3G/HSPDA technology. It is said to have the lowest wireless broadband plan, with lowest per minute rate.

Affordable SUN Cellular Broadband plans:

- Plan 799

Monthly Service Fee (MSF): P799
One-time Charge: Waived
Maximum Speed: 400 Kbps
Monthly Usage Allowance: 60 hours
Rate in Excess of Usage Hours: P0.30/min

-Plan 999

Monthly Service Fee (MSF): P999
One-time Charge: Waived
Maximum Speed: 400 Kbps
Monthly Usage Allowance: Flat Rate
Rate in Excess of Usage Hours: N/A (Unlimited internet hours)

-Plan 1999

Monthly Service Fee (MSF): P1,999
One-time Charge: Waived
Maximum Speed: 1.4 Mbps
Monthly Usage Allowance: Flat Rate
Rate in Excess of Usage Hours: Unlimited

Their plans are seem to be worth-grabbing however, they would require the applicant to submit a proof of billing/proof of income, to sign a lock-in period of 2 years, and that s/he should have at least P20,000 monthly salary! Okay, they may have made it intended only for corporate people, I presumed. They should have made it more student-friendly because as I have observed more students are using the internet and owning a laptop.

So my final choice would be Globe Visibility. It has the most adorable features I must say.  I was excited to buy a while ago but it was out-of-stock.  I’ll try it if it’s already available next week or I may contact the Globe hotline to inquire about it.

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