No Such Thing As Too Much Speed (Globe vs Smart LTE)

When I got my Xperia Tablet Z, it was specifically to load it up with an LTE SIM so I wouldn't have to tether it off my phone anymore. As useful as it was, tethering is just a waste of battery life.

There are 2 major telcos in the Philippines, Smart and Globe. I've been a Globe subscriber ever since and can't switch because of archaic Philippine policies on number portability (namely there is none). But since this is a data-only need, I could easily get a second SIM for my data needs on the device I use more often.

Upgrading my Globe line for LTE was quite easy, a quick visit to a Globe center and Php20 to upgrade the physical SIM to their LTE SIM and an hour later, I was online again.

I did an initial Speedtest in Fort Bonifacio Global City just to check things out.

Not too bad. Nothing great for LTE. At 7.35Mbps DL that's about the same as 3G speeds in Singapore. I'm still satisfied. And it didn't cost me anything extra over the Php20 SIM anyway, so it is worth the upgrade.

This was just a preliminary Speedtest. And since this is cellular tech, signal quality and speed will change DRASTICALLY with position and location.

Simply moving my tablet closer to one side of the window increases speed. So YMMV.

Now, my Smart SIM took longer. They were out of stock in 3 Smart Centers that I went to. But thanks to a friend in the company, I got one a few days later. And now the test. Test was done from the same area, looking for the best LTE signal strength.

Both tests were done while connected to each provider's respective servers so they do not reflect actual usage, but rather local loop speeds only. I used my tablet for both tests.

But so far, at 2x the download speed and nearly 4x the upload speed, Smart is the clear winner hands down.

Cost? Both providers currently offer LTE at Php995/30 days, currently no data cap as an introductory offer but hopefully both will keep it this way.

Rainy Friday Traffic App... WAZE

Last time, I wrote about the MMDA's new traffic app.  Comes in quite handy for a general view of traffic in the metro.  But sometimes, green/yellow/red doesn't really give you a full picture.  How slow/fast is traffic actually moving?

For those with data connections on their Android or iPhone, we like tweeting or updating our statuses on our current traffic condition.  It somehow saves our sanity.  But what if there was an app that could that automatically... while helping contribute to the traffic data?

Enter WAZE.  A social-networking app specifically for traffic.  Sign up for a free account and get moving!

The app shows actual Waze users that are on the road, and gives their over-all traffic speed on any given road.  No road for where you are? No problem, it can record your route and now will show your new road on the map! Accident? Flood? Wanna share a traffic mishap with everyone else? It allows that too.

It needs a data connection and GPS to accurately map your location and report traffic conditions in your area, you can specify the radius around you (the smaller the radius the faster the updates) and this is done in real-time. The more people are on it, the more accurate the traffic reporting will be! Try it out!

**This post has been brought to you by Smart LTE**

**No LTE signal here in the Fort, HSPA only**

Life in the Fast (LTE) Lane! (Smart Philippines LTE Beta)

For the next two months, this blog will be powered by Smart's new LTE service!  Boasting 40++mbps speeds... let's see what this can little thing can do!!!  Stay tuned for full speed stats in and around the Metro!

Thanks to Smart for making me part of their Beta-test preview of their service!

For those looking for a speed boost NOW, Smart's Rocket Wifi at 20++mbps is available now at all Smart Centers!

This post has been brought to you by Smart LTE!

I feel like I'm in Japan again!
*just a note, this was a WIRED LAN connection*

4S: Sign-up, Siri, Speed, Santa (iPhone 4S in the Philippines)

Just in time for Christmas!  Don't you just LOVE corporate timing?  Yes, within hours of each other, both Smart and Globe have announced release dates for the iPhone 4S in the Philippines... and the magic date is...

DEC 16, 2011

Sign up now using the links above!

The Smart Netphone

I was invited to the launch of the Smart Netphone.

On a branding note, I would've simply gone with SmartPhone, but then that's me.

Smart Communications has just recently launched it's own Android-powered smartphone (See? How cool would that have been?)

It's a 3.5", 600MHz model targeted as an entry-level Android device starting at Php 9,900++ (or roughly US$230 based on today's exchange rate of 42.50)  Thankfully it runs FroYo (Android 2.2) because this adds a LOT OF SPEED and stability over Eclair (Android 2.1).  Trust me, I've lived with 2.1 for almost a year now, it's neat and all, but you really feel the sluggishness of the software.  Great decision to use 2.2 instead!

Decent specs for an entry-level model.  What I do find interesting is the unique app exclusive to the Smart Netphone.   The app is a combination of services custom built by Smart for people that are just starting mobile computing.

One of the major hindrances of 3G/4G data services in the Philippines is cost.  Without a data plan, a subscriber could easily be slapped with a Php40,000 or higher bill due to the fact that current smartphones connect to the internet for almost all their functions.  Smart solves this by having a widget data manager to control data costs.  Unlike generic data apps, this one is specific for Smart's services and prices so you only spend as much as you want to.

The other great part of the app is what they call the Social Stream.  Currently tied to Facebook and Twitter, it allows you to view your Facebook Status and Twitter streams for only Php1.00 (yes, 1 peso).  What it does is isolate Facebook and Twitter streams from the rest of the internet services.  This allows you to disable mobile data charges, but continue to Facebook and Tweet all day!

Over-all I think it's a decent entry-level Android.  Thumbs up to Smart for the cost-management app and custom social stream ticker.  Although a bit on the pricey side, Smart says they have intentions of introducing lower cost NetPhones in the future.  I think this is a great campaign because they're helping consumers try out the benefits of mobile internet without hiding costs or secretly charging customers without knowing how much they're actually spending!

Are You Turned On Yet?

So you've got the latest Android or iPhone.  Are you still fumbling around looking for an open wifi to leech from?  Are you limiting your phones potential to just stationary hotspots?  Since the introduction of the iPhone, smartphones have been gaining popularity.  Similar to the "Starbucks Effect", Apple has made mobile computing accessible to the average consumer.  Now, let's unleash the full potential of your smartphone by keeping it online!

Most people (Including myself) have had horror stories of stratospheric data charges just by leaving the mobile data feature on our phones on.  I've since then, switched to an unlimited data package which has been such a sanity saver when stuck in traffic.  But to most people, an unlimited data package isn't cost effective, or even necessary.

So where does that leave the average consumer?  Someone who just wants to check their email every now and then.  Maybe check on movie schedules once a week.  Or check the traffic situation after work?  Enter the tiered data packages.

I can't speak for the other carriers (I'm hoping some of my readers will chime in with their respective carrier's offers) except for the 2 major ones in the Philippines: Globe Telecom, and Smart Communications.

Globe has new data plans called PowerSurf and SuperSurf.  Plans are as follows:

Limited Data (per KB)

Powersurf 99

-Php 99 / 30 days / 50MB

Powersurf 299

-Php 299 / 30 days / 300MB

Powersurf 499

-Php 499 / 30 days / 1GB

Unlimited Data:

SuperSurf 50

-Php 50 / 1 day

SuperSurf 220

-Php 220 / 5 days

**Beyond this, Globe's Unlimited SuperSurf at Php999 / 30 days takes over**

Smart Bro plans are as follows:

Always On 20

- Php 20 / 1 day / 25MB

Always On 30

-Php 30 / 1 day / 50MB

Always On 200

-Php 200 / 15 days / 180MB

Always On 300

-Php 300 / 30 days / 250MB

Always On 500

-Php 500 / 30 days / 500MB

Always On 750

-Php 750 / 30 days / 1GB

Always On 995

-Php 995 / 30 days / 2GB

Smart's Unlimited Data Plans

UnliSurf 50

-Php 50 / 1 day

UnliSurf 100

-Php 100 / 2 days

UnliSurf 500

-Php 500 / 5 days

**Smart also has an unlimited plan at Php999, which makes me wonder why they have a Php995 limited plan as well.**

Even though I'm on unlimited data, I still log my data usage using Call Meter NG.  And I average about over 500MB/month on my phone.  This is inclusive of all the downloads and tethering I do.  I'm definitely one of the heavier users.  If I did not tether my laptop, and didn't upload photos and video through my phone, I would probably average about 100MB/month.

Both offer unlimited data for Php999 / 30 days

The nice thing is that now data services are more affordable.  An example of how to use these new plans are:

If you're a heavy user and tether your laptop, tablet, and other devices to your phone a lot, get the unlimited plan.

If you're a light user, and just need push email sent to your phone, but don't really download or upload email attachements, get a cheap 30-day limited data plan. Either Globe's PowerSurf99 / PowerSurf300 or Smart's Always On 300

If you're a heavy user, but only need mobile internet less than 8 days a month, get an unlimited/day use.

If you're an extremely light user, and only need to use the internet less than 3 days a month, get Smart's Php20/25MB/day