I am really not in the mood to write anything lately since I’m busy with Marhgil Macuha’s mini-SEO contest hahaha. Good Thing I saw this Smartbro Ad on TV.
I am subscribed with SmarBro for five months now, and so far I had encountered just one minor problem. Well, I’ve been hearing several complaints about Smartbro’s connection and I wonder how they will react on this one 
.
Smart Broadband Inc. has come up with this gadget that said to connect people to the internet anytime and anywhere. So even you are in a vacation somewhere in a Pigeon Forge cabin rentals or some island, you don’t have to worry since there’s a way for you to be connected!
Using a device called a USB modem that can easily be plugged to a laptop or a desktop computer, users will be able to access the Internet with speeds ranging from 384 to 768 kbps. This latest offering of the wireless broadband subsidiary of leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) is initially available under Smart Bro Plan 799. The plan includes Internet usage of 60 hours per month, and P10 every 30 minutes in excess thereof.
“This takes Internet access to the next level. With the portable USB modem, areas that previously could not avail of broadband services will have instant Internet access, as long as there is Smart network coverage. Through this, we will be able to achieve our goal of connecting those in the remote provinces to the rest of the world, thus, providing true mobility,” said SBI president Rolando G. Peña.
Unlike the original Smartbro service application, wherein you only need to apply online and pay for the initial fee, those who wish to avail of the Smartbro’s wireless portable connection need a montly salary of at least P12,000 and need to submit some financial documents (I wonder why hehe).
This is another connection option for us and it looks really convenient considering the ‘portability’ thing, but I think it would be better if they offer it with unlimited hours of usage .
The kit comes with a data modem, PC software and a user guide in a DVD casing and a cool denim sock for storing the modem. The modem will work in Windows 2000 and XP. Before the end of the year, the modem will be compatible with other operating systems.
Features:
• Initial Payment – P1,999 (upon subscription)
• Monthly Fee – P799 only + P10 per block of 30 minutes in excess of free alloted hours
• Nationwidest coverage
• Absolutely no need for a phone line
• Anytime, always on, unlimited broadband access
• No need to dial up to an ISP
• No need to log in
I can say that Smartbro’s Plug it anywhere internet is really not for me, since I spent at least 6 hrs online everyday (personal usage) and as much as I want its portability features, for me the cost does not compensate the added convenience it offers. This is advisable for people who are ALWAYS on the go, and did I say always?
Update: based on the TV ad and Smartbro’s website, free usage per month is 40hrs.
Source(s): Smart’s NewsRoom
lol.
thanks for the info
i’m with globe for almost 4 years now. i started with voice and data bundle paying 2,600 to 2,800 per month (depending on FCA) and then when they offered data connection package only for 1000/month i immediately changed my subscription. i have no problem with their internet service except for their support. im a happy camper i should say. i get as high as 600 kbps sometimes.. and 300-400 kbps during daytime. i can watch movies/ tv shows thru TVU with a very rare interruption due low BW. just sharing.
so good luck to marhgil contest…ok sana yan dito sa saudi ang equipment cost ay aabot ng 15000 pesos pwera monthly load
@bratifly – wow that
Well actually, it’s a 60 hour package. If you exceed that its, P10/30 minutes. I would recommend this more for mobile people who log in via laptops. It’s a helluva lot cheaper than Globe visibility. Tried it, and speeds match or even exceed the original Smart Bro.
what’s with the credit investigation?
ok na sana but i wish they’d have an unlimited version.
i’m on smart bro since february this year and so far, speeds are ok. true about globe having really bad after-sales support. between the two, i’ll stick it out with smart products, whether its the cellphone or the broadband service. their after-sales is sooo much better than globe. globe sucks, BIGTIME!
@jimbo – thanks for the info.. I agree.. at this price.. i’d rather stay with the wireless ‘wired’ service lol
@cyberpunk – yeah it would definitely be better if they offer an unlimited service..pwede ko na dalhin sana laptop ko anywhere inside the house hehe unlike now na nasa isang pwesto lang.
@arpeelarazo – im with smartbro too and so far ok naman service nila and i still dont have plans to switch provider..im happy with the service.
60 hours? That’s too low. I think they have another option to make that unlimited hours per month. But of course the price is higher too.
Anyway, these wireless internet connections are great nowadays. I’m really looking into getting one myself. Thanks for sharing this Amy.
I have experienced with wireless roaming broadband like smartbro in africa, they are both using navini technologies gear. If your used to wired dsl broadband, you will be a little disappointed with the wireless portable, with the actual connection speed plus its not unlimited use of bandwidth. If your on always on the go and you need the internet, its all good!
@ayub – I agree.. I just wonder if this one would succeed here as much as the wired broadband version does (minus the negative connection feedback)..