Data charges on a unlimited plan. My experience with Smart Communications Data Plan (MENSA Plan 2000) started as a really frustrating experience. Despite being on a unlimited data plan I incurred over Php1,100 in data charges in my first two weeks of use. But with the help of Smart technical support, I was able to isolate two apps which seemed to be causing the data charges: the Opera Mini Browser and Microsoft Exchange Server based email app. Smart seems to interpret the use of these apps as availing of "Value Added Services." The data charges were reversed.
In the past three months I have still incurred data charges, between Php20 to Php50 per month. It would be nice to know why I am incurring these charges, but the amounts are small enough that I am willing to live with it. By the way, these are on an Android phone. Other operating systems may have different issues.
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| Yes, Smart has 3G here |
Speed. In the usual area were I roam around, the souther part of Mega Manila Cavite-Las Pinas-Laguna-Muntinlupa-Paranaque the speeds are adequate. In some area of Makati and Taguig, they can get so fast, that they are faster than the local WiFi hotspots. Basically, your mileage will vary. Great for apps pretty much everywhere. Web browsing on the browser is a bit sluggish (and there is where the Opera Mini Browser and its data compression could help a lot). Speed is not not currently a forte of Smart 3G.
But speed is not everything. As far as the base of Mount Halcon in Oreintal Mindoro, I get a data signal and speeds fast enough for my apps to send and receive email, keep me connected to Twitter and Facebook, and get my news from GMA News. In the end, reliability counts more.
If you have an Android, iPhone or Windows Phone 7 device, you should really consider getting a data plan. A smartphone isn't very smart, without one.
I have an iPhone which I got from when I was still based in Singapore. It is unlocked so I can use it with my Smart postpaid number here. Now, Smart recently gave me a BB Curve 9300. I am on consumable plan 2500 but find it frustrating that I have to pay an additional P1,200/month for unlimited data.
ReplyDeleteDo I use the BB and just pay an additional P299/month for social use? Or do I use my (beloved) iPhone and switch to unlimited data plan?
Hi, i recently got a unli data plan 2,000. I have no complaints about reliability, because almost everywhere i go i get 3G signal. But my number 1 complaint is i get VERY horrible speeds, to the point that my Facebook app won't load anything at all, the app will just display "no internet connection, try again later". It's so weird because my first week was amazing i was getting 800kbps~4.3mbps! What's worst is my friend with a galaxy tab is using a smart bro sim is getting amazing speeds while I was getting 80kbps, we were both on the same room! Both set to CDMA mode only. Btw i'm using a Samsung Galaxy Note. Any advice on my situation?
ReplyDeleteThanks bro!
Im a Galaxy note user also.. I feel your pain man. I only get .20Mbits download speed for a 4G phone? are you kidding me?!
ReplyDeleteI am happy to report my speeds are back to normal. I get 400kbps~4mbps, i don't know what happened, it just suddenly went back to normal 2days ago. Btw are you on Smart too? My version of the Galaxy Note is only 3G. I got it from Smart.
DeleteDo android apps for twitter, facebook, or foursquare add to your monthly data plan. I just got my Galaxy Note (Unli Data Plan 2000) yesterday and signed up for online billing. I already have around 30pesos on top of my bill, and I never even did any Push Mail or anything! I'm assuming this is a misinterpretation of "Push" Notices on the phone, like when someone comments on FB, I get a push notification on my phone. Any inputs?
ReplyDeleteI'm just worried for getting billed for things that should really be free under the plan. What's the point of calling it unlimited data if I have to pay extra for using android apps?
I also have the same issue.incurring adtl charges on top of unli data 2000 for the note.right now i have 700 overage and for sure that is again for the data.its really frustrating cause with monthly overage it even pushes me to the point of not using data anymore (most of the time i just connect through wifi)but doing that wouldnt make sense since the is the reason i signed up with unlidata.i only use fb and few online games.whats harder is smart cust care cant even advise me of what i should avoid and what i should just use.
ReplyDeletehi, i also had this unli data 2k per month and my additional charges is almost 1k per month for my push emails. i thought email is data so why do they charge. question is, what did you do to reverse the charges, mine came to almost 4k now. i'm so upset i'm not using my phone anymore for data. i don't want to pay these extra charges.
ReplyDeleteTo Sir Lim,
ReplyDeleteI am having the same issue you had ( But with the help of Smart technical support, I was able to isolate two apps which seemed to be causing the data charges: the Opera Mini Browser and Microsoft Exchange Server based email app. Smart seems to interpret the use of these apps as availing of "Value Added Services." The data charges were reversed. ) and I have few questions for you.
1. How can I use Microsoft Exchange Server without getting charge for it?
2. What should I tell SMART to reverse the charges for this? ( got P1800.00 extra charge on top of the P2000.00 unli data plan)
I also have data charges on top of my unli data plan & currently no smart technician gave me a call or them reversing my charges.. this is frustrsting indeed.. whats d point if they dont reverse it? They don't have eyes? Its obvious i shouldn't get charges.
ReplyDeletei just came from Indonesia. 1 GB= 35 PHP! Its fast! We were far from the Capital, in Central Java, and even in remote areas we had faster data that anywhere in Metro Manila, not to mention Cebu, where I live. The Philippines has 2 providers, its a MONOPOLY. In Indonesia there are at least 5 companies, and the coverage is everywhere and it works. Before Indonesia had a MONOPOLY; and it was slow and the Philippines was fast.
ReplyDelete