Smart Telecom mobile internet coverage in Rockwell Powerplant Mall

A little update on the Smart mobile internet coverage in Metro Manila.  Currently, after multiple visits to the Rockwell Powerplant Mall, I noticed that the mobile internet speed of Smart Communications has improved.

My device has reached true HSPDA speed, youtube downloads was fast.  I guess, their infrastructure upgrade was already complete.  I just wish when they do the upgrades they don't charge their customers full price, when at that time slow to no mobile internet was available on certain areas.

Now, if only it is the same speed in the Araneta Center, where they have their name on the Smart Araneta Coliseum.  Speed in surrounding areas should be fast as well, since it is a public place.  Also, there is even less tall buildings in the area, which should not affect the mobile internet connection.

Mobile internet speed on the following area is also good, but slow:
UP campus - Bahay ng Alumni (Sun cellular has no mobile internet coverage there)
Riverfront - Caniogan Pasig

Brgy. San Miguel in Pasig near the Petron Station and Wellcome Supermarket has a good connection speed, but not as good in Rockwell Powerplant Mall speed.

Don't ask about Megamall coverage, since there is no mobile signal in certain areas there, so when there is no bars on the phone, chances are there is no mobile internet available in that area.

Update:
There are some places in Rockwell Powerplant mall, which have slow and unreliable internet connection.  So, don't expect to reach 300kbps on that tablet or phone of yours in all areas.

Determine Philippine Mobile Cellphone Carrier Provider

I got this from another website, which I forgot to copy the link.  And added some numbers that I came across with that I know is from this certain cell provider.

• Extelcom: 973, 974
• Globe Telecom: 905, 906, 915, 916, 917, 926, 927, 935, 936, 937, 996, 997
• Next Mobile (Nextel): 979
• Smart Communications: 910, 912, 918, 919, 920, 921, 928, 929
• Sun Cellular: 922, 923, 932, 933, 942, 943, 925

Why this list?

Most people in the Philippines avail of unli call or text promo, that is limited to 3 networks or just a single cellphone network provider.  That is why we often find ourselves in a predicament, on whether to call or text a person, that we are unsure on whether we will be charged or have our prepaid load deducted. 

Hope this list will help.  Leave a comment, on errors and additions.   Please share the first 3 digits of the Cellphone provider in the Philippines that isn't on this list, that you came accross.

Disclaimer

I'm not liable, if you used the number without testing first if the call or text was charged or deducted.  Use with caution and double check first.

Samsung Galaxy S Duos First Look and Review

The new released Samsung Galaxy S Duos is one among other new affordable phones released by Samsung in the Philippines.  New in the sense, that there isn't much screen protector and casings available for this particular model.

Together with Galaxy S Duos are the following in the same line of android phones:

• Galaxy Win
• Galaxy Core
• Galaxy Fame
• Galaxy Star
• Galaxy Pocket Neo
• Galaxy Young

I know other models are already old, wish Samsung named them different for their new releases.  The Galaxy Young will have people confuse refering to the old with the last release.

micro SD slot accessible on the right with power button on top

After using the Galaxy S Duos for a couple of weeks, I have to say, it's a very good smart phone.  The Galaxy S model name will not be tarnished by this particular model.  The reasons why are as follows:

1. Long battery life. (Compared to the S3 with same always on 3G internet.  S Duos last longer.)
2. All the android features of a high end Galaxy S (Software App wise) is available.
3. Screen size is good.
4. Build is good, especially the feel of the plastic on the back, it feels solid.
5. Fast charge, compared to my galaxy S3. (You know what, I think S3 was over hyped)
6. Does not heat up at the back when I browse the internet and use 3G (Mobile Internet). Unlike S3, which heats up after a few minutes of web browsing or heavy gameplay.

volume rocker on the left side

What is the specs for this Smart Phone?

• HSDPA 7.2 (900/2100MHz)
• Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900MHz)
• 1GHz CPU
• 4 inches WVGA TFT LCD
• TouchWiz (Interface of Android)
• Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
• GPS/Geo-tagging
• 5MegaPixels on the back with flash and VGA on the front.
• micro SD expandable the slot is accessible on the right side (No need to remove battery to access it)
• Power button on the upper right and volume rocker on the left

What is the weight and feel of the phone?

This smart phone is light-weight and solid built.  You can feel it once you lift it.  iPhone users will feel it's plastic built.  But it's a good phone as far as I can tell using it for couple of weeks.

earphone jack (Stereo)

Sound

Sound is the same as most phone, there isn't much to talk about, it's the same as the rest of the phones.  My only complaint is the Samsung Phones have their speakers at the back, which muffles the sound when you place it on a desk or on a seat.

It comes with an earphone jack, and an ear buds with microphone.

Camera

Camera is the same as the rest.  Standard quality. Nothing to get wow about.  It's an affordable phone, so the quality is a bit better than the lower ends.

Overall

The phone won't disappoint you much.  If you only need to browse the internet, tethering the internet to a tablet, use as a spare phone.  Then this is the phone for you if you have the budget.  Price of the Phone is around Php8,000+.

Galaxy Y besides Galaxy S Duos

Sun Cellular Better coverage in Metro Manila

I noticed, that the coverage area of Sun Cellular is much better than Smart and Globe.  At least in Caniogan & Brgy. San Miguel in Pasig, Rockwell Center, and Araneta Center.

Also, the data speed of Sun Cellular is faster and stronger than Smart.  I certainly regret getting a data plan from Smart now.  Sun Cellular must have used their money from Smart (Smart bought Sun Cellular) and improved their infrastructure and coverage.

The only problem I have with Sun Cellular is their customer service, that is where they failed.  You call their customer service, good luck getting thru.  You will be on hold for more than 5 minutes and in fact, I have not talked to any service representative since availing of their service.

Another problem with Sun Cellular is their stores, there are few agents and the line to the cashier is so long, that you better have that bill auto debited to your credit card to avoid this inconvenience.

This is just my personal opinion.  And I am planning to change my data provider from Smart to Sun Cellular, once my lock-in period expires.  I'm currently paying for a data plan that I am not happy with, there are many instances there is no mobile data connection from Smart, but the Sun Cellular data is flowing in lightning speed.  So I don't believe in Smart saying they offer LTE, when 4G coverage is none existent in areas that they should have, like the malls and public spaces.

Globe has the worst coverage of the 3 top brands.  Globe was the first in the Philippines, but their infrastructure is now the worst.  In fact my first mobile service provider was Globe, since most people use Globe at that time, then I switched to Smart.  Smart coverage is said to be good, but mobile data is bad.  Hope their data improves before my lock-in period expires, so I may consider staying with them.

Smart offers iPad mini and iPad with retina display affordable plans

Latest news I found is that Smart Telecom in the Philippines is now offering an affordable plan for iPad mini and iPad with retina display.

There are different monthly options, the iPad offer is a wi-fi with cellular model.  Meaning you need to avail a 24 month lock-in period with their plan.  Smart is offering iPad plan 499, with 65minute internet per month, excess will be charge  P10/30mins in excess.  So you will probably be turning your mobile internet on and off and probably be using the iPad mostly in wifi at home.

Good news for some who don't have a credit card, but want to avail of the iPads thru monthly installments of 24 months.  There is no cash-out required.

Visit the smart website for more details: http://www1.smart.com.ph/Pages/ipadmini/miniplans

Read my review and recommendation on the iPad mini: http://philgadgames.blogspot.com/2013/05/ipad-mini-wifi-version-review-and.html

Smart Communications Philippines have a new promo for Prepaid users

This is a bit off the Gadget criteria, but is needed if you have a cellphone gadget.

Good news, for those who text a lot in the Philippines.  Especially if you are already have a smart buddy sim card.  All you have to do is text MEGA250 to the number 2477.  This promo will give you the following:

• Unlimited SMS to all networks
• 3 hours tri-net calls (using the *2477 + 11-digit Smart/TNT/Sun number)
• 100MB free mobile surfing 

All this is valid for 30 days. Cheaper than the TRINET100 promo, if you are after just texting to all network.

This news was read from their FB fan page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/SmartCommunications

I have to admit, they could have been fixing their back-end a couple of days ago, that my previous TRINET100 promo subscription was ruined, they ate up my original free 300+ txt, remaining 600+ promo text and my remaining 60 minute call was forfeited.

What's worst is when I called to have it fixed, the Customer Service Representative (CSR) keep insisting I already used up all my free calls & SMS.  She wasn't able to help me at all.  She just does not care, she keeps saying according to our records, you have used it all.  We ended the conversation, with me unsatisfied with the result.  When they texted me the next day on a survey if I was satisfied with their service, I replied "No".

But lately, after checking my load, I saw my free text back and the TRINET promo was given back.  I hope they don't screw me again, since I have been a loyal Smart subscriber.