Prepaid 3G internet access available?

[nomad4ever]

Hi there, I wanted to inquire, if 3G internet access is available in Dumaguete. I heard that both Globe and Smart offer a flat rate per month with decent speeds.

Does anyone uses 3G in Dumaguete?

Thanks,

Chris

[davfitz]

I'm not certain as to how truly "3G" the service is but both Globe and Smart offer a prepaid service which uses a modem to download a signal. I use Smartbro. Here's the link:

Home - Smart Bro

The quality of this cellular service varies from place to place. Smart's claims to speed are tempered by the following realities:

from almost zilch in Bayawan; to

approximately a true 300K here in Dumaguete.

The initial cost is 2500 pesos for the modem. Prepaid cards are available and the usage cost is 10 pesos per 30 minute units or fragments thereof. My much smarter than I wife sends me load, 10 pesos at a time from her cell phone. Naturally I buy her the cards for that in the first place. A symbiotic cellular relationship!

I find it a mixed blessing and use it as a bridge service. It is available anywhere you can get a cell phone signal. Thus I could check my E-Mail on my laptop under my mother-in-law's "tambis" tree in Bayawan. Here in Dumaguete, it is a truly mobile service, although inferior to my broadband at home or ubiquitous WI-FI signals elsewhere.

It's not everything to everyone - but it exists. I hope that helps.

[nomad4ever]

That sounds very promising! I have the 3G modem already, so I just have to buy a prepaid SIM and I'm ready to go?

What are the best areas in Dumaguete to get other internet options, like ADSL or landlines or Wimax based services?

Thanks a million!

[davfitz]

Probably not. Philippines based telecoms, like those elsewhere, run a closed shop. I'd counting on paying the whole shot. See the URL cited for details. Googling Globe will bring theirs up as well.

I'll let someone more knowledgeable than I (and that's just about anyone) answer your remaining questions.

[nomad4ever]

Ok, thanks for now!

[Survivor Adik]

I got speeds of 1.7-1.8Mb using my Globe Visibility in the Taclobo area just pass Foundation University. Whole day connectivity. For wireless connectivity, this is really superb...might be coz of the proximity of the Globe cell site in the area...heheh

[nomad4ever]

Is that a volume- or time-based tariff?

[Rhoody]

you have different options, the 1500 peso package is unlimited. google for globe philippines visibility

[Survivor Adik]

I got the plan they which is unlimited, thats why I can afford to stay online for the whole day...

Now they have prepaid, which can either be per Kb charging or time charging which is Php 5.00 per 15 mins of usage...

[nomad4ever]

Okay, thanks for the info! Will check it out.