Smart, TNT, Sun to offer free mobile internet

Lazada Philippines

Breaking news: Conglomerate Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan announced free mobile data for all prepaid subscribers of Smart, Sun Cellular, and Talk ‘N Text.

Smart-promo

In an unprecedented move and a cliffhanger tweet MVP made days before this announcement which made the whole tech industry speculating, 66 million prepaid users of the three networks can now enjoy 30MB of mobile internet package everyday. Consumers can use their mobile Internet to browse Facebook or tweet, surf websites like Wikipedia, or navigate with apps like Waze, among others.

In the currently ongoing Press Conference held this morning at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel, PLDT and Smart Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan aims this move to democratize the internet service in the country.

In a press release by Smart Communications, Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando B. Vea states that this special offer is in line with our advocacy of ‘Internet for All’. “It complements the affordable mobile Internet packages that Smart has been introducing over the past year. Among the latest of such innovations are PowerApp and the PisoNet service which provide 10 minutes of mobile Internet access for one peso,” he said.

To avail of the free Internet service, one must send “FREE” to 9999 for free. The said free mobile internet service will last for two months until November 30. Users must maintain an airtime balance of Php1, or must be subscribed to any promo. The free Internet service will not be inclusive of peer to peer uploads and downloads, videos, and VOIP.

[Source: Smart Website]

 

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How to use GCash to send load to other networks via text

Using Globe‘s GCash wallet to send load to other networks like Smart, Talk ‘N Text, and Sun is now possible by texting! Simply follow the steps below to share load to your friends and family.

gcash-smart

Sending load by keying in *143#

To send Php15 load via text, just type in TRANSFER(space)recipient’s 11-digit mobile number(space)your 4-digit GCash PIN then send to 2882. Here’s an example of how your message should look like:

TRANSFER 09XXXXXXXXX 1234

You’ll be getting a confirmation message once the transaction is completed. If you don’t reply, no amount will be deducted from your GCash account. As of now only Php15 is allowed to be sent thru text which is useful for emergency purposes. Otherwise, you can still choose to buy prepaid load for Smart and Sun using *143#.

{via Globe Advisory}

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SMS should be at Php 0.80 only – NTC

Rejoice! Well at least it is now finally clear, Short Messaging Service (SMS) rates should be at Php 0.80 only since December 2011. How many regular SMS did you send since then?

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) denied the motions for reconsideration filed last December 2012 by Smart Communications Inc., Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc., and Globe Telecom Inc. that seek to reverse NTC’s order on the rollback of short messaging service (SMS) rates to PHP 0.80 from PHP 1.

Telcos should have regarded the Memorandum Circular 02-10-2011 or the “Interconnection Charge for SMS” that the commission issued in December 2011 but they did not and continued to charge subscribers PHP 1 for every text message sent (for every 160 characters to be exact). Now, they should return all the excess charges to its subscribers. Imagine PHP 0.20 going a long way and will cost telcos billions for not following the order. Not only that, they should also pay a fine of PHP 200 for each day since December 2011.

Refunds could be in a form prepaid credits or through billing for postpaid subscribers according to Edgardo Cabarios, director for Common Carriers Authorization at NTC. Keep in mind that the charges only covers the inter-network and regular text messages not covered by promos like unlimited or combo-package offers.

All telcos responded that have not yet received the new resolution and will still study it first before releasing a statement.

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Globe restores signal in Tacloban, Smart to follow

The country’s leading mobile service providers are keen on restoring their services in Tacloban after the devastation brought by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

When Super Typhoon Yolanda landed on Leyte last Friday, strong winds and flood brought by a strong storm surge caused massive power and communication outage. Even TV networks had a hard time restoring their facilities to bring live feed of the current situation in the region. As for mobile communication, cell sites were knocked down making the city isolated from the rest of the country.

As of writing, Globe was able to bring back partial communication services by having a temporary site within the city. Only 2G signal is available which should be enough to cater text messages (SMS) and phone calls. No video calls and internet services yet. Meanwhile, Smart will have their services restored within 48 hours.

While waiting for the restoration of mobile services for everyone, there are various mobile stations within the region like Smart’s “Libreng Tawag” service at the PLDT office near Tacloban City Hall. Globe will be having “cellsites on wheels” to restore temporary 3G services by Monday, November 12.

Sun subscribers are then encouraged to use the Smart network for improved reception. Just change your preferred operator to Smart. Go to phone settings, select Operator selection, choose Manual, and select SMART. Then return to Automatic mode. According to Sun Cellular, this can be used for call, text and data services.

Let’s all pray and hope for the betterment of the affected areas.

{source, 2}

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