Mobile Internet/3G Network Reviews [Tips for Android Users Who Use 3G]
This may not be a post that's purely about the Android, but nonetheless, I believe this is a topic that concerns a good number of Android users: 3G, HSDPA and other wireless Internet technology.
I won't launch into an all-out geek-out lecture on these Internet protocols, but I'm going to give a discussion that's suited for the consumer.
For those who want to know more about the mechanics behind 3G, HSDPA, HSPA+, 4G, LTE and the other wireless Internet technology mentioned on this post, the links lead to Wikipedia articles on these specific topics.
All three giant networks (well, technically, just two now, after the Sun-Smart merger) have 3G, and Globe and Smart have HSPA+, which is essentially 3.5G or even labeled as 4G. The incoming technology that Smart Communications Inc. is working on rolling out is the LTE technology, which promises speeds that will make crying over a torrent download a thing of the past.
Disclaimer: I personally do not believe in downloading torrents, for moral and legal reasons.
For now, here are your 3G options:
As a subscriber based in Kalibo, Aklan, I chose Globe Tattoo and Sun Broadband Wireless as my 3G connectivity solutions. Why? Because these are the speeds I got from the three providers:
- Sun Broadband Wireless: 2.20MBPS
- Globe Tattoo: 1.54MBPS
- SmartBro: 0.33MBPS
And, where I live is actually the host of a Smart Communications Tower, and one of the first areas to get HSPA+ access in the Aklan area when the Rocket Plug-It was launched. With the 3G service lagging behind the other two networks', guess why I chose the two providers that I had.
However, in Iloilo City, the service by these three providers now differs in quality. I have not checked the speed on these, but I noticed that in my area, which is the subdivision-filled suburbs closest to the northern town of Leganes, around 40 minutes from the city by public jeepney (and probably 20 minutes by car), the networks revert to EDGE, if I place my Android on "GSM/WCDMA Auto" mode. If I place Sun Cellular or Globe Tattoo on WCDMA mode, the signal is rather patchy. When I'm on the rooftop of my home, I get full signal. Inside, sheltered by earthquake-proof-thick walls, I have a headache finding signal for ANY of these networks.
I have had the best luck with Sun Broadband Wireless and Globe Tattoo, but Globe really reverts to EDGE and won't respond when put on "WCDMA Only" mode. With Sun Broadband Wireless, I get a good-enough 1-bar to 2-bar signal when I'm at a good angle away from the window.
With Sun Broadband Wireless, signal is great around this time, and I'm having a fast, pain-free time surfing as of the moment. But I find it odd because last night, which was a Friday, I was having a hard time getting a consistent signal at around 2 to 3AM.
In the city area, especially in the Jaro/Javellana area, I tried a SmartBro connection, also with my Android. It was a pain around 9PM to midnight, providing only EDGE access. Then, when it hit around 1AM, it switched to HSDPA and gave an awesome surfing and download time, that two computers were able to share the connection. The speed lasted until morning. Is this because of SmartBro's Off-Peak promo? I'm not exactly sure, but in my experience, this is what happened.
In 2011 to today, I've traveled and stayed with different areas in the Visayas and in Metro Manila. And here are my observations:
- Makati, Metro Manila: Sun Cellular's signal practically dies when you're somewhere in the upper storeys of the buildings there. So, I was able to use only Globe Tattoo with my Cherry Mobile Nova in the RCBC Plaza/Cityland Tower area. I was on a 20+ floor.
- Quezon City, Metro Manila, bordering Manila (Galas, QC area): Globe Tattoo was great, but you have to set it on "WCDMA Only" because unless you do, it switches from GPRS to EDGE to 3G to HSDPA, it's crazy.
- In this same area, Sun Broadband Wireless was also awesome, giving better speeds and more signal stability than Globe.
- Kalibo, Aklan: Globe Tattoo is great as a weekday option, especially if you're on prepaid. With its SuperSurf 5-day package, you will get 5 days of access and a SuperFree Weekend bonus. But what makes it a better weekday option is that it's faster on the weekdays but a pain in the butt on the weekends, though, compared to Sun Broadband Wireless, data transfer is more reliable on this.
- Sun Broadband Wireless, on the other hand, is better as a weekend option because its speeds are not as good as Globe Tattoo's on the weekdays, BUT this is the fastest weekend connection. Maybe it's the fact that not a lot of people have learned to trust Sun Broadband Wireless in Kalibo, Aklan just yet.
- SmartBro is a very slow *3G* option in Kalibo, Aklan, whatever day of the week. (I'm sorry, Smart Communications friends.)
- On The Way To Caticlan, Aklan, from Kalibo, Aklan: I have yet to try SmartBro while traveling, but I've tried Globe Tattoo and Sun Broadband Wireless.
- Sun Broadband Wireless: Hopeless on the road. SBW, as I've been told by Sun Cellular Kalibo's Service Center reps, only has 3G and HSDPA technology in Kalibo, Aklan. Outside of Kalibo, Sun Cellular only provides 2G, even in Boracay.
- Globe Tattoo is awesome, providing GPRS connection in certain areas, so you can still update in places where there is signal. Then when you arrive in Caticlan, all is smooth-sailing from there.
- Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan:
- Leave your SmartBro at home, you'll just have the urge to throw it into the ocean. If you did make the mistake of using a SmartBro connection, the best times to use it would be 6AM to just before noon. Afternoons will also give you good-enough speeds, but forget it from evenings to early mornings. My reference point is my experience back in Summer of 2011, when they launched the LTE. (LTE is a different matter, because when I tried it on their launch, it was truly, truly amazing.) I believe that I may have experienced this kind of service because of Smart Communications' service upgrades in making way for LTE technology.
- As mentioned, there is no 3G for Sun Broadband Wireless anywhere outside Kalibo, Aklan, so leave your Sun Broadband Wireless dongle at home, as well.
- Globe Tattoo is awesome on the island, though there are days when signal dies (take note: dies the whole day long), and since the banks there are served by ONLY a Globe Telecom connection, good luck squeezing money out of an ATM when this happens. I experienced a dead Globe Telecom signal around twice while living on the island, and these happened in June, the start of the typhoon season. I do recall that the signal blackout happened right after a strong storm.
- Sun Broadband Wireless: Php 35.71
- SmartBro (Php 201): Php 40.20
- Globe Tattoo (Php 225): Php 45
- Sun Broadband Wireless: Php 799/Php 649, bundled with Plan 350 (Mobile Phone Plan)
- Globe Tattoo: Php 999
- SmartBro: Php 999
Sun Cellular's reps told me that speeds are better when you're a PostPaid subscriber vs. when you're a regular, prepaid user. We'll see, and I'll let you know when I do get one.
With Globe Tattoo, I believe there's a Fair Use Policy in place: when a user hits 800MB in bandwidth, the service is automatically cut off, but will resume 24 hours later. So if you're a heavy video downloader or watcher, you may want to monitor your Globe Tattoo use. For Postpaid Globe Tattoo, I believe, and I recall reading from Plurk friends' timelines (including the post of the actual error message on the last link) that it doesn't have the 800MB Bandwidth cap that the prepaid version has.
We hope you find this as a good guide in what 3G/HSDPA to use with your 3G-Enabled Android device. When Smart Communications' LTE finally gets opened to the public, that will be another story.
Smart Communications is the only company to moving provide LTE in the country, by the way, and with their demo launched in Boracay in Summer 2011, it promises to be awesome, indeed, and truly worth the wait.
With that, get ready to get your 4G Android Device come 2012/2013!
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Related Posts:
- Breaking: Globe MyFi Router FAQ by Pinoy Tech Blog
- Poll: What’s the best mobile internet plan for you? by YugaTech
- Discover Smart 4G LTE by Smart Communications
- Smart's LTE Sites Locator by Smart Communications
Hello,
ReplyDeleteDo you happen to have an idea about wi-Tribes 4G offering? We're wondering if the connection is good and consistent. It is very interesting because of the price and value (P598 for 1mbps).
Hi again, Waterborne,
ReplyDeleteWell, Android Pub's office in Makati IS powered by Wi-Tribe's 4G. Pretty fast, though it does get congested from noon to late afternoon.
But in my opinion, it's a good deal, still, especially if you'll be surfing at off-peak hours. :)