Globe warns vs illegal dealers

Subscribers of telecommunications firm Globe Telecom should be wary of buying Globe WiMAX modems or WiMAX connections from unauthorized sellers and distributors. They should also be suspicious of offers of unlimited and lifetime subscriptions for a onetime payment. “We advise our subscribers to be extra-cautious when purchasing a Globe WiMAX connection given the prevalence of illegal sales and distribution. These transactions are not reliable and in the end, those who buy from illegal distributors are bound to suffer,” said Froilan M. Castelo, Globe Corporate and Legal Services Group head. Subscribers are advised to visit the nearest Globe store or authorized selling booths to apply for a legitimate Globe WiMAX connection. They can also apply online via http://tattoo.globe.com.ph/product/apply-now or call 7301000 or 211 for free on a Globe/TM mobile phone.

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What is 4G Connectivity?

In this article, I would like to elaborate more about 4G connectivity since I mentioned it on my first entry here.

4G is the successor of 3G and 2G connectivity. 4G WiMax supercedes 3G HSDPA as the fastest broadband technology currently available to the world. Here in the Philippines, Globe and Wi-Tribe are the first Telecom companies to introduce 4G WiMAX. Here is a video that explains what is 4G WiMAX, it's history, and capabilities. 

In short, 4G WiMAX is the next generation of wireless technology. Much faster and convenient than DSL, Cable, and T-1 connections. Here in the Philippines, it is still on it's testing and upgrading phase. However, the service is ever improving. 

Globe WiMAX Review

WiMAX, meaning Worldwide Inter-operability for Microwave Access, is a telecommunications technology that provides wireless transmission of data using a variety of transmission modes, from point-to-multipoint links to portable and fully mobile internet access. The technology provides up to 3 Mbit/s broadband speed without the need for cables. The technology is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard (also called Broadband Wireless Access). The name "WiMAX" was created by the WiMAX Forum, which was formed in June 2001 to promote conformity and inter-operability of the standard. The forum describes WiMAX as "a standards-based technology enabling the delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL".  -Wikipedia

WiMAX is based on 4G technology. What is 4G? 4G is a name given to the next generation of mobile technology. G stands for generation. 1G technology involved the first widely available analog mobile phones. 2G technology is an upgrade to a digital format and introduced text messaging. 3G technology improved the efficiency of how data is carried, making it possible to carry enhanced information services such as websites in their original format. One best known example of 3G technology is the iPhone.

I signed up for the Plan 995 Internet only with speed up to 1Mbps. Two days later, they came and install the service. During the installation I paid P500 only plus P100 snack for the technicians. From that I got my BM622i modem, one yellow Ethernet cord, power adapter, coaxial cable, and external antenna. The technician checked the modem for functionality. Hooked it up with my notebook and internet is flowing. Initially, they told me that my internet speed is at 512 Kbps. Give it 24 hours and it will be set on the speed I signed-up. The next thing was my wife and brother-in-law are enjoying checking their emails and logging on Facebook. They also told me that the P500 that I paid will be slashed off from my first monthly billing of P995. I only have to pay P495 on the next bill but that I still have to confirm if that is true since my 1st month is not up yet. After 24 hours, I did a speed test through various sites that offers it. My speed is still stuck at 512 Kbps. This went on for a week until I decided to go through Globe's Chat Assist as I don't have Globe as my mobile phone and don't have time to go to their business centers. So I chatted with two agents and finally they got it fixed. Run a test and I was amazed how it reached 1.10 Mbps download speed. I check the speed regularly to see if there are changes. Usually it is around 60% to 80% and sometimes 100% of the speed I subscribed. That is acceptable as per ISP policy. By the way, I use to work for Linksys, AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon. The policy about internet speed is that the customer is guaranteed to at least get 60% of the speed they subscribed. If they don't they may opt to discontinue service with no charge and they can sue the company. 

Most of us are confused on the word "unlimited". Actually it is not unlimited but unmetered in the real sense. You don't pay by the hour. You can browse, surf the world wide web all you want and pay only the amount your plan is pegged. Unfortunately there is this thing we call the bandwidth cap. Wikipedia says: A bandwidth cap, also known as a bit cap, limits the transfer of a specified amount of data over a period of time. Internet service providers commonly apply a cap when a channel intended to be shared by many users becomes overloaded, or may be overloaded, by a few users. Implementation of a bandwidth cap is sometimes termed a Fair Access Policy or Usage-based billing.

Click here for details on Globe's Fair Use Policy.

So for people who are frustrated about Globe WiMAX service you should have read the entire PLAN before you subscribe. Remember this rule of thumb:Be a well-informed consumer.

Conclusion: 

As of the moment, I am happy with my Globe WiMAX internet service. I am a medium internet user. I use the internet to check emails, social networking, posting on forums, research, blogging, etc. I rate their customer service as good. However, I still need to see the billing and confirm if there are no hidden charges as what they said. 

Your internet plan will be based on how you use it and what you do.