Globe Postpaid lowers cash-out for LG G4

Photo courtesy of engadget

After 3 months of being launched in the Philippines, LG Philippines cut P4000 off the SRP (Suggested Retail Price) of LG G4 from P32,990 to P28,900 for the G4 with Leather back case, and  from P31,990 to P27,900 for the G4 with metallic back case. 

Globe followed the move by lowering its cash-out for new and re-contracting subscribers. You can go ahead and check it out at the Globe online store, or visit the nearest Globe branch near you.

I got very enticed, and tempted as I am considering to get this phone should I decide to recontract, migrate to the new myLifestyle Plan, and be locked with Globe for 2 years. 

See old and new cash-out from Globe and Smart below:

Smart introduces "refreshed" Postpaid plans

Image courtesy of Smart Communications Inc

Disclaimer: The article below are my views on the new plans based on the infomation I know (experienced) and information I see in their website.

Smart followed Globe's footsteps a few months after it changed their Postpaid offerings, lowered its phone subsidy, and implemented a data cap across all data plans.  ,

Smart All-In Plans is almost the same as the old "All-In Plans", but note that its flexibundles does not offer unlimited data anymore. You may want to check-out the list of flexibundles here http://smart.com.ph/Postpaid/plans/flexibundles/flexibundle-list

Smart Data Plans 999, 1500, 2000, and 3000 are nowhere to be found now, and are replaced by Surf Plus Plans which puts a data cap (or allowance) to any of the plans, but allows users to subscribe even with smaller data allowance. I noticed that SurfPlus Plan 999 now gives 30 minutes of calls to all networks, 100 texts to all networks, and an Value Added service interchangeable every month, while the old (err. grandfathered) Data Plan 999 only gives 9 minutes of calls to all networks and 99 texts to all networks. See more details here: http://smart.com.ph/Postpaid/plans/surf-plus-plan 

Plan 399	Plan 599	Plan 799	Plan 999	Plan 1499	Plan 1999
Data Allowance	100 MB	200 MB	1.5 GB	5 GB	7 GB	9 GB
Calls	-	Unli calls to Smart and TNT	Unli calls to Smart and TNT	30 minutes of calls to all networks	60 minutes of calls to all networks	150 minutes of calls to all networks
Texts	Unli texts to Smart, TNT and Sun	Unli texts to Smart, TNT and Sun	Unli texts to Smart, TNT and Sun	100 texts to all networks	120 texts to all networks	200 texts to all networks
Gadget Shield	1 month	1 month	1 month	1 month	1 month	1 month
VAS Content	1 Free, interchangeable monthly	1 Free, interchangeable monthly	1 Free, interchangeable monthly	1 Free, interchangeable monthly	1 Free, interchangeable monthly	1 Free, interchangeable monthly

Choosing the best postpaid plan and network is entirely up to you. It is influenced mainly by your contact list, and the quality of service you get where you live and work. So choose wisely, because choosing the wrong one will end-up in 2 years of "misery".

Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge Live Photos

I went to Eastwood yesterday morning after my usual workout routine, and to my surprise, a live demo unit is already available at Smart Center Eastwood Citywalk. I was the first "customer" at the store, so I got a chance to play with it and view it from every angle for quite some time.

I have to say that both phones look gorgeous and premium. The camera is really good, I think one of the best in Android phones. The speakers are way louder than the iPhone 6 Plus. 

I read on early reviews online that the Samsung Galaxy S6 looks like an iPhone. It looks like an iPhone 6 only if you look at its aluminum side, other than that, it doesn't. I also noticed that the S6 demo unit is a dual SIM variant, while the S6 edge demo unit is a single SIM variant.

Later in the afternoon, I went to SM Megamall, and saw more demo units at the Globe Store, and Samsung Store in Cyberzone Bldg. B

If you are planning to get one, and not from a postpaid plan, prices are as follows:

• Galaxy S6 (32GB) SRP P35,990
• Galaxy S6 (64GB) SRP P41,990
• Galaxy S6 edge (64GB) SRP P47,990
• Galaxy S6 edge (32GB) SRP P41,990

The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge really took my heart. I love it's "edgy" look and feel. I think Samsung finally got the design right this time, to win both Android and non-Android users.

Here are a couple of photos I took from Smart Eastwood Citywalk, and I hope you enjoy it.

Samsung Galaxy S6

Samsung Galaxy S6 edge

All photos posted are my property.Copyright is applicable.

Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge Postpaid Plan Price Comparison

Globe and Smart finally released the postpaid plan cash-out prices for the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. Both devices will be available on April 10. If you pre-order now, both networks offers free wireless charging port on your new phone. Are you having a hard time thinking which plan offers less cash-out? See the table below.

You may also want to consider which plan will give you the best value out of your monthly service fee before signing-up. Some plans offers a data plan, a lot of free calls, but less SMS. Some plans offer a data plan and unlimited same network calls and text.

In my opinion, Smart wins this round. I personally do not like Globe's myLifestyle Plan. You can also read the same sentiment in online forums when they changed their myBest Ever Superplan to myLifestyle Plan. Globe subscribers will have to wait for a year or two before they change it again. 

Please note that this post is not a paid advertisement from neither networks.

Bookmark this page to be updated when Smart releases their cash-out for Data Plan 1500.

Globe details Samsung Galaxy Note 4 pricing across all plans

Photos courtesy of: Globe Samsung Note 4 Page

Planning to get the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 this weekend from Globe? Make sure you have lots of cash, or a high credit limit from your bank before you go to a Globe store because it ain't going to be free!

LG G3 is now available on Globe

It's finally here! The much awaited LG G3 is now yours by subscribing to Globe's mySUPERPLAN! Grab the best phone of 2014 with Plan 1799 to enjoy its amazing features!

Please note that the LG G3 you'll get from Globe is the 16GB Internal memory /2GB RAM variant, and only available in Black and White. On Plan 1799 with 2 years lock-in period, you get 5GB of data, 1100 SMS to all networks, and 55 minutes of call to all networks

If you don't want any cash-out, you can get the phone FREE on Plan 1799 with 2.5 years lock-in period. Of course, lower plans or lock-in periods mean higher cash-out rates. Plan 1299 with 24 months lock-in - P11,000 cash out. Plan 999 with 24 months lock-in - 14,400 cash out. If you have a credit card, the cash-out can be converted into 12 to 24 months installment.  

According to some users, there are limited stocks in select Globe stores. If you plan to re-contract, just call the hotline, and pick-up the LG 
G3 at a Globe store near you.

Globe's Great Gadget Sale (Dec 27-29, 2013)

In case you have not heard, Globe will be holding the "Great Gadget Sale"  tomorrow at Glorietta 5.  From the details, they'll allow you to trade-in your old phone to get as much as 90% discount on their phone offers. 

Get these Unbelievable Deals from Globe - August 23 to 26, 2013

Who would have thought that a telco will remove it's cash out on the  Samsung Galaxy S4 after 4 months of its release in the Philippines.

Globe launched a great deal this long weekend, and temporarily removed the P4800 cash out when getting a Samsung Galaxy S4 on Plan 1799. 

Other great deals include the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 LTE which is now free on Plan 1799, Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2, now free on Plan 999 which both are originally free on Plan 1799, and the budget-friendly phone Huawei Ascend G510 which is now free on Plan 299. All phones are at 24 months lock-up period.

The problem with this is, the deal is only available to NEW subscribers. Weekly offers like this do not apply to old subscriber who are already out of their lock-up periods. 

I think, Globe needs to revisit their loyalty/retention policy to its subscribers as there are customers out there who are willing to stay with them despite the network issues they encounter everyday

My Globe complaint regarding the latest billing system upgrade

Hello Globe,

I am very disappointed with your service recently. This is about your billing, after being delayed for three weeks, I finally received my Globe billing statement #26 which covers 16 Feb 2013 – 15 March 2013. To my surprise, I saw my data charges on “per-KB” basis, and worst of all, I am charged P45,390.26 for using my data which is supposed to be on a “special” time-based charging. I am grateful that you waived P43,158.12 of it because of the “No-Bill shock” feature, but I am sorry to say that I am still shocked to look at my bill as there are a lot of errors on my latest bill. I am blaming your “I.T. Billing upgrade” because it seems like it does not recognize how my legacy plan charges.

Now let’s enumerate the facts here first:

1.       Affected Mobile Number: 0917564****
2.       Plan prior March 19: MY FULLY LOADED PLAN 999 (Legacy Plan)
3.       Having billing issues with Bill Number: 26
4.       I have an unpaid balance of P1310.62 from Bill Number: 25

Let me enumerate the issues I have with my current bill:

1.       I did not request to change my data charging scheme from time-based to KB-based, so why am I being charged on per-KB basis?... and what is WAP charges? (See image below)

2.       I have Freebie F: 3-hour free mobile internet. You know what this means? If I consume this freebie, I will be charged P0.33 PER MINUTE and will not be on-top my bill because it will charged against my consumable. I have this freebie during this period, so why am I still being charged on per-KB basis? Please refer to ALL my previous bills, and you will be surprised that I am charged for data usage by the minute, and not per KB.

Bill No. 26

Bill No. 25

Now, you may be asking why I am sending an email instead of calling the hotline. Well, I already did. Three times actually, and it seems like all your representatives can’t understand English or Filipino because they can’t get the report right. You may refer to reference numbers:

1.       50202381 (4/20/2013) – Was not submitted by the first agent according to agent who created 50229581.
2.       50229581 (4/25/2013) – Disapproved. The agent just said on the report that I just wanted a bill adjustment, no details mentioned as above according to agent who created 50256847.
3.       50256847 (4/30/2013) – I don’t know if he took note of all the details I mentioned above.

You don’t know how stressed I am with this issue. I never had a billing issue with your company until this bill came along. I am also really disappointed because I have to repeat myself three times to report this issue without any resolution. Your customer service sucks when handling issues with bills. You better fix this because I am not responsible if there are issues with your “new” billing system, and I am not paying for something that is clearly isn’t my fault.

Regards,

Jan Brane Tizon





Follow me on Twitter @JBTizon, for updates regarding this matter. 

Globe Postpaid Promos - February 2013

Planning to get your special someone a new gadget tomorrow or this weekend? Go to a Globe store tomorrow or this weekend, and get a postpaid plan!

Here are the deals this love weekend!

See more details at Globe's Facebook and Twitter Page!

Follow me on twitter @JBTizon

Local iPhone 5 gets on-board LTE chip enabled

True to Tim Cook's announcement last week, Philippines received iOS update 6.1 to enable the on-board LTE chip of the iPhone 5s (fives) sold and distributed by Globe Telecom and Smart Communications.

Other than enabling the on-board LTE, iOS 6 users will also get: the ability to purchase movie tickets through Siri (US-only), and the opportunity for iTunes Match fans to download individual songs from iCloud.

Smart announced earlier that they'll offer FREE LTE access to current subscribers until April 30, 2013 (See more details here). You may check out Smart's LTE coverage thru this link (I hope your area is covered). 

Globe on the other hand, announced on their Twitter account that existing subscribers may request to replace their regular nano-SIM to an LTE nano-SIM. The coverage is still limited though. The LTE locations are: Makati, Eastwood, Katipunan, Diliman, Meralco Avenue, Wack-Wack, Ortigas Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Binondo, Cebu, and Boracay.

Let us know how LTE works for you by posting a comment below. We'll be waiting for your feedback!

Globe Postpaid Promos - January 2013

If you are planning to get a postpaid plan from Globe, then today is the best time to get it!

Promo #1: Valid only starting today (17th) 'til Sunday (20th) at select branches.

Promo #2: Get the Blackberry 9220 at Plan 299 (Plus 99 BBM Add-on required) Total of P398/mo


Promo #3: Get the Samsung Galaxy S3 with free Car charger under Plan 1799 when you apply ONLINE!



I will not advise you to get the Blackberry 9220 as BB10 will be announced (or available) on January 30. These plans will have a lock-in period of 24 months or 2 years, so think carefully before deciding to get one.


All photos are from Globe's Facebook Page. I do not own these pictures as I only used them for reference

Globe answers back on Lamborghini fiasco via Facebook

For the original facebook post, click this link:

http://www.facebook.com/notes/globe-telecom/globe-telecoms-official-statement-on-the-tonino-lamborghini-press-release/10150784336075008

"4G Tattoo Tonino Lamborghini is a fake" - Tonino Lamborghini

 

If you want the original press release in PDF format, click this link:

http://www.lamborghini.it/cgi-bin/press/1/tattoo_tl__press_release.pdf

Globe Blackberry MAX's price drops to P599/month! BB users rejoiced!

It's already confirmed that there is a price drop on Globe's Blackberry MAX service from P999 to P599. (Thanks for the heads-up, Nikka). I guess this is a way for Globe to push more subscribers to use Blackberry. 

For those who don't know what Blackberry MAX is, it is also known as Super Surf for Blackberry. With this service, you get unlimited surfing, connect to your social networks, send and receive email (real-time), BBM and other instant messaging service, video streaming and tethering.

The change was implemented last August 6, 2011 and was announced over twitter. See link and screenshot below from @talk2Globe 

 

Here are the details:

To register to 30-Day Blackberry Max, just text BBMAX599 to 8888. Registration fee: P599 (new rate, effective August 6, 2011).
-To check STATUS for 30-day BB MAX, text BBMAX599 STATUS to 8888 for free.
-To UNSUBSCRIBE from 30-day BB MAX, text BBMAX599 OFF to 8888 for free.

►Super Surf for Blackberry MAX prepaid has 2 other available variants. Pls refer below:

•1-Day Blackberry Max for only P 50: To register, text BBMAX50 to 8888.
-To check STATUS for 1-day BB MAX , text BBMAX STATUS to 8888 for free.
-To UNSUBSCRIBE from 1-day BB MAX, text BBMAX OFF to 8888 for free.

•5-Day Blackberry Max for only P 220: To register, text BBMAX220 to 8888.
-To check STATUS for 5-day BB MAX , text BBMAX STATUS to 8888 for free.
-To UNSUBSCRIBE from 5-day BB MAX, text BBMAX OFF to 8888 for free.

*Super Surf for BlackBerry MAX offers: Unlimited Surfing, Email, IM, Social Networking on BB APN + Unlimited Downloading and Streaming on Internet APN

*P1 maintaining balance to continue using the service
Thanks!

*Globe prepaid and Postpaid Plan subscriber powered by a BlackBerry handset or a BlackBerry-connect handset can avail of this offer except for subscribers of the following
a. Extension Plans
a. Load Tipid Plans (Below P500)
b. Load Allowance Plans
b. iPhone Plans
c. Globe Broadband Tattoo Plans

Subscribers who currently have other data add-on plans may avail of the Super Surf for BlackBerry MAX offer, provided that they terminate their existing add-on plan first before subscribing to Super Surf for BlackBerry MAX. These include subscribers with the following add-on plans: a. Mobile Surfing Plans b. Personal Blackberry Add-on Plans (450, 700, 850, 1100) c. Super Surf d. Super Surf for BlackBerry

*Subscribers who have registered to time-based charging (P5 for 15 minutes) may avail BlackBerry Max and they don't need to opt-out from the time-based charging service. PROMO PERIOD: MAY 29 - December 31, 2011

*Prepaid subscribers on a 30-day variant who registers on August 6, 2011 onwards will be on the new lowered rate of P599/ 30 days.Prepaid subscribers will be prompted to register to BBMAX599 instead.

To access video streaming please advise subscribers to configure their units. Please see procedures below.

CONFIGURATION SETTINGS TO ACCESS VIDEO STREAMING
1.) Go to Options
2.) Go to Advanced Options
3.) Go to TCP/IP
4.) Make sure the APN Settings Enabled option is checked.
5.) Key in the correct APN:
For postpaid: internet.globe.com.ph
For prepaid: http.globe.com.ph
6.) Save and Close

*IMPORTANT REMINDER: Postpaid subscribers who are subscribed to Super surf for BlackBerry Max while roaming can access BIS and services available to Super Surf for BlackBerry Max. However, roaming rates will apply.

Sources:

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/c8994n ;

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/c8eudg

 

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/c85orb ;  

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/c81ead ;

SALE ALERT: Globe Blackberry Curve 3G, Free at Plan Fully-Loaded Plan 999 or SuperSurf 999

Here's great news this rainy season—BlackBerry Curve 9300 3G is now FREE at My Super Plan or My SuperSurf Plan 999,* exclusively for online applications! This is one plan lower than the regular offer, so grab it now!

With BlackBerry Curve 9300 3G, you can multitask while on the go. Email, text, and socialize wherever you are. Surf and download attachments with ease. Never lose your way with built-in Maps and GPS. It has these other cool features too:

   • 3G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth enabled
   • Full QWERTY keypad
   • Access to Facebook, Twitter, Email, Chat, and BlackBerry Messenger

 

The offer also comes with 1 FREE month of BlackBerry Social or BlackBerry Messaging service, so you can enjoy your new BlackBerry Curve 9300 3G even more.

 

On top of these offers, you also get 3 FREEBIES from these choices:

A. Free 10 minutes of calls & 200 SMS to GLOBE/TM
B. Free 5 minutes of calls & 25 SMS to OTHER NETWORKS
C. Free 20 minutes of IDD calls & 10 ISMS to 10 destinations
D. Free 3 hours of MOBILE SURFING (not available to My SuperSurf Plan)
E. Free MY SUPER ONE (Unlimited call & text to 1 Globe/TM number)

Promo is extended until August 7, 2011.

For new Postpaid line applications only. Standard Postpaid Terms and Conditions apply.

*Under 30-month lock-up period.


Click here to order! 

FREE YM ON YOUR PHONE: Globe UNLICHAT

Here's Globe's answer to Sun's iMessenger!

Introducing Globe's UNLICHAT

"Para wala nang GTG, ituloy-tuloy ang kwentuhan sa YM kahit wala ka na sa tapat ng computer with Unlimited chat through Yahoo Messenger! Free trial period from September 5 to October 4, 2008.

Hindi na kailangang maputol ang kwentuhan, dahil sa Unlichat, pwedeng pwede ka nang makipagchat through YM gamit ang cell phone mo! While you’re traveling, passing the time sa tambayan, window shopping, pwede ka nang makipag-chat, anytime, anywhere kahit walang computer."

What is UNLICHAT?

UNLICHAT is an application-based instant messenger service that provides Globe subscribers mobile access to Yahoo! Messenger, the most popular instant messaging service in the Philippines.

What phone models does UNLICHAT support?

The following handsets are supported as of 2008 Sept 05:
Nokia: 3230, 6120c, 6630, 6680, N70, N73, N76, N80, N95, E65
Sony Ericsson: K610i, K800i, K810i, W810i, W910i, W880i, W660i

We will continuously update the list of supported phones so do check this site again in case your phone is not included currently.

How much will I be charged to use the UNLICHAT service?

The service will be free of charge during the trial period from September 5 – October 4. After October 4, subscribers will be prompted to purchase credits to use the service:

P25 for 1 day unlimited access
P100 for 5 days unlimited access
P200 for 15 days unlimited access.

When signing in, UNLICHAT keeps on prompting me to choose an APN. Which one should I choose?

For most handsets other than the Nokia Series 40 phones, you will be prompted to choose among available APNs. You will typically see the following choices:
myGlobe CONNECT
myGlobe MMS
myGlobe Internet (for Postpaid)
myGlobe INET (for Prepaid)

Choose myGlobe CONNECT. The application may prompt you twice: (1) to allow connection to use network and send or receive data (2) to allow application to start automatically when needed.

How can I easily view my contacts without going through each one of them?

By default, UNLICHAT allow users to view groups and contacts, both online and offline.

9.1. You may also search for your contacts by typing their names. UNLICHAT will automatically narrow down your contacts.

How do I send messages to my YM buddies?

10.1. To reply to a buddy from an open conversation, type on the message box provided at the bottom of the screen and press the fire key (joystick or center key) to send the message. You may also click on Menu and select Send Message.

*Note that message bubble on the user icon means that there is an ongoing conversation with that specific buddy, while an exclamation point within the message bubble denotes unread messages. These contacts are usually displayed on top of each group.

10.2. To start a conversation, select a contact from your buddy list and type your message at the bottom of the screen. Click on the fire key (joystick on keypad) to send your message.