Paying my first broadband bill
This morning at the office, my phone beeped with an SMS from SmartBro. The text message is reminding me to settle my dues before the 15th. Whoa. Wait a minute. Did I get my statement of account yet? Apparently, SMS is much faster than the bill distribution service. I’m only a little puzzled why the amount due is less than 500PhP. Everyone knows the lowest SmartBro rate is 999PhP. Hmm…
It’s my first bill, by the way. And that means I’ve been a subscriber for a month now! It hasn’t been long since I got a taste of a real broadband. So far, so good. No experience of the fabled broadband nightmares yet. Or perhaps I’m just lucky to live in Makati.
Ironically, the first downtime I ever experienced was yesterday evening (until the wee hours of the morning, I think). At around 6:30 a.m. today, I was relieved that I successfully sent an email (thru Gmail).
Regarding the payment, I need to clarify some “stuff” from the billing department so I guess, I wouldn’t wait for the bill at my doorstep anymore. I’ll drop by the Wireless Center before going home tomorrow (which is also the due date) or whenever time allows.
On a related note: If you’re from the far side of the world, you may want to switch to BT Total Broadband, UK’s “most complete” broadband internet service provider. Aside from broadband, the company also offers products and other online services to enhance and maximize their clients’ experience - low cost calls over the broadband, email packages, wireless working, and online payments, among the many. Various Internet and PC security products are also offered by the company so as not to compromise security while enjoying the benefits of a broadband connection.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
I endured the one year lock-in period with Smartbro. Nung una ok nmn, but just a few months ago di na maganda ung connection so I had to give it up. But I’m sure the consistency/inconsistency depends on the subscriber’s location. It’s good that you have a stable there in Makati.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
oops, i meant: “It’s good that you have a stable signal there in Makati.” ahehehe.
November 14th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
oh, i’ve heard some horror stories about smartbro’s inefficient billing methods too.
i hope you don’t experience it.
November 15th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
@Joni: I heard about the location thing when I was evaluating my choices for broadband. Perhaps the only reason why I chose Smart over Globe is the fact that the former only requires an ID (and an initial payment, of course) to process you application. Otherwise, I would have chosen Globe because of its extra land line bundle perk (with same price as Smart Bro).
November 15th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
@pao: Speaking of billing, I haven’t received any as of today. ;^^
November 16th, 2007 at 12:22 am
I’ve had at least, 6 problems with PLDT myDSL. I had a problem last night.
November 16th, 2007 at 4:53 am
Thank goodness for broadband. I don’t think I’d be very happy without it… going back to 56k dial-up, yikes. My job requires that I have high speed Internet connection because I work @ home 9-5 usually 3 times during the week.
November 19th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
in this day and age, no ONE should have to endure dial ups anymore! they should be banned altogether.
-by broadband, you mean DSL right? it’s still a little unstable and unreliable but way better than dial ups. I’ve been using cable modem for years and by far the best connection you could have. i live in the united states though but I can very well relate to the DSL woes because my sister has DSL under smart in Pasig and it drives me nuts! her excuse for not calling me via skype is their connection’s down! sigh.
very nice stumbling on your blog! very good reading, content-rich. i love the layout too, easy on the eyes! will be back for more readings next time! cheers!
November 19th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
I think we can’t escape from technical difficulties.