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.
i hope you don’t experience it.
-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. 
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.