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Globe MyFi: 10 Things You Need to Know

Globe Telecom lent us their new toy — the mobile 3G router they call Globe MyFi. I’d like to share 10 things about the MyFi so you’re better informed about it before deciding to go and get one.

  1. The device is a branded version of the Huawei E5830 3G router. This is the same 3G router being sold by Three (3) telecom in Hong Kong since at least year ago (they call it 3 MiFi there). It has been available in the grey market and in online stores for Php7k to Php12k, depending on the source.
  2. The Globe MyFi works like the Globe Tattoo USB dongle with an additional WiFi router function. As such, you can also hook it up to the USB port of your PC or laptop as a 3G modem. The device comes with a similar software dialer too.
  3. The Huawei E5830 comes with a removable battery — a 1500mAh Li-Ion (almost identical to the battery of the Nokia E71 or E63). The battery lasts between 3 hours to 5 hours of use, depending on how many devices are connected and the usage pattern (downloading large files tend to eat up a lot more juice).
  4. The device has an LED display that serves as status indicator for WiFi connectivity, battery life, 3G (WAN availability), among others. To set it up, you’ll need to be connected to the WiFi and fire up your browser to 192.168.1.1 to get to the admin panel (here’s where you set the APN settings and the security protocols).
  5. You can get the MyFi from Globe two ways — get it with a Prepaid Kit for a one-time fee of Php7,000 or get a 2-year Postpaid Plan 499 or 999 and just add Php250 per month on top of your plan (makes Php6,000 in two years).
  6. The MyFi can serve up to 5 WiFi devices but can also be used as a 3G USB modem like most other existing 3G dongles (this allows you to conserve battery and charge it up at the same time). I think this hard limit prevents congesting the bandwidth of the single 3G connection.
  7. The device also has a microSD card slot that supports up to 32GB. However, you can only access the storage via a mini-USB cable and not over WiFi (would have been nice if it worked like a NAS or something).
  8. The biggest advantage with the MyFi is that you can freely position or place the 3G router anywhere you get the best 3G reception. You’re not restricted to a cable or anything. As an example, certain parts of my house don’t get good 3G signal so I just place the MyFi near the window and it gets HSDPA signal already (which it re-broadcasts via WiFi in the home).
  9. WiFi range is decent (802.11 b/g) and can easily do around 10 meters but degrades really quick against obstacles such as walls or doors. On battery, it saves up power by lowering the signal strength but will go full signal strength when plugged to an outlet or a USB port.
  10. Makes it really worth it if you carry multiple WiFi devices all the time — like a smartphone, an iPad WiFi and a laptop — so you only use a single unlimited data SIM for connectivity. Just don’t forget to get that Enegizer XPal portable power pack or have a USB car charger tucked in the glove compartment.

On the contrary, the Globe MyFi is still a bit on the expensive side (you need to have a really compelling use-case to justify it over a USB dongle). I think it’s mainly due to supply and demand. I remember those 3G USB dongles cost about Php3,995 when they first came out. Even that Sierra wireless card for PLDT WeRoam was selling for Php7,500 back then. I’m sure the price will eventually go down to more affordable levels.

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Avatar for Abe Olandres

Abe is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of YugaTech with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is one of the pioneers of blogging in the country and considered by many as the Father of Tech Blogging in the Philippines. He is also a technology consultant, a tech columnist with several national publications, resource speaker and mentor/advisor to several start-up companies.

69 Responses

  1. Avatar for Abe Olandres Abe Olandres says:

    @jojo30 @lawreas — the phones overheat too much on Joikuspot it might damage the battery and the unit itself.

  2. Avatar for Ian Ian says:

    I use joikuspot, kaya lang nagooverheat ang joikuspot sa mobile phone. Nakakatakot baka sumabog ang unit ko. Hehe.

  3. Avatar for Abe Olandres Abe Olandres says:

    @raffaj – set-up once, use anytime. no dialer needed once the WiFi has been activated.

  4. Avatar for Rodelio Rodelio says:

    @abe, did you received my email?

  5. Avatar for jojo30 jojo30 says:

    I use joikuspot on my Nokia E72, and it works just as well.

  6. Avatar for lawreas lawreas says:

    u can do this using a 3g/wifi supported smartphone, particularly symbian. just add 3k and buy a nokia 5800, and u can have these features plus more. hehe

  7. Avatar for islacom islacom says:

    iPad 3G tested using SmartBro Prepaid sim, Cut it down to MicroSim, Same APN settings as the Smart Buddy Sim, Tested it here @ Bulacan area, getting very fast download speeds, tested it with MiTube App for iPad, download HD Youtube videos @ almost 200kbps per video. Have to test Globe Sim today, I am going to visit the business center here @ Bulacan if settings for the SuperSurf is the same as Smart for the iPad, via webconnect.

  8. Avatar for frenchy frenchy says:

    I might just wait for the price to get lower. Madami din nanghinayang before dun sa 3G USB modem dongle na binili nila ng almost P4,000.

  9. Avatar for raffaj raffaj says:

    if you will just use it with the iPad, do you need a dialer software on the iPad? Or once it is configured, does it connect automatically from the device without the need to “logon” each time to globe?

  10. Avatar for Cisco Cisco says:

    I have an ipad with wifi + 3g. I have not decided whether to use (cut by me) microsim (globe or smart) prepaid.
    Is globe myfi better? What do you think? Anyone?

  11. Avatar for martin martin says:

    @neis: “read” number three (3). that answers your query. kaya nga 10 things about MyFi heheh
    i’ll wait till the prices go down.

  12. Avatar for neis neis says:

    how long does the battery last po?

  13. Avatar for James James says:

    I wonder if yung Postpaid plan ng MyFi is similar to the Globe Wireless Broadband Plans that they are offering. The ones that formerly use the ZTE MF600 but now uses the Huawei B933 or the Huawei B200 modem.

    any ideas?

  14. Avatar for Dante Dante says:

    WOW! is it better than this common USB plug-it from 3 companies? globe,smart and sun?

  15. Avatar for Lezuric Lezuric says:

    I have this came from hong kong.. ewan ko lng kung pede sim ng globe or smart..

  16. Avatar for Abe Olandres Abe Olandres says:

    @Dave – not Globe but Huawei (the manufacturer) that needs to lower the price. Globe tells me they’re doing some sort of promo to subsidize the device.

  17. Avatar for Dave Dave says:

    wow nice, hope that globe will lower the price..

  18. Avatar for Abe Olandres Abe Olandres says:

    @mike – tried that Edimax router last year. that one isn’t mobile since you need to always plug it in the power socket.

  19. Avatar for mike mike says:

    what is better yuga, this or the less than 2000 peso Edimax 3G router?

  20. Avatar for Jhay Jhay says:

    It’s a pretty reasonable deal. Though a unit from the grey market would give the flexibility of choosing from either Sun, Smart or Globe.

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