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Why do Filipinos still think 3G is expensive?

Even today, I still hear a lot of people saying or commenting hat 3G internet in the Philippines is still expensive. Yeah, it’s not that very cheap but I don’t think it’s expensive either.

Let’s skip comparing our local 3G internet rates to the rates in other countries and look at some domestic parallels.

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Let’s look at Netopia, the most popular internet cafe chains in the country, and see how much they charge for rentals. Members get a discounted rate of about Php30 while non-members pay Php45, right? (or is it higher)

Regular internet shops (the mom-and-pop’s type at the street corner) charges Php20 for gaming and Php25 for surfing.

Pay-for-access WiFi Zones provided by Airborne Access and Globe WiZ charges Php100 per hour.

If we compare 3G internet at Php20 per hour, it’s not that bad. Actually, if you compare it to the examples above, it’s the cheapest. So, why there’s still the perception that 3G is expensive?

  • The WAP-era trauma. About half a decade ago, when WAP was first introduced, they cost an arm and a leg. I remember viewing my blog over WAP and posting a comment back then — those 3 page loads costs me Php100!
  • Reliability. If you surf on a net cafe, you’re pretty much sure you’d get a good if not fast internet speed. Over 3G, it’s a hit and miss.
  • Over-charging nightmares. Either your prepaid loads get drained up real fast or your postpaid bill is thru the roof — any one of these incidents could happen to you.
  • Coverage. Even if you’re subscribed on 3G, there’s no telling if your area is covered only by GPRS or EDGE.

The only compelling reason why I think 3G is cheap for me is because of mobility. Maybe someday, we’ll have an alternative option with mobile WiMax.

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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.

52 Responses

  1. Avatar for Sandro Sandro says:

    OK thanks. When I called Globe last week, they told me to just disconnect GPRS/3G to avoid charges!!

  2. Avatar for Sandro Sandro says:

    @Yuga- Thanks! I’m using Globe and they only offered me P0.15/KB or P5.00/15 minutes. Who is offering a flat rate? I’ll switch… :)

  3. Avatar for Sandro Sandro says:

    The Philippines GPRS/3G is up to 100 times more expensive than for example Switzerland! Here is why.. A flat rate of about USD9.00 in Switzerland will give you 250MB of download. In the Philippines, if you use the KB-base at PHP0.15/KB, and you download 250MB, it will cost you USD 834.00!! If you use the Time-Based at PHP5.00/minutes and assuming you are always connected, you will pay USD 313.00! With modern phones such as iPhone, if you want to use features such as Push technology and be updated regularly, you will be constantly connected even if the quantity of data is very limited. So it’s really impossible to choose between KB-based and Time-based. Flat rate should be possible! I can use my Smart Bro wireless unlimited for just PHP 1000.00 /month, so why Globe is charging me USD 313 for the same just because it’s through my phone?

    • Avatar for Abe Olandres Abe Olandres says:

      @sandro – Philippine telcos now offer flat, unlimited GPRS/3G connection for only $25 per month.

  4. Avatar for Celine Celine says:

    3G internet ripped me off by whooping 50t pesos! I thought texting was the culprit of my sky rocket Globe bill when I go abroad. This time, in France, for 3weeks of my logging on YM and updating Facebook, it’s as worse as calling abroad and chatting for hours, that sucks!

  5. Avatar for balahuraz balahuraz says:

    Ouch! A wi-fi network with thousands of users haha.

  6. Avatar for nanayMo nanayMo says:

    The time will eventually come when this 3G will get devoured by wifi. Used to be that 3G meant “hi-tech” phone, but phones are already on wifi now.

    So far it has been seen as untrustworthy and it seemed the telcos are not doing anything to improve it. Maybe the technology is unreliable in itself.

    But take heart, all our rantings would soon be over. Wifi is here!

  7. Avatar for http://makabayan.org.ph http://makabayan.org.ph says:

    3G is untrustworthy following TELCOs that implement it. (disappearing load/when disconnected=sayang ang load).

    Also, poverty?

  8. Avatar for Neo Neo says:

    Here in bacolod, 10php/hr nga lang ang sa internet cafe(gaming and browsing na),. medyo mahal pa ang 20php pra mag 3G sa smartphone q. tapos halos lahat ng schools and some other resto ay may free wifi na,

    mahal tagala pag 3G, kung 8php/hr cguro madami tatangkilik nyan.

  9. Avatar for Jefferson Faudan | DvoVirtualTech Jefferson Faudan | DvoVirtualTech says:

    let’s put it this way… compare the monthly fees we pay on the 1mbps that are all either dsl/broadband to how much speed we are provided to residential homes abroad that runs on T3 lines and convert them…there you will find the difference

  10. Avatar for Ritz Ritz says:

    because 3G must be free!!

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