smart 3g

Based on a 2011 guide, you needed to set your phone's network mode to 'Dual Mode', then text 'SET 3G' to 211. Smart would then send configuration settings to 333, which you needed to save by replying with '1234' when prompted. For GPRS or MMS settings specifically, you would text 'SET GPRS' or 'SET MMS' to 211, then activate the service by texting 'GPRS ON' or 'MMS ON' to 333.

Smart offered several bucket promos. In 2009, they had a ₱20 offer for 2 hours of usage during off-peak hours (2 AM to 6 AM). By 2009, they also had broader bucket offers like ₱50 for 5 hours and ₱100 for 12 hours. In July 2010, Smart even conducted a 24-hour free 3G internet stress test, requiring only a ₱1 minimum load balance.

A 2008 speed test using a Smart SIM showed a significant difference. Standard 3G on a Nokia E63 averaged download speeds of 448 Kbps (on a local server). HSDPA (3.5G) on a Nokia E51 averaged 1,534 Kbps on the same test. Latency was also much better on HSDPA (94ms) compared to 3G (274ms), making it more suitable for online gaming.