Key Point 4: Even if you're subscribed on 3G, there's no telling if...

Even if you're subscribed on 3G, there's no telling if your area is covered only by GPRS or EDGE.

Why do Filipinos still think 3G is expensive?

Abe Olandres August 22, 2009 · 2 min read

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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.

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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Abe Olandres

Editor-in-chief

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.

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104 Comments

Sandro · 16 years ago

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

Sandro · 16 years ago

@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… :)

Abe Olandres Editor-in-chief · 16 years ago

@sandro – globe, smart and sun are all offering flat rate, unlimited.

Sandro · 16 years ago

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?

Abe Olandres Editor-in-chief · 16 years ago

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

Celine · 17 years ago

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!

balahuraz · 17 years ago

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

nanayMo · 17 years ago

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!

http://makabayan.org.ph · 17 years ago

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

Also, poverty?

Neo · 17 years ago

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.

Jefferson Faudan | DvoVirtualTech · 17 years ago

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

Ritz · 17 years ago

because 3G must be free!!

Daryll · 17 years ago

sana ginawa mo nalang why do SOME filipinos. wala ka din naman kinuhanan ng data. may survey ka bang ginawa?

this blogger is a dumb@ass.
poorly research post.

jose · 17 years ago

Only my last recourse.
They have a long way to go.
Telcos should address intermittent and dropped
connections to make it more marketable.

iMadrid · 17 years ago

3G here is expensive coz Telco’s are over-promising and under-delivering.

If they just divert half of their advertising expenses into improving their netwoks. AND offer Unlimited Data plans even on prepaid phones.

More people would use it and find value from it.

But Telco’s would prefer to meter it and overcharge you. In other words SCREW YOU! We just want your money. We rather pay your idols for endorsements. Than provide you with better service.

manong · 17 years ago

EDGE can carry data speeds up to 236.8 kbit/s (with end-to-end latency of less than 150 ms) for 4 timeslots (theoretical maximum is 473.6 kbit/s for 8 timeslots) in packet mode. This means it can handle four times as much traffic as standard GPRS. EDGE meets the International Telecommunications Union’s requirement for a 3G network, and has been accepted by the ITU as part of the IMT-2000 family of 3G standards. It also enhances the circuit data mode called HSCSD, increasing the data rate of this service. EDGE is part of ITU’s 3G definition and is considered a 3G radio technology — wikipedia

Malamang 80-90% sa MM, EDGE lang ang 3G

Abe Olandres Editor-in-chief · 17 years ago

@israel – you don’t need a laptop to use 3G. You only need a 3G capable phone.

Israel Nicolas · 17 years ago

….. those who say that 3G is expensive take into account the lifestyle choices they make on a daily basis. Sure, on a nominal peso rate 3G is on par with internet cafes, and definitely cheaper than paid Wifi. But as a user, I find using 3G only when there is no Wifi, which is rare in places where I use my laptop (libraries, coffee shops, malls).

Israel Nicolas · 17 years ago

I think we are missing the point. It’s not because 3G is not cheap. It is because in order to have 3G, you need to have a laptop (and use it regularly) – this also means there should be a reason for the user to use it regularly. What is the percentage among online/gaming Filipinos that own a laptop?

The article has a wrong premise. If I own a laptop, I do not think I will go to Netopia to surf the net lol! But you need to have a laptop first to consider 3G.

August · 17 years ago

@ Jill

wow, i really thought you were serious with the last part. whew!

it should not even be called 3G if the speed limit is just at EDGE’s or GPRS’ rate. how could both smart and globe sell their devices when 3G isn’t available nationwide. oh it can go as fast as 2mbps! yes that part! very misleading indeed. someone would think that it runs at 2mbps when they made it clear that it can go as high as that when you are not looking.

at least sun cellular pointed out that 3G service is only available in metro manila at the moment.

shame on you GLOBE and SMART!!! shame on you!

Jill · 17 years ago

Last part written in jest. Focus on productivity, folks!

Jill · 17 years ago

Internet access through 3G is a good thing, the down side being its limited availability and slow speed. This issue on speed is what makes it “expensive” in the long run. Only when the providers address these issues could we say “praise be the 3G”. It’s been a while since we have this service, but it’s clear the telcos have not done any “addressing” to that effect. Or have I missed it? Don’t they know that when a consumer pays for something, he/she wants it N-O-W? After all, they are so quick to demand the “NOW” part when they send us the bill.

Product superlatives from the telcos notwithstanding, 3G in this country as of now is next to worthless.

In the meantime, lug that laptop to a wifi hotspot and do your browsing, or work your office computer to the bone for your http://www's. After office hours when the boss is gone, of course. LOL!

drealmarlon · 17 years ago

Im using sun broadband wireless Php799 unlimited and i think the price is fair enough.Im very thanks that the ordinary people like me have a chance to get this technology even though there is a crisis here in our country.Sana lng palakihin pa nila yung network kasi dumadami na yung mga subcribers para hindi nagkakaroon ng bad service.

Tyrone | Millionaire Acts · 17 years ago

I think that 3G is expensive IF and ONLY IF the connection is slow and you are on “time charge”. I am a user of Globe Tatoo Kit and I used my postpaid sim in accessing internet. Yes, it is cheap that you have a wireless internet on the go for just P20 per hour. BUT sometimes, the connection is too slow that dial up connection is faster. In that case, definitely, 3G is expensive. I hope the telecom companies should continuously upgrade their facilities.

leo · 17 years ago

the biggest single issue of slow 3g adaptability is the very unreliable “service”. fix this service and everything/everyone will follow.

Edgar · 17 years ago

Availability is my issue here, being in an area where 3G is not available. Only get to use it when there’s a connection. I don’t find this service expensive, though.

John Alvero · 17 years ago

Some ideas for people to adopt 3G.

1. Improve speed and reliability
2. If prices can still be lowered, better
3. Improve coverage
4. Information dissemination

With those four, i think in 2 or 3 years time. There will be a large 3G adoption here in the Philippines.

Cheers.

Stefan · 17 years ago

Filipinos are not yet well informed when it comes to 3G technology…

gio · 17 years ago

3G here in Philippines sucks.

Nivla · 17 years ago

Im using unlimited 3G mobile prepaid internet here in Germany for roughly PHP1600 plus per month, the connection is always very good. At home im using smart 3G mobile and in my area its 3G connection but the speed is very disappointing. WE are just paying for a “nice promise” from internet providers. That makes the 3G expensive in the Philippines.

sky · 17 years ago

free wifi is practically easy to get by these days. schools, malls, resto’s, even fast food chains would provide free wifi to their customers.

and yes, 3G reception can still be rather spotty. depends on where you live or travel to/from.

sting6ph · 17 years ago

Hi Abe,

I don’t think it’s expensive either. But your final statements have made the argument about the price of 3G tells exactly why people don’t like paying for 3G (unless unlimited):

“The only compelling reason why I think 3G is cheap for me is because of mobility.”

3G for both networks (Sun doesn’t have it here in Iloilo) is highly unreliable. The only way to have a reliable connection is to pay for the PHP999 a month and its not mobile. The unlimited mobile 1,500 has never given me any decent 3G connection. Out of the need to have consistent internet, I stayed to what I have: a crumpy GPRS here in my small town.

cmark · 17 years ago

@ ZJ, ang 3g hindi lng s cellphone. ung mga smart bro, globe tattoo and sun broadband uses gprs/ 3g/ 3.5g connection gamit ang usb modem. kya it’s wireless connection between a pc and a telco. but u can also remove the sim on the modem and put it on ur fone to have the same service pero wlang twag, internet lng and some providers now have the texting option. fyi.

ZJ Morales · 17 years ago

*Omit the “a” on the “a private browsing..” :)

ZJ Morales · 17 years ago

For me, I won’t consider using 3G regularly as my “MAINSTREAM INTERNET CONNECTION”
Why? Bakit naman ako mag iinternet sa Cellphone browser eh kung mas mabilis yung sa net shop? Saka kung hindi ka pa magiinstall sa mga Cellphones like N95 ng Opera Browser, hindi mo maeenjoy yung 3G Speed diba? The biggest backslash-“es” that i could think of [ag nasa Net Cafe is tha fact that you can’t do a private browsing, and the possibility na ma-Hack yung accounts mo. diba? Malay mo may Key-Logger pala sila. :)

Ardz · 17 years ago

Many Filipinos still think it’s expensive because it’s not free. Personally, I think it’s cheap but not very reliable when you’re on the move, like downloading podcasts on the bus. Actually, my Globe 3G is faster than my Smart Bro with fixed antenna at home when using my smartphone.

Adrian · 17 years ago

ang problem sa 3g sa pinas medyo mabagal sya compare sa ibang bansa. siguro kung yung speed nya eh! mabilis talaga, wala ng problem sa price.

chris · 17 years ago

3G appears to be expensive kahit sabihin natin na PhP20 lang ang rate kada oras kasi nga kagaya ng nasabi kanina it really is bundled to a high end phones or better yet smatphones and netbooks… meron ngang available na murang 3G phones yet hindi capable ng browsing na umaapela sa masa and mostly nagagamit lang as a modem! ngayon nagiging mura ang 3G dahil sa tingin ng iba meron silang magagandang pampalit sa PC on the GO gaya ng mga high end phones and netbooks na hindi naman kasama sa budget ng marginalized community ayun lang hehe ;))

victor · 17 years ago

and yes, sir yuga answered his own question. :p mobility is not everything.

Jhay · 17 years ago

It’s still really a personal preference. Some of my friends use it regularly, some don’t use it at all.

Reliability is the crucial factor, if only telcos would address this issue, then more people would use it on a regular basis.

cmark · 17 years ago

yes it’s cheaper now. before, i was billed by sun postpaid a jawdroppin 4k when my plan is only 350 for using the gprs service. that was traumatic until they got this sun broadband. now surfing the web has already been a daily habit. if only they could deliver with the speed or at least a fraction of it because the average speed of my internet is 90kbps here in c3 caloocan.

3g jumper · 17 years ago

Its not cheap!! its actually FREE! Im using opera mini 4.2 and ebuddy instant messenger, yes you heard me! Its free!!! Even if i dont have any load, im using globe prepaid. Google this “om 4.2 thormentor”. I bet sir yuga will enjoy this! Just dont tell the telcos bout this sir yuga, u have my trust. Ciao

[email protected] · 17 years ago

Maybe the reason why people think 3G is expensive is because many are still unaware that there are already cheap 3G wireless broadband like in sun cellular.

I also thought before that it is not a 3G technology but simply wireless broadband.

Eka · 17 years ago

I think it is a waste. I live in the hear of Manila city and neither Globe or Smart works here. So I did not bother trying Sun anymore as to not waste my money. I don’t think that other think it is expensive, I think what they’re trying to say is it is a waste of money.

August · 17 years ago

why do i think it’s cheap.

instead of calling my love ones abroad using regular phone calls i use mobile voip (nimbuzz or fring) to call them. imagine, a 30 minute call only charges 10 pesos. di ba?

tapos nagdadownload ako sa phone ko using torrent ng isang song that normally cost 50 pesos, wala pang 15 mins, tapos na, so 5 pesos lang.

mura no?

August · 17 years ago

sobra naman “why do FILIPINOS still think…”

my friends and colleagues and a lot of people that i know who use smart, sun, and globe’s 3G service believe that it is reasonable not expensive.

maybe you are talking about those people who cannot afford to get 3G capable phone, pc or laptop. siempre mahal yun sa kanila, di nga sila bumibili ng mid range or high end na gadget eh.

sana ginawa mo nalang why do SOME filipinos. wala ka din naman kinuhanan ng data. may survey ka bang ginawa?

Elizar · 17 years ago

i’m using Globe’s tattoo, but im only using it when im in the city… 3G signal has not reach this part of bulacan yet.. but sometimes even GPRS signal will do just to twit. :)

Patrick · 17 years ago

I agree with all those points. I’d rather look for a free wifi hotspot (which is so common nowadays anyway) than use my phone’s 3G.

JRM · 17 years ago

Netopia (Alabang Town Center branch) charged us PHP60.OO/hour — we are non-members — when we went there last week. Meanwhile, the going rate for surfing at a Pangasinan Internet Cafe (not Netopia) is PHP20.00/hour, while it’s PHP25.00/hour at the Badjao Inn in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Jeric · 17 years ago

Where i usually go to download large files 100mb or more, they only charge P15 per hour. Besides 3g is not that widespread. Here in olongapo where i live, globe and sun has no 3g. I think if the telcos will provide unlimited packages, more people will use and view 3g as cheap.

Reel Advice · 17 years ago

Yeah, I think 3G is cheap but the speed and reliability is the main issue. If telcos fix that problem, people will surely adapt 3G easier.

Pedro · 17 years ago

I’m using Sun Broadband Unlimited P799.oo, I used to think it was expensive… but now that I use the internet regularly, it is well worth it to have Unli connection… Maybe usage of 3G connection is done rarely will you feel that it is expensive…Thanks Sir