Smart offers ‘always-on’ Internet service

Shortly after launching its new “all-network” call and text message service offers, industry leader Smart Communications Inc. has unveiled a new set of mobile phone browsing options for its 46 million users.

Smart earlier this week launched its “always-on” Internet packages as part of efforts to get more people accessing the Internet using their mobile devices.

The new service charges users based on the amount of data they send and receive using their mobile phones, instead of the usual timed metering systems used today.

“Our mobile subscribers are getting more and more diverse, which is why we are introducing more flexible offerings,” said Smart Broadband Internet and Data Services head Giovanni Bacareza.

“With Always On, we’re making it easier for Filipinos to enjoy mobile Internet connectivity at a price that fits their budget. We don’t want them to worry about data charges beyond what they are willing to spend.”

Under the timed-metering system, subscribers are charged for every minute their devices are connected to the Internet.

The company said by charging for every kilobyte of data transmitted, instead of for every minute connected, the network’s subscribers no longer need to worry about leaving their phones connected to the Web.

The new service will be available in several options, with the lowest denomination of P20 giving users 25 megabytes of data for one day. The most expensive, a P995 option, gives users as much as 2 gigabytes of data, good for 30 days.

“Always-On reduces the risk of unexpected data charges as it notifies users via SMS once they have consumed 80 percent of their package,” Bacareza said.

Users who prefer a time-based Internet scheme can still avail of an UNLIsurf package starting at just P50 for a whole day of unlimited surfing. UNLIsurf also comes in P300 (seven days) and P1,200 (30 days) denominations.

Smart boasts of the “nationwidest” mobile broadband coverage in the Philippines. With high-speed 3G base stations located all over Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Smart says its subscribers are assured of stable and reliable connectivity wherever they may be in the country.