Phaw recently just moved in into California Garden Square as a result of getting tired of going back and forth from Laguna to Boni and back. This prompted him to find a way to get an internet connection so that he could still continue being online to manage his online business and of course to blog =P.

He asked one of his housemates how he connects to the internet and he said that he uses his 3G phone as a modem to connect to the internet via the Smart network.

“That’s cool!” Phaw exclaims.

But there is also another Smart network service that is being advertised all over the country. This is the Smart Bro Prepaid. Here is a brief description of the service from Smart and Phaw quotes:

Smart BRO brings you another exciting product, Smart BRO Prepaid that allows you to surf the net anywhere there’s a PC! Absolutely no Monthly Service Fee since it’s prepaid!

With the Smart BRO USB Modem (a small, palm-sized device) that comes with every application, you get instant connection to the internet just by plugging it to your computer.

Phaw went to a Smart Wireless Center to inquire of this service and asked how he could get one. First, he asked for the initial cost to get connected. As stated by the customer service rep, you would need to pay Php4,500 as initial cost for the modem and this price would also include a Php30 free load. Next, Phaw inquired about the rates as shown below:

So, that is Php20 per hour. It’s like going to an internet cafe to surf the internet. The rep also mentioned it is best that you have a 3G signal at your area to enjoy the full benefits of the service.

Now, how is having a 3G phone used as a modem better than getting this service that comes with a dedicated modem? Basically the only difference between the two ways of connecting to the internet is the modem used. The rates are the same(Php20/hour) but the Smart Bro prepaid modem uses 3G signal to get data(as mentioned by the rep). That means if you do not have a 3G signal in your area then getting a Smart Bro prepaid kit is a definite NO because you won’t have any internet connection.

However, if you buy a 3G-enabled phone, it is way more worth it for your money because when you are not using the phone as a modem, you can use it as a normal cellphone! Additionally, if you don’t have 3G signal in your area, it would use GPRS to transfer data(though at a slower rate). Can the smartbro prepaid modem do that? Phaw doesn’t think so.

If you already have a 3G phone, then you needn’t cash-out Php4,500 just to get the kit. All you need to do is buy a Smart sim card to avail of the 3G services they offer.

Thus, getting a Smart 3G phone and using it as a modem to connect to the internet is better because:

• It is a better value for your money
• It can connect to the internet even without a 3G signal

Make sure to check out the site for more related information about Smart 3G phone is a smarter choice than Smart Bro Prepaid .

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