A couple of nights ago, Smart invited us to a roundtable discussion about their latest gadget that consumers can take with them on their travels. Their latest product, Smart World Travel WiFi, allows users to use the internet in over 100 countries for PhP390 or PhP490 per travel, depending on the type of service you avail.
Why does this even matter? Typically, a cost of roaming services is around PhP500 to PhP600. I tested Smart’s no-bill-shock roaming services in 3 countries this year and I admit that the service is worth every penny. There are, however, times when you need to be abroad for more than a week, and as social media buffs as most of us are, having an internet connection is a requirement. This is where Smart World Travel WiFi come into play.
When you connect using the device, you are basically connected to the host country’s internet infrastructure. This is unlike roaming services, as such requires the connection to be routed back to the remote (country, i.e.,Philippines), and then throw the connection back to the host (country where user is in). This also explains why it is more expensive by PhP200 more. When using roaming service, you have to pay for various fees such as [via GSMA]:
- signaling network fees
- wholesale charge for using the data connection on the visited network
- cost for the internet transit of data
- costs for connecting to the internet from the home network
- data clearing house fees
- commercial, IT, prepay check costs
With Smart’s nifty pocketable gadget, you connect directly to the host country. This can be availed without breaking the bank. As earlier said, it only costs PhP390 or PhP490 24-hour pass depending on the country you’re going. Delivery is free, and payment may either be charged to your bill (for postpaid), airtime load (for prepaid) or debit card.
For more information about this new service, head on to their website (https://smart.com.ph/World/traveling-the-world/book-travel-wifi).
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
