Balikbayan with Iphone 3g

**redgea4** · 10-22-2008, 06:46 AM

Hello fellow iphone users. This is my first post here and already have questions

. I will be coming home for 3-5 months for business and I am wondering what my options are if I wanted to use my unlocked iphone with internet 3g capability since I will be needing to access my emails constantly. I know globe offers 3g service but do I need to sign up with their plan for ayear or two? Are there any pay as you go services with internet capabilities?

Currently I am using Tmobile and their 3g service which just came out a couple of days ago.

TIA.

Redge

**Sponsor** · 10-22-2008 06:46 AM

**rafaelc378** · 10-22-2008, 06:54 AM

You can use Globe or Smart's prepaid 3G service. Check out their websites for more info.

**jaze** · 10-22-2008, 08:38 AM

Hi Redge!

Globe's pay-as-you-go (aka prepaid) service already has Internet capabilities.

Just don't forget to register to their duration-based charging scheme. Once you pop in that SIM card, text TIME to 1111 immediately, so you can start surfing.

BUT, if you'll use your iPhone primarily for push email functions, I'd suggest you stick to their volume-based charging (which is the default). You only pay for whatever you download (15 centavos per kilobyte).

Either way, the short answer to your question is: Yes, you can use your unlocked iPhone 3G with any of the telecoms here in the Philippines.

**redgea4** · 10-22-2008, 10:52 PM

Many thanks to all that replied to my questions.

**ailes** · 10-22-2008, 10:57 PM

you may use a prepaid sim or a postpaid if you have one.. just go to the nearest biz center to check which services are activated in your number..

**crescent** · 10-30-2008, 01:05 PM

hi, i will be having the same deal when i visit the Philippines.

which telco has a reliable 3G services for the following places.
Metro Manila, Panglao Island, Palawan, Cebu, Iloilo and Boracay?

thanks.

**savadious** · 11-03-2008, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by crescent

hi, i will be having the same deal when i visit the Philippines.

which telco has a reliable 3G services for the following places.
Metro Manila, Panglao Island, Palawan, Cebu, Iloilo and Boracay?

thanks.

SMART often has better coverage in the provinces than the other carriers. I would suggest you buy one of EACH sim... then you can switch out if needed...

You can buy a prepaid sim for under P100 ... or about $2 USD max... often times cheaper.

They are ready for immediate use, require no visit to a retailer and can be purchased ANYWHERE - even your local 7-11

**raypin** · 11-03-2008, 07:21 AM

Originally Posted by crescent

hi, i will be having the same deal when i visit the Philippines.

which telco has a reliable 3G services for the following places.
Metro Manila, Panglao Island, Palawan, Cebu, Iloilo and Boracay?

thanks.

here's what a Boholano techie says about it: http://www.junauza.com/2008/07/bohol...-hotspots.html .

For Metro Manila, Palawan, Cebu and Boracay, Smart and Globe have good infra in place to serve the internet needs of visitors and residents alike.

For more info on smart's 3g areas:http://smart.com.ph/Corporate/About/...G-Coverage.htm

**crescent** · 11-03-2008, 10:40 AM

thanks for your replies, i think i will settle with Smart. I remember using Globe (2G) before and couldnt even load it up when i was back overseas.

the bohol blog sums it up on wifi - they (resorts) will milk you whenever they can. hence the better if i can get 3G to work even just to use email.

**3g confused** · 11-11-2008, 09:30 AM

To the user who started this thread (Balikbayan w/ iphone 3G) -
wanted to ask a stupid question....you said you have an iphone but have phone/3G service from T-Mobile? Do you live in the US? How'd you get an iphone that isn't connected to ATT? Better yet, where did you get an unlocked iphone?

I am debating on whether to get the iphone or the new G1 (Google) phone from TMobile. The negative about ATT is that they won't unlock the iphone but TMobile will unlock the G1 for me after 90 days.

thanks!