Truth in advertising

Destination: an island

Aim: vacation

Hitch: work while being there

Good news: strong Globe and Smart signals

During the holiday break, I was forced to buy a mobile broadband plugin so I can work online with my clients while on a supposed vacation. But before doing that I went to the two mobile giants so I can enjoy full access to the internet. 

GLOBE TATTOO categorically told me that there would be a problem with their connection on that place. From intermittent to nothing, the agent told me. Sorry sir, she said. 

SMARTBRO assured me that they can give me a good service. Wherever there is a Smart signal Sir there is Smartbro, the lady at the service counter brags.

Expectedly, I bought Smartbro and informed my clients that I will be online whenever they wanted me to.

I was wrong.

The moment I plugged Smartbro to my laptop, it took forever to connect. I was even wondering if I have consumed the 300 pesos I loaded into it PLUS the 300 pesos FREE internet hours they said was a blessing (which actually was activated only after days of usage!). The connection ranged from 0.00kbps to 0.32kbps peaking sometimes to 40.00kbps in very rare moments.

While I was supposed to be online all I did was stare at the green light on the device hoping and praying it would go blue or blink heaven for my sakes.

I was never happy surfing despite the HAPPY SMARTBRO SURFING mark on the Smartbro box I had.

Smartbroken AGAIN!

My problem with Smartbro has never abated. I am tired already of seeing their reps at Smart Center. Also, I could not get hold of a Smart mobile (I am a Globe subscriber) and really would not call because I always received the same spiel. So I wrote to them through their Feedback page.

This is to inform you that I am a Smartbro subscriber. My account number is $$$$$$$$$$ and my service reference number is $$$$$$$$$$.

I have been a very avid fan of Smartbro and was telling my friends to subscribe into it because it connects fast and very reliable. But lately this is not the case. It is funny I could not even access smart.com.ph/connect, that site being slow and full of errors when I logged in.

Which brings me to my problem with Smartbro. For a month now, the connection has been crawling. In fact, it would take me 15-30 minutes just to open a website. Sometimes I have NO CONNECTION for a day. I asked the Smart Center in SM City Cebu but I only received the usual spiel your customer service reps would tell me- WE ARE UPGRADING OUR SYSTEM.

I have the same problem with Smartbro a year ago and the same reason was given to me. When can I ever have the upgraded system?

Please restore my faith in your product. 

Very truly yours, EDIK DOLOTINA

I receive this generated reply and hoping they would act on my problem on time.

Customer Care Feedback Form

Your feedback has been sent to Smart Customer Care. You shall receive a response as soon as your message has been attended to by a Smart Customer Care Officer.

Your feedback reference number is 78537.