Mobile Blogging in Laguna
Posted on | May 4, 2008 | 6 Comments
This is the first time that I’m blogging and I’m not in front on my desktop PC (which rarely happens). I’m currently in Laguna right now (Calamba, Laguna to be specific) on a yearly summer family reunion. For readers not familiar with it, Laguna is a province located southeast of Metro Manila.
I’m using Smart’s 3G connection through my Nokia N95 connected to my laptop. Download speed is pretty decent at 384kbps though I can’t get a good VOIP call. It’s understandable since latency problem is common on a wireless connection and can be a big hindrance to VOIP and data streaming.
Smart’s Internet rate is also cheap at Php10 every 30 minutes which is almost the same with what you pay on Internet cafes these days. Smart 3G hotspots seems almost everywhere now. The 3G status on my phone didn’t drop from Manila to Laguna on a moving bus.
Since I arrived here, I already used my 3G connection for browsing, downloading AV updates and some PDF documents. Some of my cousins watched Youtube videos then listened to some online radio.
For Smart 3G users, here’s a list of 3G hotspots around the country. The list is updated from time to time and I have been using it for reference. For Globe users, you are not left out. Globe already announced that their GPRS/3G/HSDPA access is 5 pesos for every 15 minutes.
So far, I’m pretty happy with Smart’s wireless Internet offering and the freedom to be online almost everywhere. Service and coverage will definitely improve in the future. Have you use 3G to access the Internet or use it for a video call? What’s your experience?
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6 Responses to “Mobile Blogging in Laguna”
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Etcetera
May 11th, 2008 @ 4:51 pm
wow it’s great speed for mobile
thanks for dropping by. happy mothers day 
pandi merdekas last blog post..The Legend of Kedono Kedini in Java Tribe
May 12th, 2008 @ 7:25 pm
You got some nice speeds there
That is almost as fast as my Smartbro home DSL. Maybe faster, depends if my base station is undergoing maintenance. :/
May 13th, 2008 @ 2:55 am
I haven’t tried one..
i think it still depends on how great the signal is.. of course if the signal is low your speed will also be slow..
May 13th, 2008 @ 11:59 pm
pandi merdeka,
Speed is great but I was hoping for above 512kbps speeds.
Rai,
Speed is adequate for normal browsing and downloads. It should be almost the same speeds with Smart Bro without carrying a pole tall antenna,.
Vance,
Actually I have full 3G signal and the Smart tower is just within 100 meters from our location. From what I read from other users, the highest speed on a Smart 3G connection is only around 384kbps.
May 14th, 2008 @ 4:09 am
thats great.. ok na yung 384kbps.. thats fast enough for wireless net in our country.
May 20th, 2008 @ 11:53 pm
anu kase mahina upload speed ng smart 3g kaya ganun
ralphs last blog post..Toshiba – Satellite X205-SLi5