So, you like to tweet, post status updates and download on your smartphone.
But you're worried about overcharged monthly dues and bill shock. You are not alone.
What is bill shock?
It's that feeling of shock, confusion, anger and frustration upon seeing a ridiculous amount on your monthly phone bill.
Example:
"What?!?! I'm on a P299 a month postpaid plan and I need to pay P3,000?!?!"
The horrors of bill shock end today.
For iPhone and Data Lite plans, the maximum charge for mobile data use over and above the plan's allowed limit is P1,200. No more, no less. No registration, no expiry, no worries.
End the hate for overcharged bills and bill shock. With these SMART tips, it's going to be mobile surfing love all the way!
SMART Tips for worry-free mobile surfing
- Know your Wi-Fi
- Be apps-rehensive
- Check your email synchronization settings
- Watch out for hot keys
- Review your Blackberry access point
- Know your data needs when roaming
- Subscribe to a data package that best suits your needs
Tip #1: Know you Wi-Fi
Most smartphones switch over from Wi-Fi to mobile data once Wi-Fi connection becomes unavailable. For example, if you’re surfing using Wi-Fi and then lost the Wi-Fi coverage, some phones automatically switch to data connection such as 3G or HSPA.
If you are not subscribed to unlimited surfing packages, you can be charged P10 per 30 minutes.
Be familiar with the icons of your phone when connecting to the internet.
|
Common Wi-Fi Symbols
 If you see these Wi-Fi symbols on your phone,
it means you can browse the internet for free
using the available Wi-Fi connections. |
Common Data Symbols
If you see these DATA network icons, it means you are connected to the SMART network and being charged accordingly. |
If you are using a Blackberry device, set the default browser to hotspot browser. For Nokia phones, long press the end call button to manually disconnect from the network.
Tip #2: Be apps-rehensive
Some widgets are auto-connected to the internet. You can switch off mobile data when not needed.
Watch our video tutorials to know how to properly switch mobile data ON or OFF.
Tip #3: Check your email sync settings
If you have an email set-up with automatic retrieval or sync settings, your phone will auto-connect to the data network regularly to get mailbox updates.
To avoid this, you may opt to use manual synchronization setting or disable automatic retrieval. This way, you can choose when and how often you want to get email updates. For smartphones, tap the Email widget to check your mail setup. For Nokia S60, the mailbox is placed under “Messaging” folder.
Tip #4: Watch-out for hot keys
Some phones have hotkeys that will automatically connect your phone to the internet.
- Nokia: Long-press the zero button (applies to some models)
- Sony Ericsson: Earth or arrow internet shortcut key
To avoid unintentional connection to the internet, set your homepage to http://m.smart.com.ph. Accessing this site is free of charge.
Tip #5: Review your Blackberry access point
If you’re a BlackBerry user and subscribed to any Blackberry data package, you can have additional charges if your phone is not properly configured. Your default APN should be set to blackberry.net to avoid additional charges. When you register to a Blackberry data package, you will receive four (4) notification messages to confirm your subscription to the service. The fourth message will trigger the APN provisioning. Without this, you will not be able to use the Blackberry package.
Options > Advanced Options > TCP/IP
Tip #6: Know your data needs when roaming
If you are outside the country, you can connect to the data network of SMART’s roaming partners to access the internet and receive emails. However, different roaming charges will apply.
You can opt to deactivate data roaming while traveling abroad to save on data charges. Turning data services off disables receiving of emails and all data-related services like web browsing.
Watch our video tutorials to know how to properly switch data roaming ON or OFF.
Promo subscriptions and unlimited packages are not available for accounts on international roaming. Regular international roaming data charges will apply.
Tip #7: Subscribe to a data package that best suits your needs
We have a vast number of unlimited packages to help you manage data charging costs.
Other commercially released value added services (such as Nokia Messaging, Facebook mobile app) are not included in the services above. Data packages are not available for accounts on international roaming. Regular international roaming data charges will apply.
If you subscribe to BlackBerry packages, you should receive four confirmation messages. The fourth message will trigger the provisioning. Without this, you will not be able to use the Blackberry package.
Be connected all day and night – worry free!
Tips in this article cover general guidelines for mobile browsing. You may check your handset manual for specific details on your handset's browsing settings. Information contained in this article may change without prior notice.