Suntel, Globe DUO and the Samsung C5212

As usual my updates are a bit delayed so I really have a lot of catching up to do.

SUNTEL WIRELESS LANDLINE

First an update about my SUNTEL.

- my call forwarding still doesn't work

- signal wise, it seems to me that my location in QC is a black hole for Sun Signals. I usually get good Suntel performance in other locations even in a moving vehicle. And that's in my NOKIA 3120 classic.

So let me give my final verdict for SUNTEL. While the network is unbelievably unstable in one specific address in QC, its generally pretty good. Network interconnection between different wired and wireless land line networks is particularly good.

GLOBE DUO WIRELESS LANDLINE

Which leads me to the Globe DUO. I got a DUO for my prepaid Globe after seeing the experiences of some friends.

Here's my experience so far:

- the call quality is excellent. This network is immune to the black hole in QC. Excellent quality and no dropped calls.

- interconnection problems are an issue though. It seems to have problems calling bayantel numbers and on occasion, some PLDT numbers. I've seen this act before and it seems to me the old telcos might be up to their old tricks again.


I know that the Globe problem is not of its own doing so I won't take it against the DUO service.

Globe must be commended for coming up with all these promos without excluding current subscribers. Its so convenient to have a landline and cellphone on one sim and now they even have broadband internet in my very same sim!

In my opinion, this will leave Smart in the dust if they don't react fast. Sun on the other hand, while it is to be commended for being the reason for all this radical changes in the telecom industry, it must now seek to provide more innovation and flexibility.

For instance, I don't mind paying for my landline service and my cell but I would certainly appreciate it if they can share the same sim.

Also, Sun should be more flexible in allowing current subscribers to upgrade their plans like for the Sun Surf and Text. I don't mind paying a little extra for my plan to be able to integrate the call and surf on my present POSTPAID line.

SAMSUNG C5212

The readers of this blog must know of my ordeal with the SAMSUNG C5212 when used with the SUNTEL and Sun Cellular Service which led to my selling this unit.

Well guess what? It was SUN PERKS time again so I could get a new phone. When I sold my C5212, the friendly local cell technician told me they can unlock it for a low amount. So when I saw that my plan could accommodate the C5212 on a 30 month contract, I went for it.

So now I have a C5212 again. This time sporting my Smart and Globe Prepaid sims. It's doing pretty good in this role. Except for the small inbox, the phone is practically perfect for my needs there. Truth is, I liked the phone before because of some unique features like the blacklist and some other small touches in the user interface. It was just so weak when it came to the Sun network.

At this point I am a pretty happy camper. My C5212 actually sports 3 lines because it carries my Globe, Globe DUO and Smart. One potential problem would be if I wanted to use the Tattoo feature on my Globe but I already carry my Sun Broadband Stick and a prepaid Smart Bro so I don't foresee any problems there.

Before closing, I am pretty much aware of how hard it was to communicate before. I used a rotary phone for a long time. We were so fascinated with CB radios and VHF/UHF stuff. We even set up 10 meter radios to take advantage of skips to be able to talk to people in other countries. I started data communications with a 2400 bps Dial up internal modem for crying out loud! To be honest I never thought I would see this much technological change in my life.

Fast forward to today, I am connected to pretty much the world. Wherever I go now I can connect at broadband speeds to the net via my netbook or phones. And I sell GPS tracking systems that can track a vehicle here from ANYWHERE in the world.

Nowadays life is one exciting tech trip with new things around every corner. Sure it hurts your wallet and sometime I know I will have to say enough.

But hey I was born in the tech desert and I haven't seen this much water in the first 25 years of my life. So is it any wonder then that I carry 5 phones, 1 netbook, 2 usb modems wherever I go?