Smart unit offers easy Net access

In line with its thrust of “broadbanding” the country or making wireless broadband Internet services more accessible and affordable to more people, Smart Broadband, Inc. (SBI) has come up with an innovative gadget that will enable users to easily link to the worldwide web anytime, anywhere.

Using a device called USB modem that can easily be plugged to a laptop or a desktop computer, users will be able to access the Internet with speeds ranging from 384 to 768 kbps. This latest offering of the wireless broadband subsidiary of leading wireless services provider Smart Communications is initially available under Plan 799. The plan includes Internet usage of 60 hours per month, and P10 every 30 minutes in excess thereof.

“This takes Internet access to the next level. With the portable USB modem, areas that previously could not avail of broadband services will have instant Internet access, as long as there is Smart network coverage. Through this, we will be able to achieve our goal of connecting those in the remote provinces to the rest of the world, thus, providing true mobility,” SBI president Rolando Peña explained

Meanwhile, Smart mainstream acquisition head Kathryn Carag said SBI’s Smart BRO Plan 799 offering also makes it affordable to those who could previously only access the Internet in Internet cafes or those who use the prepaid dial-up service.

At only P799 a month, even fresh graduates on their first jobs may already qualify for the service. To avail of the plan, requirements include a monthly salary of P12,000, and any of the following financial documents: latest income tax return, current bank statement, or bank certification letter. A one-time charge for the modem costs P1,999.

The kit comes with a data modem, PC software and a user guide, among others. The modem will work in Windows 2000 and XP. Before the end of the year, the modem will be compatible with other operating systems.

As of end-September 2007, Smart BRO has over 259,000 users, adding about 138,000 new subscribers in the first nine months of the year. Smart now has 2,678 wireless broadband-enabled base stations providing high-speed Internet access to over 625 cities and municipalities nationwide.

Smart BRO is an integral part of the PLDT Group’s strategy to be at the forefront of “broadbanding” the country.