Smart creates tool for customers to monitor broadband data usage

MANILA, Philippines - Subscribers now have the means to effectively track and maximize their mobile broadband subscriptions in real-time.

Smart Communications Inc. has launched an innovative tool that will help mobile broadband subscribers monitor their data usage at any time, as well as prevent the occurrence of unintended charges, among others.

Called Dashboard, the new utility is initially available to all Smart Bro prepaid users accessing the Internet through their Plug-It, Pocket Wi-Fi, or tablet devices.

“With more Filipinos gaining access to affordable mobile broadband services today, users need to be wiser about how they make the most out of their subscriptions,” said Michele Curran, Smart’s data and international services marketing head.

“Dashboard ensures that users can manage their broadband credits wisely and conveniently so they can maximize every hard-earned peso,” Curran added.

With the help of Dashboard, users can now manage their Smart Bro subscriptions so they can:

• Know their SIM number. This is a common frustration among mobile broadband users, which the Dashboard addresses by displaying the user’s broadband SIM number prominently on the sidebar. Knowing your SIM number means it’s easier to buy e-load from retailers, load cards, and convenience stores.

• Monitor their real-time usage. “When will my unlimited surfing package expire?” “Do I have enough megabytes to watch this YouTube video?” These are just some of the questions users encounter when they surf the Internet. With Dashboard, the real-time status of their load balance, promo validity or megabyte consumption can be quickly seen, so users can easily manage their usage.

• Know their “data” appetite. Not everyone needs an unlimited broadband subscription. Are you in the office a lot and can connect to your network’s Wi-Fi? Then you could be better off subscribing to a Flexitime or Always On package. By having the ability to monitor broadband usage through Dashboard, users will be able to know their data appetite.

• Instantly subscribe to the package that best suits them. Once you know your data appetite, choosing the correct broadband package — whether it’s Unlisurf, Flexisurf or Always On — becomes easy. And with Dashboard, all you have to do is click on your desired package and you will be subscribed immediately. No more need for memorizing complicated promo codes and access numbers.

• Take advantage of “free” offers. Aside from various account management features, Smart Bro’s Dashboard also allows free access to the user’s Facebook and Twitter feeds via SmartNet. Using Dashboard, subscribers can also explore a vast world of digital content available through SPINNR, GameX, and Clickplay, where every purchase can easily be deducted from their prepaid loads.

• Prevent unintended charges. At the heart of Dashboard is an innovative feature called “Load Protect,” which helps prevent unintended data charges. Once turned on, this feature will make sure that users will not be charged the standard P5-per-15-minute rate whenever their subscribed packages expire or run out of hours or volume.

This latest innovation from Smart Bro is available to all current and new prepaid users and postpaid subscribers of Smart Bro’s LTE plans. For smartphone and tablet users, they can download an Android app on their devices that includes all Dashboard features. For more information on Dashboard, visit smart.com.ph/bro.