SINGAPORE–As usual, being in Singapore has reminded me how unfortunate we Filipinos are when it comes to our information technology infrastructure.
Frankly, I don’t know how our telcos do it. I don’t how, year after year, they can get away with providing us with lousy service while still raking in money. While the availability and affordability of broadband has, to be fair, improved over the years, it doesn’t change the fact that what passes for broadband in the Philippines is laughable by the standards of other countries, such as Singapore. And forget quality of service — if all the horror stories we hear about the quality of broadband in certain areas are anything to go by, even when we part with our hard-earned money, we’re never really sure just what kind of service we’ll get, depending on which area we happen to reside.
So why do telcos get away with providing broadband services that are sometimes much slower than dial-up connections? Why are we consumers expected to grin and bear it if the service in our area is horrible due to some technical problem or lack of adequate coverage?
And to think of all the money they spend on glowing ads that tout how cutting-edge their technology is and how much they’re improving the lives of Filipinos. How many Smart Bro users out there feel like puking whenever they see those ads claiming that this service is the “broadband ng bayan”? Where exactly are these areas where Smart Bro actually has speeds that qualify as broadband? And if you’re one of those users who doesn’t get to enjoy these speeds, sorry ka na lang ba. tiis na lang?
You hear horror stories about all broadband services in the Philippines, whether it’s from PLDT, Globe, Destiny, whatever, that you start wondering if availing of these services in the Philippines is a crapshoot, a game of chance, only we keep ending up with crap.
So what’s the solution to finally ensuring that Filipinos won’t have to put up with shitty service? Is it finally time to get rid of the service area scheme, because quite frankly, I’d like to have as many choices as I can — if only to get the lesser evil. How much are telcos actually investing in their infrastructure?
It’s a pity, because we Filipinos do have world-class talents and skills. We can compete with the best of them when it comes to creativity. But unlike Singapore and countries more blessed than we are, we’re held back by private companies that keep dropping the ball when it comes to infrastructure — and a government that keeps letting them get away with it.
So tell me, who’s your broadband provider, and what’s your horror story?
July 6th, 2007 at 11:37 am
In reality and technically speaking it is impossible to meet the data speed those ISP’s claiming. It’s a data sharing hierarchy plus all the medium factors to consider I bet it won’t happen you get what you paid for. It’s just all about marketing strategy to entice we subscribers. NTC should do their job as a governing body to scrutinize and study what this company’s marketing to the people…..ONAD
July 5th, 2007 at 12:43 am
Don’t deprecate our country too much. Although it’s really fast here in Singapore, not everyone is happy. Just check out Singapore forums about Singnet and Starhub.
I’m into Starhub Ultimate Maxonline too, supposed to be up to 100Mbps. But the real speed I get is 0.964Mpbs. Still fast, but clearly false marketing.
July 4th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Well, it’s a poor country. What do you expect.
July 4th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
I think comparing broadband connection in the Philippines and Singapore is firstly outrageous. The author simply did’nt get it and I guess simply does’nt know anything about the market dynamics of telecom industry.
Comparing SG which is the size of Makati City to Philippines which has around 7000+ plus island is just mind bondgling.
Although I agree that service level is definitely not acceptable in most cases… but has improved after the deregulation of the industry - now you have a choice. I recently got a DSL connection since 2006 , internet speed is acceptable and I only needed to add 200 pesos on my telephone bill.
I do hope that further research is put into the blog next time….
July 4th, 2007 at 8:22 am
I am subscribed to Skydsl at 384 kpbs and I got as 384 upload and download. Hooray! To get your actual speed use DUMeter and not just any web broadband speed meter because the will offer different results.