With our mobile internet getting better now thanks to the utilization of the 700MHz frequency band of Globe and Smart, we expect a complete rehaul of our nationwide internet experience by 2018.
Parts of Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Davao, Boracay, Rizal are now experiencing better 4G LTE speeds and soon, more parts of the nation will experience speeds of 15Mbps or higher. Now, in order to experience this kind of speed, just remember that you need to have the right device as well.
So how can you experience a mobile internet speed like this?
There are many factors that can affect your internet speed, some of them are just simple settings configuration in your smartphone. Here are some reminders in how to get the best internet experience.
- Replace your old sim card
Check if your sim card is old, usually you need to replace the card every three years to have an optimum connection between your device and network. Right now, getting a Tri-Cut sim is sure to have an LTE connection where Micro sims are still only capable up to 3G connection.
If you had your original sim manually cut, there is a chance of misalignment and could lead to signal problems. It’s best to go to your telco’s nearest branch for a sim replacement to avoid the hassle.
2.Check your APN settings
- For Globe: “internet.globe.com.ph”
- For Smart: “internet” or “SMARTLTE”
Usually, Access Point Names (APN) is already automatic when you open a new phone. But in some cases, these aren’t possible due to imported phones or jailbroken smartphones. So you need to configure them manually.
If your phone can’t connect to the internet, especially when someone else holds your phone…most likely the settings got screwed up. So check your Mobile Data or Cellular APN settings to see if they are correct.
3. Use Auto for Preferred Network Mode
In your 4G LTE capable smartphone, you have the option to choose your network preference. From GSM only (Calls and text only), WCDMA only (3G Data and calls only), WCDMA/GSM Auto (2G and 3G), LTE/CDMA/GSM Auto (LTE, 3G, 4G).
The best to pick is the Auto mode where it changes the mode of preference to 2G, 3G, and 4G based on the available signal. Now there are some smartphones that offer LTE-only and we strongly against that mode as there will be no SMS and Calls coming in your device as our basic services are still via 2G or 3G.
4. Have the right device
If your phone is from 2015 and above, there is a high chance that you are already using 4G LTE connection. But now, you need to look more than that as you need to check for 700MHz / Band 28 capability.
You can simply check your phone via www.gsmarena.com to see if your phone is Band 28 / 700MHz LTE compatible, if yes then you can get the most out of your device. Here in Hungry Geeks, we started mentioning the pros of having a 700MHz device in our reviews as well.
5. Observe your data bucket
With mobile data subscription, you are using a pay-per bucket subscription. So you should be aware of your data consumption, one good thing to do is to download your telco’s app to check on your account status.
That would be either the Globe GServices or MySmart app. This will give necessary info such as subscriptions, available load, and data. This helps to avoid those moments where you needed the internet but you ran out of data.
Basically, that’s it, have a little bit more patience with our internet as it is getting faster. Do set your expectation as even the government is now involved for faster internet, we just need a bit more time and let the telcos expand with more cell sites.
