The internet is everything during a pandemic that has severed physical connections as a safety and health precaution. Work and school are at home, prompting Filipinos nationwide to search for fast and reliable wi-fi connections that address their needs.
Globe Telecom's home broadband services saw an increase in demand over the past year, with promises of better services and wider coverage as the country rides out pandemic. With the end far in sight, it's best to subscribe to a plan that works for you and maximize it every month.
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Here's how to figure out which home wi-fi plan to get, according to Globe:
Assess your needs
Most families have students attending online classes and employees working from home, but what you do outside of the regular schedule should be taken into consideration. Before you can sign up for a plan, you have to know your needs, said Globe Vice President for Marketing Barbara Dapul.
According to Globe Head of Broadband Business Darius Darius Delgado, there was a surge for at-home demands which include entertainment services like gaming and streaming to help Filipinos in quarantine pass the time.
If you're working to beat the next level at a game or watching the latest episode of a series, you might want to sign up for a plan specific to those needs.
Number of users
Count the number of people connected to the internet at the same time. Three to four family members on a video call at one time can mean lags, so going for plans with faster speeds or more data allocation is recommended.
If the family is split into daytime and nighttime shifts, the number of concurrent users goes down, making for even usage throughout the day. Still, take note of the weekends when everyone's doing their own thing.
Layout matters
For those with multiple rooms, placement of the router can spell the difference between a smooth video call and one rife with disconnections.
Walls hinder connection so a strategic location in the house is optimal, Delgado said. Placing it near a window is also advised, Globe Senior Vice President for Communications Yoly Crisanto said.
Globe also offers add-on devices such as a wi-fi mesh for better distribution at home.
Working with a budget
Once you've determined your needs, you have to set aside a budget for the subscription. Globe offers plans from 10 mbps to 500 mbps, and even up to 1 gbps. A 25 mbps plan covers most essentials for work and school, Delgado said.
Aside from speed and data, it's good to ask if you need a wi-fi mesh for your home, Dapul said.
Globe offers postpaid plans, but prepaid plans are also available at a more affordable price point.
Monitoring usage
Monitoring consumption and usage is another way to maximize your plan. Through the Globe at HOME app, you can check your data, speed, and expiry date.
The numbers paint a picture of how you use up your subscription and could help you right-size next month's plan, even if your current setup works for you now.
Underspending or using less? You can opt for a more affordable plan next month or next year. Been experiencing lag with so many people connected at a time? Maybe it's a time for an upgrade.
