To save on roaming charges, I used to manually register for Globe's Bridge DataRoam Unlimited that costs US$10 (1-day), US$27 (3-days), US$40 (5-days), and is available to the following countries: Hong Kong (CSL), Singapore (Singtel), Thailand (AIS), Malaysia (Maxis), Macau (CTM), Australia (Optus), Taiwan (Taiwan Mobile), Indonesia (Telkomsel), India (Bharti Airtel), and South Korea (SK Telecom). Let's say I pay ₱1,800 on top of my bill for 5-days unlimited data abroad, not bad right?
But by end of May 2014, Globe Telecom launched a new standard rate for unlimited mobile surfing. According to Globe, "With the new default ₱599 per day unlimited data roaming rate, subscribers are guaranteed of no bill shock, especially those who don’t get to activate or renew promo subscriptions." I've read about this on Twitter but didn't mind it because my phone will be (most of the time) on airplane mode when I'm abroad.
I just don't understand why Globe automatically charges ₱599 for the first data usage. What if I needed to use data for emergency? I remember using Google Maps for less than 10 minutes while inside the cab to help the driver find the exact location of our hotel in Bangkok. For less than 10 minutes, ₱599 agad? Over naman ata. I was expecting to get charged by KB (kilobytes) usage which I think is wayyy cheaper than the new rate.
Come on, Globe! This new roaming plan is stupid. Wala naman sanang gulangan. Unfair yung automatic charging of ₱599 a day for data. Anyway, I've already filed formal complaint about this. My bill as of the moment is currently ₱3,300. If you're from Globe, here's my ref. no. is 54920742.
UPDATE AS OF JUNE 21, 2014: Got my latest bill and I'm so glad that Globe adjusted the fees earlier than expected. Thanks for the fast response, Globe! Anyway, I do hope you you think twice about this new data roaming promo. It's quite unfair for those like me who know how the system works. #JustSaying
Hi TravelJunkie! How did you raise your complaint? Through globe hotline? I have the same case and the customer agent told me that it is not possible to adjust since the charge is automatic upon opening the cellular data. What did you say in your complaint?
ReplyDeleteI usually send them tweets. For now kasi I think it's hard to complain coz matagal ng implemented yung rule. Unlike when this incident happened to me, wala pa one month yung implementation at hindi pa siya alam ng lahat. I showed proof also na I did not use my Globe the entire trip coz I bought a sim when I went to Cambodia. Nag sidetrip lang ako to Bangkok that's why I needed to use my Globe data.
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