Is there an improvement with the Philippines Internet Connection?

I've written this blog post in 2017. And I've been ranting about the Philippines' internet connection since 2016. Many times I've been upgrading my telephone bundle internet connection just to get a good surfing experience. I've wasted money. One time, a client bought me an LTE wired connection worth 10,000 Pesos.

Philippines Internet Connection is Hopeless

As much as I want to travel around the Philippines with my laptop, the only frustration that I have is the internet connection. Both Globe and Smart suck. The reason I prefer traveling to other countries is I can find a place with a faster internet connection. After 5 months of being away from home which I spent my 2 months in Taiwan, I have the best time in the said country full of dumplings and bubble milk tea.

Today's comment: Yes, I've been to many countries. The more I am on Facebook, the more I can read people ranting about the internet connection. From 2017 to 2021, all sentiments are the same.

Read the article: Why it is so difficult to find a job in the Philippines?

The Philippines is an Expensive Country

This is my point of view as a local as I am also traveling in and out. Traveling around is expensive from bus rides to ferry rides and is very inconvenient. Unless you are for adventure and don’t mind work then go for it. But I know several people who travel on the weekends so it’s not a problem for them. I prefer long-term travel.

Today's comment: When my husband and I were in Palawan in 2019, he told me that everything is so expensive in the Philippines. He told me that Phuket, Thailand is way cheaper. From groceries to motorbike rentals, from a long-term room or house rental to transportation in getting around Thailand.

Read the article: Why Thailand is the best place for Digital Nomad?

Globe and Smart Give You 800 MB to 1 GB Limit Per Day of Internet Usage

As of this writing, I registered my SuperSurf subscription at 8 AM. At 12:44 PM, I received a text message that my data usage has been high so they need to slow down my connection. I am just updating this blog and checking other travel blogs for inspiration. I decided to register another surfing promo which is the GoSurf.

Today's comment: Based on my experience in Myanmar, Thailand, and Bali (Indonesia), buying a sim card upon arrival is worth the price. I never experienced buying data per GB every now and then. When your apartment or guesthouse has wifi, they actually have a better connection compared to the Philippines.

LTE Mobile Wi-Fi is for Facebook and Instagram Use Only

I found out that I can only use my mobile Wi-Fi for apps such as Facebook, Instagram, and other messaging apps. But I had trouble browsing different websites as it automatically slows down. When I was in Taiwan, I rented iVideo pocket Wi-Fi there and I had no problem as I was able to work on my laptop with a decent internet connection.

Today's comment: Oh, to be honest. I paid 3,000 Pesos for a 30 GB in Palawan with SMART LTE. The mobile connection in the Philippines makes you poorer.

I Can’t-Do Facebook Live and Instagram Stories

With this slowpoke mobile wi-fi connection that I have, I won’t dare myself to do Facebook live videos as it is a waste of time and data. I only did my first live video in Taiwan during a hike to the waterfall and hot spring.

Today's comment: I won't waste my data in the Philippines using FB and IG live unless I have so much money.

Broadband Internet Connection is Expensive

Before traveling, I’ve been working at home and I even lost a $6 per hour job because I had a hard time uploading high-quality photos. The client was disappointed and he thought I was wasting my time not doing anything. I was connected with Globe Broadband. Decided to cut off the internet connection and switched on to mobile Wi-Fi then it is still the same. I returned to Globe Broadband with a new number but still the same. I’m trapped. I decided to travel.

LTE Smart Was Awesome and then Boo!

I switched to LTE Smart Prepaid Wi-Fi as they were proud of its LTE connection in Cebu. One time, I experienced an upload/download speed of 20 Mbps. I even blogged about it in my previous blog. When 2014 ended, it became slowpoke. I cannot even stream videos anymore.

The Reason Why Filipinos Prefer Working Abroad

Admit it but it’s true Filipinos prefer working abroad. To be honest, I attempted to work abroad even though it was not related to my current work. I’ll take a cleaning job if it has good pay.

Some People Suggested I Should Use a Co-Working Space

What is the purpose of the term location independent if I spent my commute time to go the city just to use the co-working space? I’d rather spend my commute time to travel in different places and use other free time to explore. In Taiwan, I was able to work in a school library or in a cafe either using their wi-fi or my iVideo pocket wifi. It was easy to get around in Taipei with a bike so the transportation was not a problem.

A Call-Out to Globe and Smart/PLDT

News is written by Forbes – How The Philippines Got Asia’s Worst Internet Service. This has been my dilemma for several years. One of the reasons why the Philippines is not a progressive country as it is not helping fellow Filipinos to earn money in their own country. That’s why Filipinos have to leave and find jobs in other countries because income is better there.

Originally published at How Can You Be a Digital Nomad in the Philippines when LTE sucks?