Feature
Working Together to Serve a New Breed of Internet Users
[Sept. 4, 2008/ Manila] - Original equipment manufacturers and service providers, through continuous innovations, are keeping in step with the demands of a new breed of Internet users by way of a seemingly orchestrated effort to take mobile Internet experience to a new level.
They are making the Internet accessible to more individuals who have come to embrace or at the very least recognize the convenience and importance of being able to access the World Wide Web while on the go.
Computer hardware manufacturers have come up with “portable Internet data terminals”. These lightweight mini laptops come in handy and are relatively easy on the pocket, ranging from P18,000 to P24,000 per unit.
Among those that have come up with their versions of portable and affordable laptops are Neo Basic models, Asus with its Eee PC, and HP with its Mini Note.
At the same time, service providers like Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) are making sure that these devices get connected to the Internet by teaming up with laptop manufacturers to come up with product offers under SMART Bro.
SMART Bro is the revolutionary high-speed broadband Internet service of Smart Broadband, Inc. which uses the nationwide network of SMART to wirelessly connect a computer to the World Wide Web—even if it's beyond the reach of a phone line.
This fixed wireless Internet solution broke ground recently with the introduction of SMART Bro mobile prepaid and postpaid. It makes use of a small, USB-type wireless device called SMART Bro modem that can be hooked into a desktop PC or laptop to connect the user to SMART’s nationwide wireless broadband network.
True, a mini laptop may not have as much storage and processing power. But there are already software applications available online. The way around it is to access the software you need on the Internet and do your “processing” while running the software through an Internet connection.
With low-cost laptops now available, more people can enjoy the privilege of getting connected to the Web whenever and wherever they want.
There are efforts, however, to also develop low-cost versions of its fixed counterpart. Intel recently launched its Net Top ng Bayan, a low-cost desk top which is primarily designed for Internet browsing.
Committed to promote ‘Internet for All’, SMART has also come up with special laptop bundles under Smart Bro Plan 799 with the Neo B2161N and HP Mini Note. Subscribers availing of these plan variants can avail of a light payment term and enjoy wireless broadband immediately. Other desktop models such as the Intel Net Top and Pentium E2140 are also available under Smart Bro Fixed Plan 999 unlimited. These plans are initially available to Citibank and Diners’ Club credit card holders. Subscribers will be billed separately for their broadband subscription (SMART billing) and PC amortization (credit card billing).
To ensure that Internet access is readily available, SMART has developed a mix of services.
In the absence of a computer, SMART subscribers can also access the Internet at broadband speeds on their 3G-capable handsets through the SMART mobile Internet.
Also empowering SMART’s full range of Internet services is its alliance with Airborne Access, the pioneer in the WiFi industry in the Philippines and a subsidiary of ePLDT.
“It is a re-alignment of the wireless services of SMART. You have GSM, you have 3G, now you have WiFi,” says Nappy Muñoz, Chief Operating Officer of Airborne Access.
On the WiFi side, consumers are similarly presented with options and can choose depending on their preference or amount of usage.
“Prepaid card is available in all our hotspots. When you buy in one place, you can use it at any of the Airborne Access hotspots. It’s pay per access,” explains Mike Antigua, Airborne Access VP for Marketing.
Smart Gold and Smart Bro subscribers can also avail of an unlimited WiFi account by paying a fee on top of their monthly service fee. “They can access the Internet when they are at an Airborne Access hotspot. They don’t need to buy a prepaid card anymore because they already have an account,” shares Muñoz. Subscribers need to register to avail of the WiFi bundled service.
Airborne Access hotspots are spread in over 600 establishments nationwide.
“Airborne Access’ mission is ‘freedom, mobility, productivity for a new breed of Internet users’,” shares Muñoz. He is pertaining to not just the mobile workers, but also the students and even entire families, basically all those who know about the technology and would like to maximize its use.
Not surprising, given that Internet should be for everyone. @
