As we settle in the “new normal”, more and more people are looking for better and faster internet services. With the ECQ and GCQ putting an emphasis on online businesses, WFH, and online classes, reliable Internet has transitioned from luxury to a necessity.
Choosing the right internet service provider is usually dependent on your location and availability of the network you choose. If you’re looking for the right internet provider for you, this decision also starts with choosing between prepaid vs postpaid wifi.
Before you decide, here are a few things you should consider:
Prepaid WiFi: Pros and Cons
The way prepaid WiFi works is you get a plug and play device then add load credits onto that device before you can connect to the internet. Once you’ve run out of load or your internet load promo expires, your internet will be disconnected until you top up your device or subscribe to a promo again.
Pros of Prepaid WiFI:
1. No installation. As soon as you get your device, you can immediately start using it just by plugging it to a power outlet.
2. On-the-go internet. Since it’s plug and play, you can bring it with you everywhere, depending on the LTE coverage of your destination. This is great for those who live in dorms or renting bed spaces or apartments.
3. Buy and use only what you need. Compared to postpaid WiFi, prepaid WiFi offers you the benefit of buying and using only what you need. If you don't need to use your WiFi for a few days, just don't top up your device until you need WiFi again.
4. No fixed payments. You can top up as often or as seldom as you want, depending on your needs.
5. Don't come with unnecessary bundles. A lot of postpaid WiFi plans are bundled with services like landline or even cable so you end up paying for added services that you may not even need. With prepaid, you just need to buy the device.
Cons of Prepaid WiFi:
1. Reloading during inconvenient times. With prepaid WiFi, you need to track when your promo ends and when your load may run out. If not, you may be disconnected during the most inconvenient times, such as an important Zoom meeting or during an intense scene in CLOY.
Tip: Never run out of load with your Coins Wallet! Buy load for Globe, Smart, Sun, TNT, and TM instantly from the safety of your home.
2. Services may be limited. One of the drawbacks of prepaid WiFi is you may be limited to slower speeds and to set data allocations. Unlike most postpaid WiFi services that have unlimited data, prepaid WiFi load promos give you certain data allocation valid for a set period. For example, 24GB of data valid for 7 days. This may be a problem if you're downloading huge files or playing online games with high-quality graphics.
3. The connection is not as consistent. There have been reports of prepaid WiFi connections getting degraded or slowing down throughout the day. This may be because a prepaid WiFi connection is dependent on LTE coverage.
4. More effort to keep track of your spending. Since you pay only when you need to use, you have to be more mindful of each time and how much you are reloading into your device. If you’re not careful, it becomes easy to overspend.
Postpaid WiFi: Pros and Cons
With postpaid WiFi, you have a (usually) stable connection installed at home. It is billed once a month, for a number of months specified in your contract. Speeds and data allocations may be more consistent with postpaid so they’re great for heavy users, families, and people who run online businesses or work from home.
Pros of Postpaid WiFi:
1. Unlimited packages. One of the best things about postpaid services today is that they often have unlimited packages. These packages come with key differences in speed and add-ons. This means you can surf, play, and work as much as you want.
2. No hassle with reloading. You only have to worry about one bill once a month. Just keep up with your payments and, as long as there are no sudden outages, you should have uninterrupted service throughout.
Tip: Pay your broadband bills such as Smart Broadband, Globe Broadband, Converge, and more using your Coins.ph Wallet. (Read: What Bills Can I Pay using Coins.ph Wallet?)
3. More stable connections. ISPs today have more towers built across the country so postpaid WiFi’s especially have better and more stable connectivity.
4. Freebies. Most postpaid plans offer freebies like free subscriptions to Netflix, Hulu, and other services.
Cons of Postpaid WiFi:
1. Limitations on serviceability. While there are more towers built today, there are still limitations on which areas can be serviced by providers. This is especially if you live outside of the CBD. Be sure to check reviews around your area and call ahead to find out which providers have the best service in your neighborhood.
2. More expensive. The faster speeds and unlimited data allocation do come with higher costs. Be sure to check your budget to see if you can priorities this monthly expense.
Whether you choose a prepaid or postpaid plan, you can stay safe at home and use your Coins.ph Wallet to buy load or pay bills. No waiting in long lines and no hassle!
