Smart Bro: Unfulfilled Promises
Filed Under Technology
I’m disappointed with my Smart Wireless Broadband connection. On the three weeks since they installed it last May 2, there were at least 4 unannounced ‘base station maintenance’ that left me with no connection. I’m pretty sure that there are more of these disconnections because I only use it at night (8pm-12mn) and on weekends.
The customer service I talked to said that I can apply for rebates for the days I lost connection. That’s something I can’t understand because it turns out that they know the schedule of the maintenance of base stations. If they have that info, then they should know who are the clients that will be affected by the maintenance and should automatically apply the rebates. However, I was advised to call their billing department. If you’ll think of it, I first have to call the technical support to check what’s the problem on my connection. If there’s a base station updates, I’ll have to call the billing department to apply for rebates. And what’s more? I have to do that everytime I encounter the problem. On this case, it already happened four times in three weeks! If you happen not to call the billing dept, you’ll see your rebates fly away.
I think that’s the reason why they need the clients to apply for rebates since if they do it automatically, I’ll end up be paying only half of my service fee. But hey, the disconnection also cost me a lot! It’s a win-win for Smart and lose-lose for clients! Though you can easily call their customer service number, they still won’t be able to solve your problem.
Not only that, the connection since May 15 is erratic. At one point, you’ll get 280kpbs and in less than in hour, you’ll get 80kpbs or lower! The lowest I had is 48kpbs downstream and 190kpbs upstream. Last night, my internet connection encounters time-out. I didn’t bother testing the speed as I can’t even go to dslreports.com. Last thrusday, I even had to reconfigure my connection because I’m redirected to smart portal.
Now I know how other Smart Bro clients feel and understand them why they are so mad and flooding the forums and comment boxes (i.e, blog of migz). I only use this on one PC Since Friday, the connection is very slow most of the time. Damn, I almost recommended it to my friends. I was even excited to tell them that based on what I heard, there will be a promo starting on May 15 wherein new clients will get an N70 cellphone. I’m thankful they didn’t bite it.
All I can do now is hope that the service of Smart Bro will become better. Unfortunately, I’m now one of the dissatisfied customers of Smart Bro. So if you are thinking of applying for it, think again. Remember, I only chose Smart Bro because I had no choice. Up to now, I’m still keeping my self from cursing them. I don’t know until when I can hold it but the first person I’ll curse is Mr. Napoleon Nazareno.