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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider The case for prepaid home fiber connection

The case for prepaid home fiber connection

Published May 13, 2025 02:02 pm
So, I've been stuck in a six-day internet nightmare with my ISP.
It's been a real pain.
I know it's good practice to have a backup, so I'm trying to figure out what to do.I have a few backup options to keep everyone at home connected. I have multiple mobile data plans on portable mobile Wi-Fi devices (MiFi) on two different networks, specifically Smart and GOMO, due to their unexpiring data bundles.
These MiFi devices are used for laptops, desktops, and sometimes smartphones and tablets, too.I've also set up the devices to automatically connect to a VPN or use a ControlD or NextDNS device profiles. I found out that some mobile network providers redirect all DNS queries to their own servers, even if you use your own DNS, so I need to protect our data.
Using mobile data is more expensive and often slower and less reliable, which is not a good, long-term back-up solution. I need a fiber-connection-based back-up solution. It's crazy to have a backup connection from the same ISP, even if it's the best one. And having another ISP means another subscription, which is a hassle. I'm leaning towards a passive backup solution, where the backup only comes on when needed. The main reason is cost. I don't want to pay a monthly subscription, use extra electricity, or buy more hardware.
But is this option even possible? I did some quick research and found out that prepaid fiber plans are available now. Since PLDT is my main provider, their 35Mbps prepaid service isn't an option for me (and the speeds are pretty disappointing considering the competition). Globe, GOMO (which is a Globe MVNO), and Converge all offer prepaid fiber plans.
Now it's just a matter of deciding which one offers the best deal. In my case, I'm looking at how long I can keep the service unused before the line is cut for inactivity.So, what do you think? Have you used the prepaid fiber services of Globe, GOMO, or Converge? How was your experience, specially with their customer support?
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