Globe Subscribers Complain Against Limit on Mobile Data Usage

Subscribers of Globe Telecom complain about the decision of the Philippines' second largest telecommunication company to limit the amount of Internet data that they can download on their smartphones.

They also called the attention of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to Globe's strategy to switching subscribers with large data usage to low-speed technology such as 2G.

In response, the NTC told Globe to explain complaints over alleged data capping.

“The commission has received several complaints on your alleged data capping. Complaints alleged that you are placing them on the network with slow data connection once they reached a certain volume of data, e.g. 1 GB,” NTC commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said in a letter to Globe dated Feb. 6.

The NTC directed Globe through senior vice president Froilan Castela to submit comments and explanation on or before Feb. 12.

NTC also summoned Globe officials to the regulator’s office in Quezon City for a meeting on Feb. 13 to “further discuss this matter.”

Globe had issued advisories to its customers that once usage reached 1 GB, the consumer would be shifted to 2G browsing.  Globe users can only enjoy their normal and faster browsing speed after midnight.

“When you exceed 1 GB/day, you are not disconnected from unlimited data services. The only thing that changes is your speed until midnight. After midnight, you’re back to your regular browsing speed,” Globe said in its Twitter account.

Globe said under the fair use policy, it was committed to providing fast and reliable mobile internet service.

“That's why we've taken steps to implement a fair use policy designed to reduce the speeds of only the 3 percent of users who are responsible for generating large volumes of traffic on our network which greatly impacts the service we offer to other paying subscribers,” it said.

Globe said these customers often had file-sharing software or peer-to-peer/torrent apps on their phones or tablets, and downloaded large-format files such as music, videos and movies consistently.

The company said this meant customers on an Internet promo and plan who exceeded 1 GB a day or 3 GB a month (whichever comes first) would experience browsing at slower speeds.

“This policy allows us to maintain the quality of our mobile internet service and give all Globe customers a fair opportunity to enjoy our network,” it said.

“Our fair use policy is aligned with the global industry practice of telecommunications providers anywhere in the world and is subject to change without prior notice,” it added.

Globe’s fair use policy applies to all surfing promos and data plans for Globe postpaid and Tattoo Lifestyle Sticks, except PowerSurf.