Globe at Home Prepaid Wifi Budget Plan

4th UPDATE: Included the Time-based browsing
3rd UPDATE: Globe patches the Expert Mode

2nd UPDATE: Forgot to add the GIFT method

UPDATE: Globe is cracking down on bugging promo registrations. So it’s highly possible that these methods will no longer work soon.

Disclaimer: These methods were collated from personal experiences and comments from other people. There's a possibility that by tomorrow or in the near future, they will no longer work.

I just got several emails asking me about how I “budget” my data with the Globe at Home Prepaid wifi (GHPW). Full disclosure, I gave my GHPW to my grandmother. She’s not a heavy data user and is content with HOMESURF599 which gives her 15 gigabytes of data every 30 days.

I am currently using my original Globe Wimax account 1mbps unlidata. It has since then been upgraded/changed several times. First was the 1mbps for 15gb a month for 995 per month. Then 1mbps for 3gb/day as Globe LTE home broadband for 799 pesos a month. Currently it’s Globe at Home 10mbps 150gb for 1,299 a month. I’m using this plan because it’s cheaper than the Globe at Home Prepaid Wifi, not because I said GHPW is useless from what I wrote in a previous blog.

I understand that people don’t like to “spend” 599 pesos in one go or even spend for the 1,000+ home broadbands. So they’re using different techniques to “save” money. And some have asked me if their way is the best way to do so. I assume you already know how to load/register promos via the Globe at Home app (GH app) and the modem dashboard.

HOMESURF349 vs HOMESURF599

HOMESURF349 is the 10gb for 10 days promo. I’d just like to show how the promo is inferior to HS599.

HS349 x 3 = 1,047 pesos / 30gb for *30 days

HS599 x 2 = 1,198 pesos / 30gb for *60 days

*Every time you register HOMESURF349, your data gets renewed for another 10 days. So if you renew your data at the 9th day, it gets renewed another 10 days. It’s not +10 days. So it’s possible to get 30 days expiry if you renew every 9th day. One big advantage is your remaining data is carried over to the next HS399 registration. The same goes for HS599.

You do get savings of about 151 pesos. The disadvantage though is having to register to the promo multiple times.

TIME-BASED BROWSING ON GLOBE AT HOME PREPAID WIFI

For the power user who needs to download a lot of data in a short amount of time, you can use the time-based browsing of the GHPW. It's when you surf the net without any promos registered. By default, it's set to Php 5 for 15 minutes. However as an added protection, your home prepaid wifi number will have the SURFALERT turned on. For this method to work, you need to turn off SURFALERT by going to the DASHBOARD of the modem and the sending an SMS to 8080. The keyword is SURFALERT OFF. 

After that, you can now use your regular load to browse. Remember, it's 5 pesos for 15 minutes. Just make sure to turn SURFALERT ON again if you don't want to accidentally consume all your remaining load. 

How much data can you consume with 5 pesos or 15 minutes?

This little website here can tell you how much gigabytes per hour you get at a specific speed. I know the advertised speed of Globe at Home Prepaid Wifi is about 50 mbps, but to be safe, let's stick to 50% of that or 25 mbps. I've also shown other speeds for comparison.

50mbps = 22 gigabytes per hour at 20 pesos per hour

25mbps = 11 gigabytes per hour at 20 pesos per hour

10mbps = 4.5 gigabytes per hour at 20 pesos per hour

You really can't compare this to HS599 because time-based consumption is different from data promos. But as you can see, it beats all the other promos in terms of data you can consume. So if you're a heavy downloader, you can leave this on for the night to download a lot of anything. 

5 hours of downloading = 100 pesos / 55 gigabytes of data

Advantages for this one, you only pay for the time you use. You can surf/download large amounts of data for a cheaper price.

Disadvantages. Globe at home prepaid wifi speed is erratic. Sometimes you get 100% speed, most of the time you will be lucky to get 50% and at worse you might be only getting 10mbps speed. Finally, this is only good for the time you purchased. Which means don't expect 24/7 connectivity without spending money. Remember, it's time-based consumption. If you're connected to the internet and you're not doing anything, you're still charged 5 pesos per 15 minutes. Also, the moment you connect you get charged 5 pesos already. Just for fun, here's the calculation to get 24/7 connection with Globe at Home Prepaid wifi.

24/7 connection = 14,600 pesos /  16,060 gigabytes at 50mbps

Globe Unli 2,499 = 2,499 pesos / unlimited data at 50mbps

Economically speaking, go for the unlidata plans of Globe instead. 

GOSAKTO Promos vs HOMESURF599

This technique requires registering to data promos such as GOSURFBE34 ( 34 pesos for 15 days) or with GOSAKTO promo GOTSCOMBOGBBFF108 (108 pesos for 30 days) plus the cheapest 1gb GOSAKTO promo GOTSCOMBOKEA37 (37 pesos for 1gb for 1 day). I just want to say that the text/call you get from GOSAKTO is useless since you can’t use the simcard outside of the GHPW device. The dashboard of the modem does have an SMS feature but it’s cumbersome to login every time you want to check messages.

How it works. The current system of Globe allows you to register a data promo with a longer expiry date and then add data on top of that promo. The expiry then will always follow the data promo with the longer expiry date always.

As a benchmark of sorts, we’ll use 15gb/30gb/45gb of data as basis to compare prices.

HOMESURF599 x 1 = 599 pesos / 15 gb for 30 days

HOMESURF599 x 2 = 1,198 pesos / 30 gb for *60 days

HOMESURF599 X 3 = 1,797 pesos / 45gb for *90 days

*Every time you register HOMESURF599, your data gets renewed for another 30 days. So if you renew your data at the 29th day, it gets renewed another 30 days. It’s not +30. So it’s possible to get 90 days expiry if you renew every 29th day. One big advantage is your remaining data is carried over to the next HS599 registration.

HS599 so far is the best promo for GHPW.

The GOSURFBE34 and KEA37 Method

(GSBE34 x 2 for 30 days) + (KEA37 x 15) = 623 pesos / 15 gb for 30 days

(GSBE34 x 2 for 30 days) + (KEA37 x 30) = 1,178 pesos / 30 gb for 30 days

(GSBE34 x 2 for 30 days) + (KEA37 x 45) = 1,733pesos / 45 gb for 30 days

The advantages for this method is that if you’re not a heavy data user and would only like use data as you go. However if you try to register as many KEA37 as you can, the above shows what happens and how much it costs. The disadvantage is registering to many promos which you can only do every 5 minutes or so or else Globe will lock your 8888 to registering KEA37. Finally, your expiry is just 30 days. If you try to extend, you’d pay an additional 34 pesos for every 15 days you extend.

Your savings does increase when you register more than 45gb a month. But if you’re going to be spending that much, you’re better off getting the new unlimited plans of Globe at Home Broadband postpaid or switch to fibr like Converge for stable speed and unlimited data.

*Warning* There have been some comments on how GOSAKTO promos don’t work for GHPW. If you try to register, there will be no confirmation or data at all.

The GOTS108 and KEA37 Method

GOTSCOMBO108 + (KEA37 x 15) = 663 pesos / 15 gb for 30 days

GOTSCOMBO108 + (KEA37 x 30) = 1,218 pesos / 30 gb for 30 days

GOTSCOMBO108 + (KEA37 x 45) = 1,773 pesos / 45 gb for 30 days

Same disadvantages of having to register KEA37 multiple times. It lasts 30 days though. Comparing this to HS599.

HOMESURF599 x 1 = 599 pesos / 15 gb for 30 days

HOMESURF599 x 2 = 1,198 pesos / 30 gb for *60 days

HOMESURF599 X 3 = 1,797 pesos / 45gb for *90 days

*Warning* There have been some comments on how GOSAKTO promos don’t work for GHPW. If you try to register, there will be no confirmation or data at all.

For these methods, the HOMESURF599 is the best promo in terms of price to data to expiry and comfort.

GOSURF50 Method

In this method, you just register (via GH app or dashboard) to GOSURF50. It gives you 1 gb per 3 days.

GS50 x 10 = 500 pesos / 10 gb for 30 days (+3gb for choice reward FB/Youtube/etc)

GS50 x 15 = 750 pesos / 15 gb for *45 days (+4.5gb for choice reward FB/Youtube/etc)

GS50 x 30 = 1,500 pesos / 30 gb for *60days (+9gb for choice reward FB/Youtube/etc)

Comparing this to HS599

HOMESURF599 x 1 = 599 pesos / 15 gb for 30 days

HOMESURF599 x 2 = 1,198 pesos / 30 gb for *60 days

HOMESURF599 X 3 = 1,797 pesos / 45gb for *90 days

For this method, you have to register just before the end of 3 days per GS50 registration. Very expensive method. Only useful for people who don’t really consume anything more than 10gb a month.

The additional data for your choice app reward can only be obtained by replying through the dashboard. Unfortunately the mechanics are complicated. You have to let the GS50 expire before registering for another GS50 to get that 300 mb reward per GS50 registration. This means every 3 days, you will be in a rush to consume the 1gb + 300mb reward or be resigned with the fact of letting them expire before registering another GS50.

Reward Points GIFT Method

Another way to get GOSURF50 is through rewards points. You can do this with your own rewards or another person. Text this codes to 4438

GIFT GOSURF50 9XXXXXXXXX YYYY

The YYYY is the 4 digit pin if ever you’ve registered one. If you gift to a prepaid number you will consume 10 rewards points (gifting gosurf50 to a postpaid number also works but consumes 25 points).

Advantage for this one, it’s cheap as it’s basically for free. If you have a lot of friends, you can ask 10 rewards from them if they’re generous. It may be possible to gift other services like GOSURF299 if the points are high enough. The benefits are the same as if you’re registering to GOSURF50 normally.

Disadvantages: A number/sim can only gift once a day. It doesn’t matter how many points a number has, it can only gift once a day. It’s good for emergency purposes. But if you have a lot of friends you could ask points from them. Or buy from others at reasonable price. Unfortunately some have taken to scamming people from their rewards points, it also goes the other way so be careful when buying points from strangers online.

Expert mode Globe at Home Prepaid Wifi

UPDATE: Globe may have patched this recently. GS ROLLOVER/EXTEND. Refer to the new Expert Mode.

I’ve already posted this method in my other posts. In this method, you take advantage of the GS50 + EXTEND5 + HOMESURF15.

In this method, you register for GS50 first, consume about half of the 1gb. Do not consume all the data or else the EXTEND will not work! With remaining GS50 data, keep on registering to HS15 for 1 gb. You’re allowed to register to HOMESURF15 as long as your GS50 is active. To extend your GS50, register to GS ROLLOVER (GSR5) for 5 pesos a day. Very complicated method but it does provide maximum data. Here’s a step by step method.

1. Register to GS50, use up half of data or you can ignore the 1gb
2. Register to HS15 via GH app or shareaload (max 5x/day or use other simcards)
3. On 3rd day of GS50, extend with GS ROLLOVER for 5 pesos a day
4. On the extended day, before it expires register again for GS ROLLOVER

(GS50 x 1) + (GSR5 x 27) + (HS15 x 15) = 410 pesos / 15gb for 30 days

(GS50 x 1) + (GSR5 x 27) + (HS15 x 30) = 635 pesos / 30gb for 30 days

(GS50 x 1) + (GSR5 x 27) + (HS15 x 45) = 860 pesos / 45gb for 30 days

(GS50 x 1) + (GSR5 x 27) + (HS15 x 100) = 1,685 pesos / 100gb for 30 days

Comparing this to HS599

HOMESURF599 x 1 = 599 pesos / 15 gb for 30 days

HOMESURF599 x 2 = 1,198 pesos / 30 gb for *60 days

HOMESURF599 X 3 = 1,797 pesos / 45gb for *90 days

So your savings are almost half once you start reaching 30+gb per month. I added the 100gb just to see how much it is. Now for the disadvantages.

• It requires too many promo registrations via the dashboard for the GS ROLLOVER. If you forget to extend, your promo expires and you you have to register to GS50 again.
• If you forget to add HS15 and use up the GS50 data, I don’t think you’ll be able to use GS ROLLOVER. So you have to register another GS50 again.
• There’s a limit to share-a-load or GH app registration of HS15. You’re limited to only 5 a day per sim card or number. So if you want more than 5gb a day, you have to use another number to register the promo. But at 5gb a day, you can reach approximately 90gb a month if you’re patient enough.

NEW EXPERT MODE

So Globe may have patched the GS ROLLOVER method recently. So this is the "new" method. This is the legitimate one. What you do is keep on registering to GS50 every 3 days. When you use up the 1gb of GS50, that's when you register to HS15.

1. Register to GS50
2. Use up the 1gb
3. If GS50 is still valid, just keep on registering HS15 (lasts for 24 hours)
4. Once GS50 expires, register again
5. Repeat steps 2 to 3

Your costs will be as follows.

(GS50 x 10) + (HS15x5) =  575 pesos /15 gb for 30 days

(GS50 x 10) + (HS15x20) =  800 pesos /30 gb for 30 days

(GS50 x 10) + (HS15x35) =  1,025 pesos /45 gb for 30 days

(GS50 x 10) + (HS15x40) =  1,100 pesos /50gb for 30 days

(GS50 x 10) + (HS15x90) =  1,850 pesos /100 gb for 30 days

You get to save more, the more you register to HS15. But the disadvantage is the 24 hours validity of HS15. This method is only for the power users who consume more than 1gb a day. In this method, you don't have to worry if you over consume or use up the whole GS50. The validity will still last 3 days and for that period, you can keep on registering HS15. Share-a-load limits apply to HS15 registrations. 

Comparing this again to HS599 promos.

HOMESURF599 x 1 = 599 pesos / 15 gb for 30 days

HOMESURF599 x 2 = 1,198 pesos / 30 gb for *60 days

HOMESURF599 X 3 = 1,797 pesos / 45gb for *90 days

So this method is slightly better. It's just that you need to keep on registering to promos everyday. Some people are content with 50gb for 30 days and at 1,100 pesos, it looks like it's cheap.

Just to note, as of March 2018, there is a data only broadband (LTE) from Globe. It's 50gb for 1,199. But the speed is only 5mbps. The Globe at Home prepaid wifi promises 50mbps speed. 

Currently, Globe offers fibr/DSL broadband with no lockup for as low as 1,299 pesos at 5mbps speed. So it's really up to you if you like large volume or faster speeds.

Final (VERY FINAL) Verdict

The Globe at Home prepaid wifi is not for power users. I doubt if it’s even meant for family use. However if you’re a student, or someone whose home can’t be reached by DSL/FIBR then this is the ideal broadband for you. It’s also a good backup ISP since it has a speed of 50 mbps. Just make sure your area has the required frequency for the HOMESURF promos.

Otherwise if you’re going to be spending more than 15gb a month, your better off getting a DSL/FIBR line like Globe’s no lock up unlimited plans or Converge Fibr unlimited plans. You may have to use VPN to visit the Converge website. It seems Globe is blocking access to it.

Just a small note though. There’s no telling if the HOMESURF promos are permanent or not. Who knows, maybe Globe will release better promos or they could cease support for the GHPW device. So that’s another risk when you’re buying the prepaid modem.

And this is the LAST time I’ll be posting about Globe at Home Prepaid Wifi so if you have any comments, questions, suggestions write them below.