Cell Phones & Networks, Bohol

05 November 2010
Posted in BoholLife Blog - Phones & Gadgets

Bohol is served by the main Philippine Cellular Network Providers, namely Smart, Globe and Sun Cellular (plus their subsidiaries TM, Talk & Txt etc). All three have their own merits and failings.

The 3G network coverage here in Bohol is limited, and in my own personal experience its only in Tagbilaran City (central area) that I have been able to get a 3G signal. Even then its not always consistent.

If you are just visiting Bohol then you can save money on roaming call charges, by either buying a pre-paid sim card (40php++) or purchasing a cheap cell phone to use while here.

All the main brands are available, Nokia, Samsung, LG, Sony Ericsson etc. Many of the high end models do not make it to Bohol. You may need to visit Cebu, Manila or e-bay to secure one of these units.

Phone load is available via prepaid cards (100p, 300p & 500p), you enter the pin number on the card and follow the instructions printed on the back detailing how to load your phone.

You can also get an e-load, you give your number to the retail outlet and they will send your requested load amount to your phone.

I have a Smart Retailer SIM, it costs a little more but allows me to purchase what they call Load Wallet. It gives me the ability to load other cell phones and my own without the need to keep visiting retailer outlets.

The main reason I use this type of SIM is that it saves me money. If I load myself say 200php, it will debit my load wallet around 177php plus gives me 30 free txt’s. The same is true to a greater or lesser extent with all the load options.

Cell Phones are an integral part of Philippine daily life and perhaps even part of the Pinoy Culture nowadays. Shops selling phones and load are almost on every street corner.

If you are going to buy a phone I would stick to the popular high street outlets. They do offer some support in the event of a bad unit.