Photo by Norbert AquendeI admit. Although UMobile sent me free 100-peso loads monthly for 6 consecutive months, I was really not that happy at all. For one, I have been a an ever-loyal Globe Handyphone subscriber ever since the advent of GSM and the popularity of prepaid phones and texting back in 1999. Okay, I know prepaid phones were Smart’s idea through their “BillCrusher” scheme which definitely came earlier. But anyway, what I’m trying to say is that the first time I signed-up for a postpaid plan, in 2000 I think, I’ve always been with Globe. And I’m still with Globe until now. I did try Smart prepaid for a while solely because I’ve always wanted to try new things, and at that time I temporarily switched to Smart. I did so because of SmartMoney. It was shining, shimmering, splendid that time and the idea of a new mobile-based money service seemed like an interesting feature to toy with. So yes, Smart was first, yet again, to introduce mobile money/payment service. But since most of my family and friends were on Globe, a switch-back became inevitable, specially when I realized that I have no “real need” for that service at that time. More of my SmartMoney/Globe G-Cash experience in a separate post right here. Continue Reading