BlackBerry loyal users, here’s something that you can be proud of for choosing to stay with Blackberry despite all the hoopla with iOS4 and Android smartphones these days. Kinda interesting to know for BlackBerry junkies.Rysavy Research did this study on “Mobile Data Constraints and the Need for Optimization”, which contextualizes the BlackBerry advantage in terms of today’s mobile data industry and emerging consumer trends.

Here are some points comparing BlackBerry’s efficiency with competing systems based on the study:

Efficient E-mail Handling – As shown in the above table, in nearly all cases, BlackBerry was significantly more efficient than competing solutions when it comes to handling e-mail. In nearly all cases, BlackBerry sent less data over the air than the original file size.  In some cases, the amount sent was only a small percentage of the original file.

Superior Browsing Efficiency – BlackBerry users have the ability to choose the image quality settings for Web browsing including low, medium, and high. The lower the image quality setting, the less data is transferred to the device and the faster the downloading time.

Policy Management Capability – Beyond efficient operation, the BlackBerry Enterprise Server provides a number of ways that businesses can control data consumption on BlackBerry devices, for security and consumption control purposes.

Protocol Resiliency – BlackBerry communications protocols were designed to function even in slower networks. This heritage makes them highly bandwidth-efficient and particularly resilient in congestion situations regularly encountered today’s modern networks.

While the mobile broadband market is emerging as an extremely successful industry, it is facing significant challenges that can only be met through a broad sweep of measures to meet rising demand while ensuring efficient use of networks.

RIM rises to the challenge by delivering high-value, highly efficient products and services for a wide range of customers.  As BlackBerry enables significantly less data consumption by applications, it benefits carriers by lowering costs and by accommodating a greater number of users on the network without any deterioration in quality.  Meanwhile, end-users can benefit from lower monthly fees.  This is the BlackBerry advantage.

UPDATE: I made a very big “booboo”. Must be from the excitement. Anyway, this promo is not every Friday but only once this coming July 30. Sorry guys.

If you are a SMART subscriber, you get to surf for FREE using your mobile phone this Friday, July 30, 12 AM. Yep, free 3G surfing and if your phone can tether to your laptop for internet sharing, good for you. This will only be available to postpaid and prepaid subscribers. Smart BRO is not included in this promo.

Here’s the FAQ from their Facebook page:

Q: WHAT IS T.G.I.Freeday?

A: Its Smart’s one-day offer for all subscribers to enjoy using mobile internet services for FREE. That means there are no charges to visit all internet sites using your mobile phone.

Q: When is T.G.I.Freeday available?

A: T.G.I.Freeday will start from 12:00 am of July 30, until 11:59pm of the same day. If you start browsing at 10pm, you only have 11:59 pm to enjoy free mobile internet.

Q: Do I need to register?

A: No registration needed. Just open your web browser, your Uzzap or GoMail application and go!

Q: Is there a special keyword or URL to visit?

A: No need to key in a keyword or a URL to use mobile internet. For as long as you have a data capable handset, you can do mobile surfing all your want. To get more information, text FREEDAY and send to 211.

Q: I don’t know how to use mobile internet. What’s the first thing I do?

A: You need to configure your 3G settings. Text SET <HANDSET MODEL> send to 211 to get your 3G configuration for FREE. Save the configuration and then launch your mobile web browser to start browsing. As simple as that.

Q: Can I use 2G to browse the internet?

A: Yes you can. But for a faster and better experience, it is suggested that you take advantage of Smart’s nation widest coverage by using Smart’s superior 3G, HSPA, HSDPA network.

Q: I want to avail of a daily surfing package on Friday. Will this be allowed?

A: No. You will receive an SMS notification that today is a free day and that you will be able to use the service you wish to avail unlimited for the entire day.

Q: Will I be allowed to avail weekly and monthly package of the data services that I register to?

A: Subscribers can still avail of weekly and monthly packages every Friday but they will be reminded of T.G.I.Freeday Promo and they have to confirm their purchase before transaction is completed.

Q: I have a weekly/ monthly package. Will I be given additional 1 day extension as a result of T.G.I.Freeday?

A: Subscribers with current weekly and monthly packages that traverse on a Friday will not be given extra one day as a result of the free day Friday. The existing validity of their availed package will be retained.

Q: Is there a limit as to the number of services that I can avail for free?

A: For as long as subscribers have a data capable handset, there is no limit as to how many services subscribers can avail of for free.

Q: Is there a minimum maintaining balance?

A: Prepaid subscribers should have minimum balance of P1 to avail of the free services

Q: What if I browse after 11:59pm of Friday?

A: Should subscriber continue to browse even after 11:59pm, default charging P10/30 will commence and transactional fees for chat services will apply.

Q: What are the sites that I can access?

A: You can access all the sites that you want. All the Web Unli Sites offered currently at P20 per day by Smart will be FREE on TGIFreeday!

Aren’t you glad you’re on Smart? Now, I just hope that Smart’s network can sustain the volume of users who will be availing of this free service.

Now, is this the Big and Free and 18 and up promo from Smart?

As if Globe’s My SuperPlan is not enough to make your head spin with all the possible customization, they’ve introduced two more unlimited plans into it, My Super One and My Super IDD.

Actually, Super One was already revealed late last month but for those of you who don’t know, it is the first and only unlimited call and text offer to a frequently called number. For as low as P150 for each number every month or just P5.00 per day, you can stay in touch with your spouse, significant other or best friend for as long as you want. Existing My Superplan subscribers can also enjoy Super One for P175 per number every month.

Next is Super IDD which is the first and only call-all-you-can offer to US and Canada. For just P99 for an entire day, callers can stay on the phone for as long as they want between 11:00pm to 5:59am, Philippine time. That’s about 419 minutes of talk time, or just P0.24 per minute. Super IDD gets even more affordable at only P1,999 for a whole month of unlimited calling to US and Canada . That’s 30% cheaper than daily rate.

Launched last April, My SuperPlans is an all-you-can buffet of services such as call, text and web browsing. Subscribers can choose any plan and add as many services as he or she wants for the month. Subscribers also have the option of changing their plans every month.

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Want to try Super One and Super IDD right now? If you’re already on a  Globe postpaid or Fully Loaded plan, just pick the person you want to be your SuperOne and then text SUPERONE <that person’s Globe or TM mobile number> ON to 8888. If you’re on a Globe SuperPlan, text MY SUPERONE <that person’s Globe or TM mobile number> ON to 8888.

And if you want to call abroad easily with Super IDD,  text SUPERIDD 99 to 8888 for P99 one-day IDD calling, or text SUPERIDD ON to 888 for 30 whole days of off-peak bliss.

To know more about Globe’s Super offers, call (02) 730 1000 or visit a Globe Store near you.

It’s no surprise anymore that whenever you call the PLDT hotline to report a problem, it will take ages and a day to get to talk to a support personnel. And you would still be lucky if that person can really help you or even give you a sound explanation.

Now PLDT is offering its subscribers a way to report complaints, do balance inquiries, apply for a service via SMS, etc. 24×7.

This service is FREE but it still only available to SMART and Talk n’ Text subscribers.

Here’s how to use 77171 TXTPRESS:

Now the question is, will it really offer any value to customers who wants. After texting, the only thing they’d get in return is an automated response. Does it really translate to a prompt action or follow-up? Or even a callback for that matter?

Anybody tried this service yet for reporting problems?

LogiaGroup, together with Wireless Services Asia and Smart Communications recently launched the Alodia Mobile Downloads, a mobile service offering images, videos, games and applications.

Meng Morales, Content Manager of LogiaGroup announced that aside from the images and video downloads, they are also developing other mobile applications for Alodia. These includes calendars, games and an SMS Service where fans can get SMS updates on Alodia’s appearances and guestings, as well as tips on cosplaying. Initially, the mobile service only offers wallpapers and screensavers download.

These mobile services will be released in the Philippines as well as in Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Israel and other countries where the international company holds offices and partners.

Win a date with Alodia

Together with the launch of Alodia Mobile Downloads is a promo where fans can get a chance to win a date with Alodia by simply downloading Alodia’s wallpapers and screensavers. The promo will run from July 15 to August 15, 2010.

Aside from a lucky fan having the chance to spend some quality time with Alodia, two (2) minor prizes of Alodia’s digital artwork – printed, framed and signed – will also be given away.

How to Use the Service

Right now, Alodia Mobile Downloads is an exclusive service to Smart Communications but will soon be available on other networks such as Globe and Sun to reach more of Alodia’s fans.

For more details, log on to http://playground.mail-bit.com on Smart WAP

You may also text ALODIA to 2861 or Check out the Alodia Mobile Downloads Facebook fanpage

Other Links:

Alodia Gosiengfiao’s Facebook fanpage
Alodia’s official website

Check out the complete set of photos here

In case you still don’t know, Sun Cellular subscribers can now join the BBM world that their friends from other telco networks are enjoying. Sun is offering BlackBerry phones to new subscribers and BlackBerry Add-on Plans for existing postpaid subscribers who wants to switch to a BlackBerry.

Here is the pricing scheme for the BlackBerry Add-on Plans:

And for new Plan 2500 subscribers:

BlackBerry Curve 8520 – Free
BlackBerry Bold 9700 – PHp15,000

• Call and Text Unlimited
• 350 FREE SMS from other networks
• Php500 worth of consumable
• Unlimited BlackBerry Internet Service
• Unlimited Mobile Internet
• 24 months holding period

If you’re wondering about Prepaid plans, there’s no word yet about that. Will let you know once we find out.

Globe was the first to announce the micro-SIM card here in our country last month and I got word from a credible source that Smart is not going to leave it at that.

Not much need for a micro-SIM card as of the moment because iPhone 4 (and it’s going to be locked to Globe anyway) is yet to arrive here and Apple iPad 3G is not that “hot” locally yet. But micro-SIM is going to be the trend in the future and Smart made a good move getting into the game this early even though being at the heels of Globe.

iPad 3G users will be the beneficiary of this move. If you own an Apple iPad 3G and you’re having difficulty with Globe’s 3G network, then the arrival of the micro-SIM from Smart will probably help you out. But of course, we can expect the iPhone 4 to have an unlock by the time it arrives in our country which will make a Smart micro-SIM card really attractive especially for Smart’s loyal subscribers.

Watch out for it real soon.

Globe Telecom is running a campaign for the SMS short code 4438 and it has been well-promoted with print ads, TV commercials and social media campaigns.

The Globe 4438 is set to be revealed on April 4, 2010 but an inside info gave us a tip to de-code this secret.

Globe 4438 is a rewards system for subscribers and has the following mechanics:

• ITEMS to 4438 for list of rewards

Globe Products: GLOBE
Immortal Call 15 = 15 points
UNLITXT20 = 20 pts
UNLITXT40 = 40 pts
UNLITXT80 = 80 pts
SuperUNLI = 120 pts

• To redeem, text REDEEM to 4438

Gadgets: GADGETS
Shopping: SHOPPING
PAL Miles: MILES
Lifestyle and Enterntainment: LIFESTYLE

To view items for each category, text “ITEM to 4438″.

• Send “DISCOUNTS” to 4438 for list of benefits

Food: FOOD
Shopping: SHOPPING
Health and Beauty: HEALTH
Lifestyle and Entertainment: LIFESTYLE

• To view items in the category, text ITEM to 4438

REDEEM ITEM CODE PIN to 4438 for redemption

• SHARE POINTS 10-DIGITMOBILE# PIN for point transfer
• BAL to 4438 for points inquiry.

This rewards system aims to increase customer retention and service loyalty among subscribers.

Globe announced earlier today their partnership with BOKU Inc., a global leader in mobile payments, that will give Facebook users the option to purchase game credits using G-Cash. Starting On March 24, you can now buy those exclusive items in Farmville, Restaurant City, etc. using your GCASH money. The online payment via GCASH works with BOKU’s Paymo system which supports a lot of online games including those from leading Facebook game publishers like Zynga and Playfish. If you wish to purchase game coins, look for the Paymo payment option and from there you can use your Globe number and GCASH mobile PIN to complete the transaction. The amount will automatically be converted to peso.

It’s a pretty easy way to purchase game credits without having to deal with Paypal or credit cards. With this strategic partnership with BOKU, Globe is bringing game transaction features closer to millions of users with no means of purchasing game credits. Nice move from Globe.

The very first Android phone in the Philippines was introduced thru Smart with the HTC Magic. While Android phones don’t enjoy as much attention as the Apple iPhone, it’s a good alternative.

Today Smart is offering the HTC Magic for free on Smart Gold Plan 1800. Not really a huge deal until you get to the part where the plan comes with unlimited surfing. Now that’s a nice mobile plan altogether.

Smart’s regular Gold Plan 1800 includes 450 free SMS and 344 minutes free calls per month.