Manila Travelers' Telecommunications Guide

Travelers to Manila won't have any problems with their telecommunications and internet access needs. Cellular phones, network providers' cellphone SIM, electronic mobile devices, wireless internet access and internet cafes are readily available at shops around Metro Manila. TV and Radio broadcasts are very popular and still the biggest media source of the public.

Mobile Phone Network

Filipinos are heavy text message (SMS) users and most member of the population in Metro Manila owns a mobile device or have access to mobile communication. For 30 Philippine pesos, (60 US cents) you can buy a prepaid sim card of any of the network providers with preloaded airtime. Cellphone airtime load can be purchased in several shops in the malls, restaurants, convenient stores and hotels. The same network load can be used to surf the internet through mobile services of the major networks. When buying your SIM, I suggest you stick with either of the two Philippine telecom giants Smart or Globe Telecom. If you are in contact with someone using local network provider, choose whatever network they are using. Sun cellular, the third largest network provider has very aggressive marketing strategies providing all sorts of promo however, has not achieved the quality of service Smart and Globe can provide.


Mobile Phones and Devices

A wide variety of cellular phone models of different makers, and mobile devices from netbooks to the latest laptops are available in shops around Metro Manila. Though generally more expensive compared to Hongkong or Singapore's prices, supply of electronic devices won't be a problem.


Internet Access

Several commercial establishments are already offering either free wireless internet access to customers or paid access to those interested. Filipino household penetration of broadband services are still low making internet cafes the most common way of how Filipinos access the internet for 20 Pesos per hour (40 US cents/hr). Internet Cafes are not just common in the malls and commercial establishments but also near educational institutions and residential neighborhood.


Radio and TV
TV is still the most basic source of information and entertainment in Manila, and the Philippines as a whole. The country uses NTSC analog signal and still has a long way to go before they will be able to adopt the digital broadcasting. Most hotels and accommodation venues however have subscriptions to cable TV providers.
Radio broadcasts in AM and FM are available anywhere in the city.