Globe Telecoms Budget-Friendly Postpaid Plan 499 Tablet And Phone Bundle For Filipino Consumers

Globe Telecom offers an affordable postpaid plan that includes both a tablet and smartphone for a monthly fee of 499 pesos. This Plan 499 provides consumers with a CloudPad 700w tablet and Cloudfone Excite 320G smartphone, along with P400 worth of monthly consumable for calls and texts, plus 50MB of internet browsing data. The bundle represents one of the most affordable options in Globe's postpaid lineup, making it accessible to budget-conscious consumers who want multiple devices without a significant upfront cost.

Plan Overview and Features

The Globe MySuperPlan 499 is positioned as an entry-level postpaid option that delivers substantial value by bundling two devices in one affordable monthly package. The plan includes:

• Monthly charge: 499 pesos
• P400 monthly consumable for calls and texts
• 50MB data internet browsing
• 1 call and text freebie

This plan is particularly attractive to consumers looking to acquire multiple devices without the expense of purchasing them outright. The bundled devices complement each other, with the tablet offering additional functionality for internet browsing and media consumption while the smartphone provides mobility and communication capabilities.

CloudPad 700w Tablet Specifications

The CloudPad 700w tablet included in this plan comes with the following technical specifications:

• Operating System: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS
• Display: 7 inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen
• Camera: VGA front camera
• Memory: 512MB RAM
• Storage: 4GB internal storage, expandable up to 32GB via microSD
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi and 3G USB Dongle support
• Battery: 3000mAh

The tablet's front camera enables video calling applications over Wi-Fi, adding a communication dimension to the device beyond simple internet browsing. Running on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS, the CloudPad 700w is compatible with thousands of games available on the Google Play store, enhancing its entertainment value for users.

Cloudfone Excite 320G Smartphone Specifications

The Cloudfone Excite 320G smartphone included in the bundle features:

• Operating System: Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS
• Display: 3.2 inch QVGA capacitive display
• Camera: 2 megapixels camera
• Memory: 256MB RAM
• Storage: 512MB internal storage, expandable up to 32GB via microSD
• Connectivity: 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
• SIM: Dual SIM capability
• Battery: 1400 mAh

The smartphone's Gingerbread OS allows it to connect to 3G networks using the network SIM, providing internet connectivity on the go. Its dual SIM functionality offers flexibility for users who need to maintain separate lines for different purposes, such as personal and business use or for managing call costs between different network providers.

Internet Sharing Capabilities

One notable feature of the Globe Plan 499 bundle is the ability to share internet connectivity between the CloudPad 700w tablet and the Cloudfone Excite 320G smartphone. Users can utilize the smartphone's 3G connection to provide internet access to the tablet, effectively creating a mobile hotspot functionality without requiring additional devices or services.

This internet sharing capability enhances the value proposition of the bundle, particularly for users who need internet connectivity across multiple devices but prefer not to purchase separate data plans for each device. The feature is described as "cool" in the source material, suggesting it was positioned as a key selling point for the package.

Comparison with Other Globe Postpaid Plans

While the Plan 499 is the most affordable option in Globe's postpaid lineup, the company offers several higher-tier plans with different features and benefits:

• Plan 999: Includes unlimited mobile surfing and one freebie from options A-C or E
• Plan 1799: Offers more consumable data and freebies compared to the 999 plan
• Plan 2499: Provides additional data allowances and premium features
• Plan 3799: Includes a P3799 consumable value
• BlackBerry Plan 599: Provides all-unlimited services specifically for BlackBerry devices

The Plan 499 distinguishes itself from these higher-tier options by bundling physical devices rather than focusing primarily on data allowances or premium services. This makes it particularly attractive to consumers who value having multiple devices as part of their postpaid package.

Globe's Broader Postpaid Offerings

Beyond the specific Plan 499, Globe offers a range of postpaid options to different consumer segments:

• Traditional postpaid plans with varying data allowances and call/text packages
• No Lock-Up Postpaid Plans with speeds ranging from 5 Mbps to 50 Mbps, eliminating the typical 24-month lock-in period
• Plans that include premium subscriptions to services like Netflix and Spotify
• Specialized plans such as the BlackBerry-specific offering

The company has emphasized making its services more accessible through features like no lock-up periods and competitive data packages, aligning with its goal of "connecting more Filipino families with reliable broadband connectivity."

Application Process

To acquire the Plan 499 bundle, applicants need to meet Globe's standard postpaid requirements. While the source material mentions that applicants should "provide or secure the requirements needed on how to apply," specific details about documentation or eligibility criteria are not provided in the source material. Prospective customers would need to contact Globe directly or visit an authorized Globe outlet to determine the exact application process and requirements.

Value Proposition

The Globe Plan 499 offers significant value for consumers looking to acquire multiple devices at an affordable monthly cost. The bundle combines a tablet and smartphone with communication services, eliminating the need for separate purchases of these devices. The P400 monthly consumable for calls and texts, while modest compared to higher-tier plans, provides sufficient communication allowance for light to moderate users.

The inclusion of internet sharing capabilities further enhances the value of the bundle, allowing users to maximize their connectivity options across both devices. For budget-conscious consumers or those new to postpaid services, this plan offers an accessible entry point with tangible hardware benefits.

Technical Considerations

While the Plan 499 bundle offers attractive pricing and device combination, potential users should consider the technical specifications of both devices:

• The CloudPad 700w runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, which was released in 2011 and may have limited support for newer applications
• The Cloudfone Excite 320G uses Android 2.3 Gingerbread, an even older operating system from 2010
• Both devices have relatively modest specifications by modern standards, with limited RAM and storage capacity

These technical limitations mean that while the devices are functional for basic tasks, they may struggle with more demanding applications or newer software updates. Consumers considering this plan should evaluate whether the devices meet their performance expectations and usage requirements.

Market Context

The Plan 499 exists in a competitive telecommunications market in the Philippines, where Globe competes with providers like Smart Communications. According to the source material, Smart offers plans with different features, such as the GigaX Plan with 5GB of data plus 10GB specifically for video streaming services. The choice between Globe and Smart ultimately depends on individual needs, with Globe offering more generous mobile data (8GB in some plans) while Smart provides additional streaming data and more flexible calling options.

The Plan 499 specifically targets consumers who prioritize acquiring multiple devices over maximizing data allowances or premium services. This positioning allows Globe to capture a different segment of the market compared to its higher-tier plans or those offered by competitors.

Conclusion

Globe Telecom's Plan 499 represents an affordable entry point into the postpaid market, bundling a tablet and smartphone with basic communication services for a monthly fee of 499 pesos. While the technical specifications of both devices are modest by contemporary standards, the package offers significant value for budget-conscious consumers who want multiple devices without substantial upfront costs.

The plan includes a CloudPad 700w tablet with a 7-inch touchscreen and front camera, and a Cloudfone Excite 320G smartphone with dual SIM capability. Both devices support internet sharing, allowing users to connect the tablet to the smartphone's 3G network. The plan provides P400 monthly consumable for calls and texts, plus 50MB of data.

For consumers considering this plan, it's important to evaluate whether the device specifications meet their needs, particularly given the older operating systems included. However, for those prioritizing affordability and multiple devices, the Plan 499 offers a compelling option in Globe's postpaid lineup.

Sources

1. CloudPad 700w and Cloudfone 320G Globe Plan 499
2. Globe Plan Post Paid
3. Globe vs Smart Samsung Galaxy S9 S9 Postpaid Plans
4. Globe Telecom Headlines
5. Globe At Home No Lock-Up Plans
6. Globe Telecom Services