Hi all Thanks again for your input to my previous questions. Next up is as the title suggests. As we won't be living there, prepaid wifi is a consideration, that'd allow me to stream content from my subscriptions here in the UK. However, I think I'd prefer to have fibre broadband and possibly cable TV with it. We have a toddler who we want to raise bilingual, so Filipino content while there would be useful. I also assume it's more reliable, though I loved the disclaimer on websites that internet speeds were only guaranteed to 30% of the advertised speed for 80% of the time. Any opinions on providers etc would be really appreciated. I've checked the usuals of PLDT and SkyCable. Thanks
In what sense would prepaid WiFi let you stream UK subscriptions in the Philippines? All you need is fibre broadband PLDT or Skycable and a VPN provider. Skycable is probably the best provider for local and US content. Get a TV that can support VPN apps, that way you can use split tunneling, UK subscription apps get VPN tunneled and local apps use the local network.
Thanks for your input. As long as I can connect the TV to WiFi, I can login to my UK subscriptions. Done this plenty of times when renting Airbnb in BGC. I'll definitely be getting a TV that supports the necessary apps and particularly vpn, I currently use expressvpn. I'll likely get a Samsung like I have here in the UK. I have looked at both PLDT and Skycable and expected they'd be the 2 to choose between. Skycable seems straightforward and I was leaning towards a Internet (100mb)/TV deal costing P1699 per month. PLDT partners with Cignal for TV packages and I wondered if they still use a satellite dish? There's a couple of decent packages at either P1399 (100mb) and P1799 (200mb). Would I have any issues starting the 24 month contract? I ask as I'll be there without the Mrs and I won't have proof of residence etc. I've no idea of the TV channels, but hoping for a couple of decent movie and sports channels (Premier League if possible). I can see Skycable has "add ons". Does anyone know what channel I'd need for the Premier League. Also, does anyone know much about Fiber Blaze? I understand it's a regional provider in Cavite. I'm trying not to go for the expensive deals as we'll only be there for a month or so each year. Thanks all
Setanta sports for EPL, I'm sure it's very expensive compared to SKY back home @ P389/qtr... Whatever brand of tv you get make sure it supports the Setanta tv app: https://support.setantasports.com/en/articles/8272062-tv-app Mine's a cheap Coocaa with Google Android and it works great. When I feel like watching repeats of stuff I watched 25 years ago, I very occasionally watch ITVX/BBC IPlayer using Smart DNS Proxy ... probably not the best but it works fine for me and doesn't cost much. Bein Sports Connect for English FA Cup and European Football (and lots of other live sport inc Tennis and F1) also very expensive compared to UK at P1090 p.a. Again, Bein Sports Connect app works well on Google Android. I'm not saying don't get an expensive branded TV just be aware that you'll avoid a lot of headaches by getting a TV with the Google Android OS As mentioned before, better to choose your ISP when you have boots on ground so you can ask what's best in your area.
Thanks John, that's helpful. Between both of yours and OSS responses, I feel I have a plan of action and can do a bit more research. I'll come back if I have any more questions. Cheers
You might have problems entering into a contract, most contracts require the possession of an ACR iCard and need some additional documentation connecting you to the address you are at. I've forgotten your exact status or whether you are applying for a 13A if you aren't then extend your visa waiver on the day you arrive (can't extend at NAIA on day 2 only day 1) once extended on day one go to a Bureau of Immigration office or satellite office and apply for a further extension the application for an ACR iCard is mandatory for that second extension and that will get you a TOURIST ACR iCard, this will work for some contracts but not all some like some bank accounts may still require permanent residency.
Cheers OSS, I expected that could be a problem. While searching for options I did come across another fibre broadband ISP that gets good reviews called Converge. They also have a prepaid option called Surf2Sawa. https://www.convergeict.com/fiberx/ https://surf2sawa.com/?source=surf2sawa Now I just need work out a what to do for TV. Cignal offers a prepaid option, so that's possible. I'll keep looking into it. Thanks again
I meant to add that I went through the visa extension process back at the end of May I got my ACR iCard a month later and I now have a Maya local bank account and debit card plus a Maya savings account which this month is giving me 8% pa interest on the first 100,000 PHP of my savings and 3.5% pa on amounts over 100,000. During my first month I got 12% pa second month 10% pa, if you pay your bills on the 1st of the month there's various tricks to get up to 14% pa interest on your savings.
