The SMS-based BPI Express Mobile in Globe Menu allows Globe users to check on their account, perform fund transfers, or load their GCASH wallet straight from their BPI account. The SMS-based works with the text messaging facility of Globe, even without connecting to the internet. It was initially available to Globe subscribers.

BPI Express Mobile also comes in another variant — Internet-based. With Internet-based BPI Express Mobile, you can do the same transactions as SMS-based and more except GCash related transactions. To learn more about Internet-based BPI Express Mobile, click here.

Here’s how to setup and use SMS-based BPI Express Mobile on your Globe cellphone.

A. Setup BPI Mobile in Globe Menu

• For Globe SIMs issued before February 2009, download the BPI Express Mobile menu on your Globe cellphone. Downloading the menu may take between 1-2 minutes. This is free of charge.
  1. Go to Globe Svcs+
  2. Choose myFavorites
  3. Choose Add Favorites
  4. Choose What’s Hot
  5. Choose BPI Mobile

  
  After downloading the menu successfully, the BPI Express Mobile menu is now listed under Globe Svcs+ – myFavorites – BPI Mobile.
  

• For Globe SIMs issued February 2009 onwards, the BPI menu is already saved in you SIM. Choose Globe Prepaid/ Postpaid > Specials > Mobile Banking > BPI

B. Register for BPI Express Mobile

1. Register your cellphone and account number.
   

   Text ENROLL <Account Number> <Joint Account Indicator> and send to 2274.

   *The Joint Account Indicator is the 2-digit number in the lower right portion of your ATM card.
   

2. Activate your enrollment through any of BPI’s ATMs nationwide.
   1. Insert Express Teller ATM Card
   2. Key-in your Pesonal Identification Number (PIN)
   3. Choose Special Services. Choose Activate Enrollment
   4. Choose EConnect – SMS Enrollment
   5. BPI will send a text message containing your initial Mobile PIN (MPIN) after (1) banking day

   

3. Change the initial MPIN to your own MPIN.
   

   CHG <Initial MPIN> <Own MPIN> send to 2274

   
   Now, you are ready to use BPI Express Mobile!

C. Use BPI Express Mobile

1. Balance Inquiry for Deposit Accounts (Savings or Checking)
   

   BAL <MPIN> <AccountKey> send to 2274

   Account Key is composed of 2-letter Account Type and last 4 digits of your account number. Account Type; SA = Savings Account, CA = Checking Account. (e.g. SA1234). Balance Inquiry is also available in your Globe Menu.

2. Fund Transfer
   1. Choose Fund Transfer from BPI Mobile Menu
   2. Enter your 6-digit Mobile PIN (MPIN)
   3. Enter the amount to be transferred
   4. Choose Enter Account to manually enter the source account number and the recipient account number
   5. Enter the Account Key of the source account. Account Key is explained in Balance Inquiry for Deposit Accounts (C1).
   6. Enter 10-digit account number of the recipient
   7. Click OK to proceed with the transfer
   8. If the transfer is successful, a confirmation will be displayed on the screen
   9. BPIMobile will send a text message containing the details of the fund transfer.

   
   

3. BPI to GCASH Transfer. Transaction fee is Php 15 to be deducted from your BPI account. If you want to transfer Php 8,000 to your GCash wallet, you will be charged Php 8,015 from your BPI account.
   1. Choose GCash Transfer from BPI Mobile Menu
   2. Choose Bank to GCash
   3. Enter your 6-digit Mobile PIN (MPIN)
   4. Enter the amount to be transferred
   5. Choose Enter Account to manually enter the source account number
   6. Enter the Account Key of the source account. Account Key is explained in Balance Inquiry for Deposit Accounts (C1).
   7. Click OK to proceed with the transfer
   8. If the transfer is successful, a confirmation will be displayed on the screen
   9. Globe GCash (2882) will send a text message containing the details of the GCash transfer.

   
   

4. GCASH to BPI Transfer. Transaction fee is Php 70 or 1% whichever is higher (to be deducted from your BPI account). If you want to transfer Php 500 to your BPI account, the transaction fee would be Php 70, therefore you will be debited Php 500 from GCash and Php 70 from your BPI account. If you want to transfer Php 8,000 to your BPI account, the transaction fee would be Php 80, therefore you will be debited Php 8,000 from GCash and Php 80 from your BPI account.
   1. Choose GCash Transfer from BPI Mobile Menu
   2. Choose GCash to Bank
   3. Enter your 6-digit Mobile PIN (MPIN)
   4. Enter the amount to be transferred
   5. Enter your 4-digit GCash PIN
   6. Choose Enter Account to manually enter the source account number
   7. Enter the Account Key of the source account. Account Key is explained in Balance Inquiry for Deposit Accounts (C1).
   8. Click OK to proceed with the transfer
   9. If the transfer is successful, a confirmation will be displayed on the screen
   10. Globe GCash (2882) will send a text message containing the details of the GCash transfer.

   
   

5. Reload Globe/TM Prepaid. Requires enrollment.
6. Reload Express Cash/Express Money Order. Requires enrollment.
7. Bills Payment. Requires enrollment.

For other transactions, visit BPI Express Mobile for Globe.

Listed below are the prices of unlimited text promos offered by Globe, Smart, Sun Celluar, Touch Mobile, Talk ‘N Text, and Red Mobile. For as low as Php 4.00, you can subscribe to an unlimited text promo good for 1 day. ?While the lowest priced combo of unlimited call and text is priced at Php 20.00 for 1 day.

For more information on how to subscribe to these promos, read more prepaid unlimited text offers?listed after the table. You can also check out the company’s website for other promos.

Red Mobile

Php 4 – Unlimited text to Red for 1 day.

TU4 to 9949

Php 28 – Unlimited text to Red for 7 days.

TU28 to 9949

Php 120 – Unlimited text to Red for 30 days.

TU120 to 9949

Php 8 – Unlimited call and text to Red for 1 day.

CTU8 to 9949

Php 56 – Unlimited call and text to Red for 7 days.

CTU56 to 9949

Php 240 – Unlimited call and text to Red for 30 days.

CTU240 to 9949

Talk ‘N Text

Php 20 -?UNLITXT 2ALL 20. Unlimited text to all networks for 1 day.

UA20 to 4545

Php 20 -?UNLITXT20PLUS. Unlimited texts to TNT/Smart and?10-minutes call to TNT/Smart for 1 day. To call dial *4546 +11 digit TNT/Smart number.

GU20 to 4545

Php 30 – UNLITXT30PLUS. Unlimited texts to TNT/Smart and?20-minutes call to TNT/Smart for 1 day. To call dial *4546 +11 digit TNT/Smart number.

GU30 to 4545

Php 150 – UNLITXT150. Unlimited text to TNT/Smart for 30 days.

U150 to 4545

Php 100 – UNLITalk Plus. Unlimited call (from 10pm to 5pm) and unlimited text to TNT/Smart for 5 days. To call, dial *4547 + 11-digit Talk N’ Text or Smart number.

T100 to 4547

Touch Mobile

Php 10 – ASTIGTXT10. Unlimited text to TM/Globe for 1 day.

ASTIGTXT10 to 8888

Php 15 – ASTIGTXT15. Unlimited text to TM/Globe for 2 days.

ASTIGTXT15 to 8888

Php 20 – UNLI Call & Text 20. Unlimited call (from 10pm to 5pm) and text to TM/Globe for 1 day.

UNLICOMBO to 2824

Php 100 – UNLI Call & Text 100.?Unlimited call (from 10pm to 5pm)?and text to TM/Globe for 7 days.

UNLICOMBO100 to 2824

Sun Cellular

Php 10 – Winner Txt 10. Unlimited text to Sun for 1 day.

WIN10 to 247

Php 50 -?Text Unlimited 50. Unlimited text to Sun for 7 days.

TU50 to 247

Php 150 -?Text Unlimited 150. Unlimited text to Sun for 30 days.

TU150 to 247

Php 20 -?TEXTALL20. Unlimited text to all networks for 1 day. (Added September 14, 2011)

UTEXTALL20 to 247

Php 25 -?Super Loaded 25. Unlimited call and text to Sun for 1 day.

CTU25 to 247

Php 150 – Super Loaded 150. Unlimited call and text to Sun for 7 days.

CTU150 to 247

Php 450 -?Super Loaded 450. Unlimited call and text to Sun for 30 days.

CTU450 to 247

Smart Communications

Php 25 – LAHATxt Unli 25. Unlimited text to all networks for 1 day. Promo runs from July 29, 2011 to November 30, 2011

LTU25 to 2266

Php 25 – Smartalk Unli Call & Text 25. Unlimited call and text to?Smart/TNT/Red for 1 day.?To call, dial *6406 + 11-digit Smart/TNT/red #.

UNLI25 to 6406

Php 150 – Smartalk?Unli Call & Text 150. Unlimited call and text to?Smart/TNT/Red for 7 days.?To call, dial *6406 + 11-digit Smart/TNT/red #.

UNLI150 to 6406

Php 299 -?Smartalk?Unli Call & Text 100. Unlimited call and text to?Smart/TNT/Red for 15 days.?To call, dial *6406 + 11-digit Smart/TNT/red #.

UNLI299 to 6406

Globe Telecom

Php 25 -?SUPERUNLI ALLTXT 25.?Unlimited text to all networks for 1 day. Promo runs from July 16 to September 30, 2011

UALLPLUS25 to 8888

Php 25 – SUPERUNLI CALL & TEXT 25. Unlimited call and text to Globe/TM for 1 day. Promo is extended until September 30, 2011

SUPERUNLI25 to 8888

Php 150 -?SUPERUNLI CALL & TEXT 150.?Unlimited call and text to Globe/TM?for 7 days.?Promo is extended until September 30, 2011

SUPERUNLI150 to 8888

Last year, Globe introduced MY SUPER PLAN, a fully-customizable plan which let their subscribers personalize their plan by choosing and paying only for the services that they need. Among the list of their add-ons are three unlimited texting plans:

• My Super ONE (Php 175/month), unlimited call and text to one mobile number.
• My Super TXT (Php 349/month), unlimited text to Globe/TM/Tatoo
• My Super UNLI (Php 599/month), unlimited call and text to Globe/TM/Tatoo

For new subscribers, they can avail of MY SUPER PLAN using Globe’s MY SUPER PLAN builder as long as they can submit required application requirements. However, they will be given a new Postpaid mobile number.?They can avail of the promo via Globe Stores nationwide, Globe Direct at (02) 730-1588, Globe Customer Service (02) 730-1000 or www.globe.com.ph

For existing GPlan or GFlex Postpaid subscribers, they can subscribe to their choice of add-on by texting the keywords listed below (the amount will be charged on top of their existing plan and services will automatically renew unless they opt-out):

To subscribe to?MY SUPER TXT (Php 349/month), unlimited text to Globe/TM/Tatoo:

MYSUPERTXT to 8888

To unsubscribe from MY SUPER TXT

MYSUPERTXT OFF to 8888

To subscribe to?MY SUPER UNLI (Php 599/month), unlimited call and text to Globe/TM/Tatoo:

MYSUPERUNLI to 8888

To unsubscribe from?MY SUPER UNLI

MYSUPERUNLI OFF to 8888

To subscribe to?MY SUPER TXT ALL (Php 599/month), unlimited text to all networks:

MYSUPERTXTALL to 8888

To unsubscribe from?MY SUPER TXT ALL

MYSUPERTXTALL STOP to 8888

Existing GPlan or GFlex Postpaid subscribers ?can also switch to MY SUPER PLAN using the MY SUPER PLAN builder (provided they are outside lock-up for downgrade to MY SUPER PLAN).?MY SUPER PLAN subscribers can also change their plan back to a GPlan or GFlex plan.

Do you want to know which mobile phone number belongs to which network? Below is a list of mobile number prefixes used by Globe, Smart, Sun Cellular, Red Mobile, Talk ‘N Text, and Touch Mobile. This list is useful for those who often subscribe to unlimited text or call services.

Mobile phone area codes in the Philippines are composed of three digits and always start with the number 9. Originally, there were only three prefixes or area codes used for mobile phones: 917 for Globe Telecom, 918 for Smart Communications and 973 for Express Telecom, the three existing mobile companies at the time. As service grew rapidly throughout the 1990s and even until today, existing codes have been exhausted and new codes have been added to fulfill demand. [Source: Wikipedia]

Globe now offers GCASH account holders a convenient way of withdrawing money from any ATM across the country. Unlike before, where users had to find a Globe business center to do a “cash-out” transaction, GCASH ATM card enables users to withdraw money at any Bancnet, Megalink, ExpressNet and Encash Automated Teller Machines in the Philippines. GCASH card holders will becharged Php 20.00 per withdrawal that will automatically be deducted from their GCASH wallet.

GCASH ATM card

For the price of Php 100.00, subscribers can get a customizable GCASH ATM card with their 1×1 photo ID placed at the back of the card. This can also serve as a valid ID for GCASH transactions.

To apply for a GCASH card:

1. Go to GCASH website.
2. Choose a background for your card from the default designs provided. You can also upload your own background.
3. Fill up the application form with your name, mobile number, address, date of birth, and a 1×1 ID picture to be placed at the back of the GCASH card.
4. Upon submission, you will recieve an SMS from Globe requesting to collect Php 100.00 from your GCASH wallet as payment for the GCASH card application. Reply with your MPIN to complete the transaction.

Applicants must ensure they have enough load on their GCASH wallet because a Php 100.00 application fee will be deducted from their account. Delivery may take up to two weeks.

Globe also created a simple online game that can help GCASH subscribers win GCASH credits. It is called the GCASH Coin City Electromagnet Game. This promo is open to Globe or TM subscribers who are?non-GCASH card holders yet. Playing the game is easy. Just pick up as many coins as possible using the electronic magnet. Each coin is equivalent to Php 1 worth of GCASH credit. The credit can only be claimed upon? application and payment of GCASH card. Promo runs from October 1 – November 30, 2010.

Globe GCASH has teamed up with Boku/Paymo to revolutionalize the world of virtual payments. Through this partnership both companies will be able to reach their global targets in the world of mobile commerce. This will allow their users to purchase virtual goods from any merchant in the Boku global merchant network including, Facebook.

This means Facebook users in the Philippines will now be able to use GCASH to purchase game credits any Facebook game operated by Zynga and Playfish. Zynga games include Farmville, Cafe World, Mafia Wars, Zynga Poker, Treasure Isle. Playfish games include Restaurant City, Pet Society, Hotel City.

To purchase game credits using GCASH, simply go to the payment page of any Facebook game operated by Zynga or Playfish then choose Boku/Paymo. Enter your mobile phone number and GCASH Mpin. Once the transaction has been completed, you will receive a text message from Globe? stating the details of the payment.

Pinoy Bingo Night, which originated from America’s National Bingo Night, is the newest game show of ABS-CBN hosted by Ms. Kris Aquino.

Everyday, 200 studio audiences, called as Bingoers, will play and compete against the Solo Studio contestatant. The Bingoers can win 50,000 pesos for every game, while the Solo Studio contestant can win up to 1 million pesos. Home viewers will also have a chance to play either as Home Player or Text Player and can win 200,000 pesos.

To join as texter, text

PBN <last name>,<first name>/<age>/<gender>/<address> to 2366

P2.50/txt for Globe, TM,  Smart, Talk and Text
P2/txt for Sun Cellular

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the low fare leader in the local aviation industry is the first local airline to introduce E-ticketing and TxtCEB (booking through SMS) in the country.

TxtCEB allows anyone to get updates on Cebu Pacific‘s special flights and promos or book a Cebu Pacific flight through their cellphones (domestic bookings only). To start, here’s how:

For Globe, Touch Mobile subscribers, text

CEB FLIGHT or CEB HELP and send to 2982.

For Smart, Talk N’ Text and Addict Mobile subscribers, text

CEB to 2952

For Sun Cellular subscribers, text

CEB or CEB HELP and send to 2982

Then follow the SMS prompts. It only takes a minimum of 5 SMS messages to book a Cebu Pacific flight. You will be charged a minimal amount per text message received; P2.50 for Globe, Touch Mobile, Smart, Talk ‘N Text and Addict Mobile and P2.00 for Sun Cellular subscribers. Confirmed bookings cannot be paid via SMS. You still have to pay over the counter at any Cebu Pacific ticket office. You will be charged the fare confirmed by txtCEB at the date of ticket purchase.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has picked Globe Telecom Inc. as the most reliable and efficient mobile phone service provider in Metro Manila, based on their benchmarking study.

Tests were conducted last year (Sept. 17 to Oct. 6, 2008) by NTC engineers on three cellular service operators, namely Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, and Sun Cellular to measure the quality of services rendered. They made 2,475 network-to-network calls per operator in 13 Metro Manila cities, as part of the tests.

Three areas were reviewed namely network accessibility (circuit switch), service accessibility (telephony), and call completion rate circuit switch (telephony), to measure the quality of service indicators.

Network accessibility (Circuit Switch). All three got perfect scores.
Globe 100%
Smart 100%
Sun 100%

Service Accessibility (Telephony). Globe got the highest mark.
Globe 97.98%
Smart 96.24%
Sun 83.02%

Call Completion Rate Circuit Switch (Telephony). Globe and Smart tied at 98.55%.
Globe 98.55%
Smart 98.55%
Sun 97.65%

Signal Strength
Smart 91.81%
Globe 86.58%
Sun 84.48%

Signal Quality
Globe 93.79%
Smart 93%
Sun 84.47%

Hand Over Success Rate
Smart 99.03%
Globe 98.27%
Sun 96.72%

Call Set-up Time (based on the 2,475 sample calls)
Globe 97.29%
Smart 95.76%
Sun 80.12%

In terms of blocked and dropped calls, a lower percentage is desirable to ensure higher quality of service and therefore, the operator with a lower percentage was given a higher ranking.

Blocked Calls (based on the 2,475 sample calls). Blocked calls are failed connection to the network due to unavailability of signal.
Globe 49 (1.99%)
Smart 93 (3.79%)
Sun 779 (17.05%)

Dropped Calls (based on the 2,475 sample calls). A call is considered dropped when the signal has been cut just a few seconds upon connection.
Globe 35 (1.42%)
Smart 35 (1.42%)
Sun 48 (1.95%)

Under the NTC’s circular on service performance standards for CMTS, the allowable drop call rate is 5 percent. NTC also noted that blocked and dropped calls are caused by network congestion and system failure.

On Christmas and on New Year’s eves, unlimited text and call promotions will be temporarily unavailable according to mobile telephone companies Globe Telecom, Inc. and Smart Communications.

In an interview, Smart Spokesman Ramon R. Isberto said a promotion that allows subscribers to make unlimited calls at night and send as many text messages as they can would not be made available from Dec. 23 to Dec. 25, and from Dec. 30 to Jan. 1.

Likewise, a similar promotion from Globe will not be made available on Dec. 24 and 25, and on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, said Froilan M. Castelo, Globe’s regulatory division head.

This is to help prevent their networks from overloading at a time when most Filipinos greet their friends and relatives with Christmas greetings.

“What we are doing is managing our network, in case there are any serious obstructions [during the holidays],” Mr. Isberto said.

“We are not taking any chances. We want to protect the network from abuse,” Mr. Castelo said. “We want to avoid any congestion. We just want to clear the airwaves,” he added.

A billion text messages are sent locally everyday as estimated by both Smart and Globe. This can increase during the holidays as Filipinos greet their friends and relatives.