Globe DSL recently had a promo allowing you to basically write off 1 year’s worth of phone bills if you subscribed to their DSL service..

I applied as soon as possible given the savings that would be generated (as well as the touted 512Kbps). I had previously used PT&T’s service : Greendot. Now for those of you considering Greendot vs. Globe. Here is my experience:

1. Greendot costs twice as much as Globe. (Around 1995Php vs 995Php).
2. Greendot has fewer subscribers allowing you quicker access to their technical support - as long as their tech support line isn’t busted.
3. Greendot has no time limit as to how long you can berate their technical support, Globe apparently does.
4. Greendot requires no phoneline and heads straight for your computer. But the cables will have to come from the poles outside your home.
5. Greendot has a more stable connection in terms of speed and connectivity, but unfortunately it only gives 256Kbps for the price of Globe’s 512. Globe’s DSL speeds can either jump really high or hit zero for no apparent reason. (And to think I’m near their Shaw Blvd. relay station too!) Let’s just say if you play an online RPG while on Globe - your partymates may end up fuming at your disconnections.
6. You pay Greendot at LBC or by ATM, Globe conveniently charges you from your phone bill .
7. Where I live Greendot uses PPPoE - a more up-to-date networking standard than Globe’s PPPoA.

Now regarding PPPoE and PPPoA: If you use a Linksys router like I do to network PCs at home… PPPoA just won’t work on it!! My new Globe connection only worked when directly plugged into the PC - bypassing the router. So imagine my frustration when I find out from Globe tech support (after waiting several painful minutes over the phone) that I need to have them switch the modem to use a static IP.

I’m not going to confuse you with all the terms, but let’s just say I had to shell out an additional 700PHP A MONTH for a static IP just so that my Linksys router can connect to the internet and network at the same time!!!!

I surfed to find an alternative solution to this problem. I discovered that I didn’t really need a static IP!!! I found this link. There is a post by bgorgees that worked for me. I am listing it here if anyone here in the Philippines ever needs help on that same problem… DON’T let Globe tell you that a static IP is the only way for their modem or your Linksys router to get through to the internet:

Step 1 - Physical setup

1. Turn off modem, router and computer.
2. Connect a computer in port 2 of the router.
3. Turn on the router but leave the modem off.
4. Turn on the computer.

Step 2 - Accessing the Setup Page

1. Using a computer hardwired in the router, launch Internet Explorer.
2. In the address bar, type “http://192.168.1.1″.
3. A login prompt will appear, leave the username blank and use “admin” for the password.

Step 3 - Setup MAC address clone by doing the following:

1. In the setup page, click the Mac Address Clone blue tab.
2. Enable the service.
3. Click Clone button.
4. Click Save settings.

Step 4 - Changing the LAN/Local IP address

1. In the “Setup” page, please look for a LAN or Local IP address and change its value to ” 10.10.10.1″
2. Click “Save settings” or “Apply” button.
3. Do not wait for the page to come back instead turn off router and computer.

Step 5 - Power cycle

1. Make sure that the modem, router and the computer is turned off.
2. Turn on the modem and wait 1 minute.
3. Turn on the router and wait 1 minute.
4. Turn on the computer and test for Internet connectivity.