If you are on Smart and still use the default dialling rules (i.e. 09XXXXXXXX) when calling someone, you are losing money. That is because Smart already implemented a per-pulse billing system since December 6, 2009, which is activated by a prefix.
So, how do you activate the per-pulse billing system? Here’s the Press Release from Smart I copied fully below:
ADVISORY TO SMART SUBSCRIBERS
Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) has implemented the per-pulse billing system for mobile voice calls effective December 6, 2009.
The new billing uses a six-second pulse charging system applicable to domestic SMART-to-SMART or on-net calls. It will apply to postpaid (Smart Gold and Infinity) and prepaid services (Smart Buddy and Talk ‘N Text).
A flag-down rate of P3 will be charged on the first two pulses (or 12 seconds) and P0.31 (for Talk ‘N Text) and P0.43 (for Smart Buddy, Smart Gold, and Infinity) on the succeeding pulses of the first minute. For succeeding minutes, P0.55 (for Talk ’N Text) and P0.65 (for Smart Buddy, Smart Gold, and Infinity) per pulse will be charged.
To call per-pulse, the following prefixes must be used, plus the number being called:
Smart Gold and Infinity: *5433
Smart Buddy: *5434
Talk ‘N Text: *2255Subscribers can also opt to be billed per minute, P5.50 for Talk ‘N Text and P6.50 for Smart Buddy, Smart Gold, and Infinity, or to subscribe to unlimited or bucket-price service offerings.
Call types supported by the per-pulse billing scheme are call features such as call forwarding and teleconferencing. At present, rates apply to calls made within the SMART and Talk ‘N Text network only.
Let me quote again the important details:
To call per-pulse, the following prefixes must be used, plus the number being called:
Smart Gold and Infinity: *5433
Smart Buddy: *5434
Talk ‘N Text: *2255
Don’t lose those money again. Use these prefixes when calling anyone on the Smart network!
thanks for the info Marhgil. I really was not aware of this new scheme.