Oz Trip Week 3: Mobile Phone Issues

I was almost inclined to believe that I was cursed where mobile connectivity was concerned while in Melbourne. For one, I never saw any “Free Wi-Fi” sign anywhere I went while on business trip, unlike here in Manila where even a simplest canteen or panciteria can offer free wi-fi to its customers.

Two, my network provider’s roaming service ALMOST failed on me, simply because my plan with MSF of PhP 500 did not include roaming services. It took me $10 to make an overseas call via local payphone in Melbourne to get the freakin service activated. I can still remember how irately I blurted out, 

“How the hell do you expect me to stay connected with my family if you don’t get your freakin’ service activated on my phone? Can you check my record? Last time I remember, I overpaid my last billing statement so your company still owes me roughly one thousand five hundred pesos, tama?”

to a most unsuspecting customer care agent.

Three, even after having my mobile roaming services activated, my relief was short-lived because my phone’s LCD died out on me out of the blue, thus rendering my phone useless. As for me, I had to purchase pre-paid call credits to call home, which roughly cost me about $30 all in all. Worse, I’ve been missing all calls and SMS on my SIM card which makes it a bit unbearable that time.

Four, so I decided to shop around for a cheap mobile phone that would not exceed $50. I eventually got one, after almost an hour of window shopping around for the best deal there was. Unfortunately, the unit I got was SIM-locked to Vodafone so there’s the matter of having to unlock the unit when I get back in Manila so that I’ll be able to use it. Oh, and there’s also the itsy-bitsy issue of activating the SIM card because, unlike here in the Philippines, you need a valid ID and address to have your SIM verified and activated. Maarte, yes.

Five, I eventually lost the new phone. As for the details of its demise, that would have to wait until my next entry, because it’s got quite an interesting story behind it.

My only consolation? Well, I was finally able to enjoy a tall glass of mojito on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Really nice! And Star Wars was showing on local TV that time. I dunno, but after watching the flick on tv (and with nothing else good to watch), I think I may have just been converted into a fan. LOL! Oh, and surprises of surprises – I was told that my trip would be extended for two more weeks. Cool! I was already looking forward to s couple more colorful days in Melbourne, even if I suck with mobile phones. Haha!