Introduction

Staying connected while on the go is becoming the norm as we progress towards a more digitalized world. Streaming a show while stuck in traffic, playing games with classmates on vacant time, or video-calling a relative while on the beach — all these scenarios require connectivity. Consequently, the constant demand gave rise to unlimited data promos, allowing uninterrupted access to the internet anytime, anywhere.

That said, the benefits of accessing unlimited data plans via prepaid 5G SIMs in the Philippines are more nuanced than merely helping you stay connected. Before subscribing, read this guide by DITO Telecommunity to help you weigh the advantages of this type of plan and make an informed choice of which promo to buy next.

Is 5G Much Better Than 4G?

At first glance, 5G is better than 4G because it delivers faster internet speeds, broader bandwidth, lower latency, and reduced network congestion. However, it’s important to note that you can only enjoy these connectivity upgrades if you’re located in a 5G coverage area. Once you’re in a coverage gap, you will have a harder time accessing next-gen frequencies. 

The ideal scenario is to make the whole country 5G-ready, so more mobile data users like you can continue on the go without worrying about network signals and patchy internet. But that is still it, an ideal. The second-best option is to retain 4G access for coverage gaps, and to make the most of 5G when you’re within a coverage area. This compromise shows that, while 5G is preferable to 4G on the surface, a combination of the two is still the most practical option for you.

What Are Prepaid 5G SIM Cards With Unlimited Data?

Prepaid 5G SIMs with unlimited data in the Philippines are SIM cards that enable you to subscribe to non-capped mobile data plans. Most SIM cards allow such plans. However, the difference lies in the “5G” tag. Unlimited-data promos for 5G-ready SIMs let you access less-congested networks. 

To clarify, you don’t need a special SIM to access 5G networks, but you do need the following:

• A 5G-ready smartphone
• A network carrier that offers 5G connectivity
• 5G network signal in your location

When all these requirements are met, you can access both the next-generation frequency band and unlimited data plans.

When Is Switching to a 5G Prepaid SIM Card With Unlimited Data Beneficial?

If your SIM card isn’t 5G-ready yet, you may need to switch to a new SIM or a new network carrier. Switching itself is relatively straightforward, as you only need to insert a new SIM card or activate a new eSIM. What requires more effort, though, is registering your number and informing all your contacts. So, before you ultimately make the jump and go through these steps, you should determine whether you indeed need to use unlimited 5G plans.

One way to do so is to decide whether you’re any of the following types of users:

You’re a Heavy Data User

If you tend to use the internet extensively to work, study, watch, or play, you benefit a lot from an unlimited data plan. The non-capped feature means you don’t need to constantly monitor your data usage. Moreover, if the unlimited plan is valid for 30 days, you don’t need to track your usage until the end of the month, when you need to reload. Using a 5G unlimited data plan also means high-bandwidth online activities will likely remain smooth and uninterrupted.

You’re Constantly Online

When you combine being constantly online with high-bandwidth activities, you will consume a lot of data. For perspective, an hour of watching, playing, and joining a video call consumes the following GB:

Now, imagine doing all of these online activities daily for multiple hours, and your 50 GB mobile data plan might not last a week. The thing is that you can do these activities while outside, e.g., when waiting for your ride, stuck in traffic, passing the time during a break, and queuing up at payment stations or banks, which, admittedly, takes more than just an hour. That means you’re increasingly dependent on mobile data. So, for your peace of mind, an unlimited data plan is so much better.

One consideration, though, is that you should only subscribe to a 5G-ready plan if your usual routes are within 5G signal range. If you’re in Metro Manila, this should be easy, but careful consideration is needed if you’re in the provinces.

You’re Sharing Your Internet

When you’re the go-to person for a WiFi hotspot, it’s better to subscribe to an unlimited data plan to ensure you’ll have enough for everyone. Such situations arise when you need a team for a crucial online game match, or when your companion suddenly loses their data plan and needs to connect to the internet to reload. 

If you’re a DITO subscriber, you might think that instead of turning on your hotspot, you can simply share your data. Yes, that’s doable, but only if you are on a data-capped plan. For unlimited 5G plans, like the Unli 5G 299, you can’t share your data allocation with another DITO subscriber. As a caveat, too, this plan only works in 5G-covered areas, so check your location first!

Your Budget Allows It

So, you perform high-bandwidth tasks constantly, and you’re generous enough to share a hotspot connection with friends. The next question: can you afford an unlimited 5G data plan? We ask you this because unlimited promos tend to be more expensive than capped plans; it’s not a benefit if you’re breaking the bank just to subscribe to one. 

Fortunately, not all prices are so steep that you’d always doubt before subscribing. For instance, DITO’s Unli 5G has a tier priced at ₱299 for seven days. Such a plan delivers two advantages: it’s budget-friendly, and it does not lock you into a plan longer than you need. 

How To Get a 5G Prepaid SIM With Unlimited Data From DITO

Subscribing to unlimited 5G data can mean switching to a new SIM card, like the one we offer at DITO. If you’re new, you can look forward to instant promos that make your first time with us practical and valuable. 

Buy a DITO SIM Bundle

You can buy a 5G prepaid SIM card bundle from our eShop, Experience Stores, and partner retailers. But do not just buy any bundle — opt for the Unlimited 5G SIM bundles so you get uncapped access to the next-gen network immediately upon activation of your SIM. The deal is made sweeter because you also have an extra 4G data allocation to spare!

Subscribe to Unli 5G Plans

If you’re already a DITO subscriber long before the SIM bundles existed, you can instead buy Unli 5G Plans:

• Unli 5G 299, ₱299, valid for seven days
• Unli 5G 499, ₱499, valid for 15 days
• Unli 5G 999, ₱999, valid for 30 days

Think the unlimited 5G plans are pricey? You can break down the cost of GB per day to determine whether the promos are practical. For instance, the Unli 5G 299 costs around ₱43 per day for seven days. Compare this option with DITO’s other plans by checking out our complete list of mobile prepaid promos!

Conclusion

At first glance, opting for a 5G prepaid SIM card with unlimited data plans in the Philippines is a practical choice if you’re constantly online and on the go. But before you make the switch or upgrade, be sure to confirm if you’re in a coverage area, and whether your usage habits warrant a non-capped promo. Refer to the points (and computations) we made and choose the best option for you. 

Once you’re ready, check out our SIM bundles on the eShop or download the DITO App to learn about all the promos we offer!