DITO finally launched its telco service in the Philippines, the first rollout was in Cebu and Davao City on March 8, 2021. During the initial rollout, subscribers who avail the sim from March 8 to 31 will enjoy their Welcome Offer that includes a 1-month of unlimited Data and (DITO-DITO) Call and Text. Today, their current promo is a 25GB high speed data for PHP 199, good for 30 days. As of July 11, 2021, DITO is now available nationwide in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Table of Contents
- Unboxing
- Activating the DITO sim
- DITO App
- Speed Test
- Calls and Text
- Loads and Promos
- Share a Load
- How to Buy DITO Sim
- Sim card Expiry
- Customer Service
- Conclusion
The entrance of the third major telco probably marks the healthy competition in the Philippines against the two major telcos, PLDT and Globe. It translates into a cheaper, faster and more reliable service that will mostly benefit the subscribers. In fact, other telcos are already promoting new sets of data promos to compete like SMART’s non-expiring magic data, PLDT’s cheaper internet rate and GOMO’s unlimited data. We are pleased to see what DITO will offer when they start rolling out nationwide.
We got a chance to check this new SIM with the help of our friend from Davao, Mr. Deane Francis Goyagoy, where he unboxed and tested the DITO sim for us. The whole test is done using Mi Note 10 Lite phone.
Unboxing
The sim is packaged in a unique sachet pack with their tag line “DITO na tayo!”. It comes with a FREE sim ejector pin, a handy tool for plugging in your new SIM to your smartphone. If you notice, the ejector shape is the logo of DITO.
The sim cartridge tray comes in 3 pre-cut sizes, for standard, micro and Nano sim. Your phone number is visibly seen at the left corner of the sim tray.
Activating the DITO SIM
DITO Sim will automatically activate once you access any of the following: data Internet, send message or via call. Once you successfully activated it, you will receive a welcome message that confirming the activation. They will also send you the link where to download the app and the initial password. It also displays the promo detail that comes with your sim.
If you still have no access to the Internet because your phone is not in their compatible list. You can try changing your device APN settings.
How to Change APN Settings for DITO
If your device is not on the list of compatible devices for DITO, the data internet will not automatically work by default. You need to manually change the APN settings for you to access the internet.
Depending on the Phone you’re using. You can access the APN at Settings > Connections > Mobile network > Access Point Names.
- Name: DITO PH
- APN: internet.dito.ph
If the above settings are not working, you may also use China Telecom settings as your APN:
- Name: DITO PH
- APN: ctnet
- Username: ctwap@mycdma.cn
- Password: vnet.mobi
Apply the new APN settings then try accessing the internet again. Once you’ve try connecting to the internet, your DITO sim should be activated.
DITO App
Once you have activated the DITO sim, you will get an instruction on how to download it, it also contains the password that you can use to login your account.
The DITO app is finally available on Google Play Store, Huawei App Gallery and iOS. In the initial version of this review, DITO also provided an APK installer where you can install the app via their website.
You can download the DITO app from the following:
- Android Devices: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mydito
- Huawei Devices: https://appgallery.huawei.com/#/app/C103977309
- iPhone (iOS) Devices: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dito-ph/id1562625494
After the app is installed, you can then log on to your DITO account. The password you use here is from the text message sent from DITO. Once logged-in, you will have access to the dashboard where you can manage your DITO sim in many ways.
Speed Test
As of now, we only tested the DITO Sim on a Mi Note 10 Lite phone which is not listed on the compatible device. But still, we get a decent speed of up to 30 to 50Mbps during our speed test. The speed also depends on your location and how far you are in the DITO tower.
The other advantage of DITO is you are always connected to the LTE and never downgraded to 2G or 3G. This means you will have a consistent connection wherever you go as long as there is a tower near your location. This also means you cannot use DITO sim to older model of phone like those with keypad, such as Nokia 3310 who are using 2G or 3G. 🙂
In terms of data capping, the current welcome promo of DITO has no data cap. But contrary to the terms and condition under section 3 (3.4) “The DITO Network”: subscriber who uses the network more than what is humanly possible (for example: sustained high volume data transfer). If necessary, they may issue and implement a Responsible Use Policy whereas activities on the network will be subject to predetermined allocation.
Based on their example, if you’re a regular or a heavy user, you don’t have to worry about it. This type of activity is like using your DITO sim in automated kind of way, like using it as a server bandwidth, downloading files 24/7, Piso Wifi or other activities that a human cannot simply do.
Calls and Text
As of now, calling another network is not yet possible. But with the latest interconnection deal among DITO, PLDT and Globe it will be possible in the coming months. According to DITO, they are working with other network providers for interconnectivity, and we should expect it within this month or until April for it to be implemented.
If you have a VoLTE phone, you can also enjoy a crystal clear and faster calling when you use DITO. A regular phone without VoLTE usually switches between 2G, 3G and LTE connection to make a call, this lead to drop of the internet connection when being switched. On VoLTE, you will always be connected to LTE which will eventually save battery life and a consistent connection when using both calls and the internet.
Loads and Promos
You can only buy load through their app and the mode of payment is available through Credit/Debit Card. Other payment portals like GCash, GrabPay and WeChat Pay are also available. But according to DITO, they are currently working with their partners to make reloading accessible to the public, but for the time being, the only way to reload is through the app.
DITO credit system is 1 to 1, which means 1 DITO peso balance equals 1 peso. Unfortunately, the regular load balance you topped up on your DITO account has an expiration of 1-year. We contacted their live chat support and they mentioned, “The regular load in your account will expire 1 year starting when you purchased the regular load.”
As for promos, the only promo that you can avail for now is the limited time offer “Welcome Promo” which costs around PHP 199. It includes unlimited data and DITO-DITO for call and text. This promotion is only available from March 8 to 31, 2021. Other than that, there are no other promos that you can avail. The Welcome Promo is also not stackable, meaning when you buy it twice, it will simply overlap the existing offering.
Here are the list of promo DITO is currently offering:
| Promo | Details |
| 10GB of High Speed Data (Available  – PHP 99) | No speed limit 10GB Internet Unlimited text to all network FREE 300 minutes calls to other networks Unlimited calls to DITO networks 30 days |
| 25GB High Speed Data (Available  – PHP 199) | No speed limit 25GB Internet Unlimited text to all network FREE 300 minutes calls to other networks Unlimited calls to DITO networks 30 days |
| Unlimited Data (Available – PHP 499 with Sim Card only through Lazada or Shopee) | Unlimited Internet at 5Mbps No speed limit of 2GB per day Unlimited text to all network FREE 300 minutes calls to other networks Unlimited calls to DITO networks 30 days |
| Welcome Promo (Ended  – FREE with Sim Card) | Unlimited Internet Unlimited calls and text to DITO networks 30 days |
We also checked DITO’s terms and conditions, and they mentioned Basic Pack which gives basic SMS, Calls and Data promo to their subscribers. However, the price and detail of this promotion are not yet stated.
Share a Load
Sending a load for your loved ones and friends is possible with DITO, through their app, you can share your credit with other DITO subscribers. Simply input their DITO number, the credit that you want to send and there it is.
We are also curious whether sending your credit to another DITO subscribers will eliminate the 1-year expiration, what do you think?
DITO Coverage
DITO is now available nationwide in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. However, they are still continuing boosting the signal by adding more towers.
Here are the current list of DITO Coverage:
| Region | Cities |
| Bataan | Balanga City (4G) Dinalupihan (4G) |
| Batangas | Batangas City (4G) Cuenca (4G) Ibaan (4G) Lipa City (4G) Malvar (4G) San Jose (4G) Santo Tomas (4G) Tanauan City (4G) |
| Bulacan | Baliuag (4G) Bocaue (4G) Bulacan (4G) Hagonay (4G) Mololos City (4G) Marilao (4G) Meycauayan City (4G) Plaridel (4G) San Jose Del Monte City (4G) |
| Cavite | Bacoor City (4G) Carmona (4G) Dasmariñas City (4G) Imus City (4G) Kawit (4G) Silang (4G) Tagaytay City (4G) |
| Cebu | Balambam (4G) Barili (4G) Carcar City (4G) Cebu City – Capital (4G) Compostela (4G) Consolacion (4G) Cordova (4G) Danao City (4G) Dumanjug (4G) Lapu-Lapu City (4G) Liloan (4G) Mandaue City (4G) Minglanilla (4G) Naga City (4G) San Fernando (4G) Talisay City (4G) Toleda City (4G) |
| Davao Del Norte | Braulio E. Dujali (4G) Carmen (4G) Panabo City (4G) Santo Tomas (4G) Tagum City – Capital (4G) |
| Davao De Oro (Compostela Valley) | Compostela (4G) Montevista (4G) Nabunturan – Capital (4G) |
| Davao Del Sur | Davao City (4G) Digos City – Capital (4G) |
| Laguna | Biñan City (4G) Cabuyao City (4G) Calamba City Los Baños (4G) San Pedro City Santa Rosa City |
| Metro Manila | Caloocan City (4G) Las Piñas City (4G) Makati City (4G) Malabon City (4G) Mandaluyong City (4G) Manila City (4G) Marikina City (4G) Muntinlupa City (4G) Navotas City (4G) Parañaque City (4G) Pasay City (4G) Pasig City (4G) Pateros (4G) Quezon City (4G) San Juan City (4G) Taguig City (4G) Valenzuela City (4G) |
| Nueva Ecija | Cabanatuan City (4G) Gapan City (4G) Palayan City – Capital (4G) San Jose City (4G) San Leonardo (4G) Santa Rosa (4G) Science City of Muñoz (4G) Talavera (4G) |
| Pampanga | Angeles City (4G) Guagua (4G) Mabalacat City (4G) Mexico (4G) San Fernando City – Capital (4G) |
| Rizal | Antipolo City (4G) Cainta (4G) Taytay (4G) |
| South Cotabato | General Santos City – Dadiangas (4G) |
| Tarlac | Capas (4G) Concepcion (4G) Gerona (4G) Moncada (4G) Tarlac City – Capital (4G) |
| Zambales | Olangapo City (4G) Subic (4G) |
As you can see, not all cities are listed like Zamboanga, Koronadal, Polomolok and many more areas.
Buy DITO SIM through Lazada or Shopee
If your area is covered, you can get this SIM trough Lazada with FREE shipping. You can order at their official store at https://www.lazada.com.ph/here-1603433795.
You can also purchased DITO sim at their official store in Shopee at https://shopee.ph/ditotelecommunity
How to buy DITO SIM
You can also order through their website, but you need a compatible device to order the sim. But if you are techie enough, changing browser’s user agent can do the trick.
You can purchase DITO sim by going to https://join.dito.ph/eshopmobile/third/channel/store101.
At the bottom, click the Sign-Up button to register for an account. After that, select Your Location and agree to both Terms and Condition and Privacy. Then press the Check Now.
Fill up the form, then assign a 6-digit PIN Code (This is your password) and click Submit. Once completed, after a couple of hours, you will receive a sign-up confirmation email from DITO saying your registration is activated. You will then need to wait for another few days to get an email that will contain the login and order information. If you are unable get that email, you can log in to your account here: https://getsim.dito.ph/eshopmobile/pin/login.
Login your DITO account and enter your nominated 6-digit pin code. After that, click the Order your DITO SIM Card now to start ordering your sim.
Then you need to fill in your delivery information; you can only ship it on Cebu or Davao City. It will then asked you to confirm your details, check for any error and if its ok then click Check out to pay for your SIM.
You will then receive an Order Notification email. In a few days, you will get an update on your DITO sim card delivery.
Sim Card expiry
You need to maintain a credit load of 1 Peso or any subscription to any of their promo to remain active. Inactive sims will be temporarily disconnected. If the temporary disconnection continues for 90 days (3 months), the sim card will be permanently disconnected in which the sim card is disabled, blocked, and blacklisted from the network.
DITO also does not offer reconnection for permanent disconnected sim, so it is better to keep a balance of 1 peso or more in your DITO account.
Costumer Service
What is great with DITO is you can get instant support from the various channels, and you are able to contact them right away. If you have concerns, issues or problems, there are 4 ways to reach them:
| Helpline | How to |
| Hotline Monday to Sunday (6AM to 12MN) | 185 using DITO mobile Number |
| DITO App Monday to Sunday (6AM to 12MN) | Using live chat support |
| Email Monday to Sunday (6AM to 12MN) | Sending email at customerservice@dito.ph |
| Facebook Page Monday to Sunday (7AM to 9PM) | Through their official Facebook page at m.me/DITOphofficial |
We tried their live chat through the application and in just a minute we were able to connect to an agent and resolved whatever concern we have with the sim card.
Conclusion
It is too early to say whether DITO is the cheapest and fastest sim card available in the Philippines as the promos they are currently offering are just limited time, and we have not yet seen the regular promo. And if we compare them with other telcos, their network is not yet that congested, so there might be a chance that the speed will worsen when there is an increase in subscribers in the coming months.
The load balance that looks like a credit wallet might be a unique benefit of DITO – if that is without an expiration, but with the expiration of 1 year in place, it defeats the purpose of a credit wallet that supposedly allows you to stack the peso load to your account without worrying of expiring.
The plus side this telco offers is their nearly 24/7 customer service where you have many options to contact them when you have a problem with your connection.
The speed you’ll get on DITO is promising and the welcome promo they currently offer are simply too epic not to try. So Yeah, maka “DITO na tayo!” ka na lang. We hope that the current speed and offering we have will be consistent in the long run, especially when the network starts rolling out nationwide.