🚨 Smart Postpaid Unlimited 5G Data is a Scam: 2 Big Reasons Why You’re Still Losing GB in 2025

Introduction

Smart Postpaid Unlimited 5G data is a scam — and many subscribers are only realizing it after seeing their supposedly “unlimited” plan eat away their allocated open-access data. Imagine this: your SIM is 5G-capable, your device is bundled as 5G-ready, you’re in a certified 5G coverage area, and your phone even shows the shiny “5G” icon. Yet, every time you stream, scroll, or download, your 20GB open-access allocation decreases.

This post uncovers the real reasons why Smart Postpaid Unlimited 5G data is a scam for consumers in the Philippines, particularly those subscribed to plans such as Smart Signature+ 999. Based on actual subscriber experience in Libis, Quezon City, and verified device and SIM configurations, this is not just a misunderstanding—it’s a misleading marketing practice that subscribers deserve to know about.

1. Smart Postpaid Unlimited 5G Data is a Scam Because Your 20GB Still Gets Deducted

Subscribers are promised Smart Postpaid Unlimited 5G data, yet the 20GB open-access data continues to decrease even when all conditions for 5G use are met.

• ✅ SIM card verified as 5G-capable (via SIMCHECK to 5832)
• ✅ Bundled device (ZTE Blade A75) confirmed as 5G-ready
• ✅ Location within a certified 5G coverage area (Quezon City)

Despite all these, the data cap still drops. This clearly proves that Smart Postpaid Unlimited 5G data is a scam because the fine print doesn’t match the consumer’s real-world usage.

2. Smart Postpaid Unlimited 5G Data is a Scam Because the Bundled Device Doesn’t Support “5G Only” Mode

Adding insult to injury, the bundled ZTE Blade A75 doesn’t even have the option to force “5G Only” mode. Without this setting, the phone automatically falls back to Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G, which relies on 4G/LTE in the background.

Here’s the official response from ZTE Support:

“Please note that when your ZTE Blade A75 displays the 5G icon, it means the device is connected to a 5G cell tower. However, depending on network configuration, the phone may still use 4G/LTE as support in the background (this is called Non-Standalone 5G). In such cases, even though the 5G symbol appears on your screen, part of your data session may be carried over 4G, which can cause deductions from your allocated data.

When the network is fully 5G (Standalone 5G), data usage should no longer be deducted from your allocation under the Unli 5G inclusion.”

This means Smart Postpaid Unlimited 5G data is a scam because the experience depends not only on the telco but also on the device configuration. If your bundled phone lacks a 5G-only mode, you’ll keep draining your precious GBs—even while the telco markets it as “unlimited.”

Why This Matters for Consumers

1. Transparency Issue – Ads and sales agents highlight “Unlimited 5G” but skip the details about Non-Standalone 5G.
2. Device Limitation – Bundled phones like the ZTE Blade A75 are technically 5G-ready but lack critical settings to make use of true standalone 5G.
3. Location Doesn’t Save You – Even in certified 5G areas like Quezon City, the problem persists.
4. Data Allocation Trap – Once your 20GB is consumed, your connection slows down or you get charged more, making the “unlimited” promise meaningless.

Consumer Protection Angle

From a consumer rights perspective, telcos should:

• Clearly state that “Unlimited 5G” may still deduct from the open-access allocation if the network operates in NSA mode.
• Disclose device limitations before bundling them with postpaid plans.
• Ensure fairness by only labeling plans “Unlimited 5G” when true Standalone 5G is used.

Regulatory agencies like the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) should investigate if this marketing constitutes misrepresentation.

What Can Subscribers Do?

• 📱 Check your SIM by texting SIMCHECK to 5832.
• 📡 Test your device: If your phone doesn’t have a 5G-only setting, you’re vulnerable to hidden 4G deductions.
• 🗣️ Demand transparency from telcos and report misleading claims.
• 🔄 Switch devices: Consider investing in a phone that supports Standalone 5G if you truly want unlimited 5G.
• ✍️ File complaints: If you feel misled, raise it with NTC or consumer watchdogs.

Smart Postpaid Unlimited 5G Data is a Scam — Real Stories From the Ground

Real users in the Philippines are reporting the same issue: data still deducting despite the 5G icon. The bundled ZTE device only worsens the case. This shows that the problem is not isolated—it’s systemic.

The Future of 5G and Why “Unlimited” Must Be Redefined

Until telcos upgrade their networks to full Standalone 5G and provide consumers with better devices, the label “Smart Postpaid Unlimited 5G” remains misleading. Smart Postpaid Unlimited 5G data is a scam today because it doesn’t deliver what the words literally mean.

Conclusion

At face value, “Smart Postpaid Unlimited 5G” sounds like the best deal in mobile connectivity. But once you experience it firsthand, you realize that Smart Postpaid Unlimited 5G data is a scam because:

1. Your 20GB allocation still decreases despite meeting all requirements.
2. The bundled phone doesn’t support 5G-only mode, causing fallback to 4G and sneaky data deductions.

As consumers, we deserve honest marketing and fair service delivery. Until then, always take “unlimited” offers with a grain of salt.

By, admin