SMART Plug N Talk USB Device

Help / Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is SMART Plug N’ Talk?  What can I do with SMART Plug N’ Talk?

   SMART Plug N’ Talk is a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module)-based VoIP device that will allow Smart subscribers to:

   • initiate and receive Voice Calls, and
   • send and receive Text Messages (SMS)
   • to and from any Philippine mobile number and Philippine landline number
   • from anywhere in the world through the internet.
   • Aside from these, you can also send and receive text messages (SMS) to and from other operators outside the Philippines.

2. What does the package include?

   The package includes:

   • a SMART Plug N’ Talk Device,
   • a FREE SMART Pinoy SIM,
   • an Earpiece with Mic, and
   • a travel pouch.

3. What PC specs do I need to use SMART Plug N’ Talk?

   The minimum system requirements are the following:

   • Intel Pentium II 400 MHz processor, or higher
   • 128 MB RAM, or higher
   • At least 15 MB free Hard Drive space
   • Windows 98 Second Edition, or later versions such as Windows 2000, Windows XP or Window Vista
   • 1.1 / 2.0 Computer USB Port
   • Full-duplex sound card
   • Broadband Internet Connection
   • Any active SMART SIM card

4. How do I use SMART Plug N’ Talk? Can I use this in Internet Cafés?

   It is very easy to use SMART Plug N’ Talk! You simply need to do these three (3) simple steps:

   • Insert your SMART SIM card in the SMART Plug N’ Talk device,
   • Insert the SMART Plug N’ Talk device in the computer’s* USB port. A softphone program will automatically launch.
     * - Note: the computer should be connected to the internet for the subscriber to use the service.
   • Call or text by typing in the details on the softphone interface on the computer.

5. Can I use Plug N’ Talk both while in the Philippines and abroad?

   Yes. SMART Plug N’ Talk can be used anywhere in the world, even on internet cafes, as long as the minimum requirements are met and there is broadband internet access on the computer where it is used.

6. How do I start using my Plug 'n Talk application?

   The application launches automatically once you plug it in to your USB socket.

7. On which operating system can I run my Plug 'n Talk client?

   The Plug 'n Talk client runs on Windows 2000 and above. At this point, Plug ‘n Talk does not yet support MAC OSX.

8. Can I use my Plug 'n Talk Client on more than one PC?

   You may use your Plug 'N Talk device on any PC that has a USB Interface. Your last settings are saved in your removable partition. This allows you to add and edit contacts and saves your calls and SMS records, so the next time you connect your Plug 'n Talk client to a different PC, your saved parameters are loaded with the application.

9. Where are my settings stored?

   Your settings are stored in the flash memory of the USB device.

10. How will I access my phone contacts while in my SIM with the SMART Plug N’ Talk?

    Your contacts saved in the SIM you inserted in your SMART Plug N’ Talk will automatically show in the Contacts tab of the SMART Plug N’ Talk softphone.

11. Will my messages and call records be stored in SMART Plug N’ Talk?

    Yes, all your incoming and outgoing calls make through the SMART Plug N’ Talk are stored, and can be seen in the History tab of the SMART Plug N’ Talk softphone.

12. I use Skype/YM/Google Voice to communicate with my friends because of cheap rates.   How does SMART Plug N’ Talk compare?

    Skype, YM and Google Voice require both parties to have computers and broadband internet access for them to talk to each other at cheap rates.

    SMART Plug N’ Talk, however, does not require both parties to have computers and internet access. Only the SMART Plug N’ Talk subscriber overseas needs to have a computer and internet access for them to engage in voice calls and text messages at affordable rates with their loved ones in the Philippines. The other person in the Philippines simply needs to have a either a mobile phone, or a landline.

13. What’s the difference between SMART Plug N’ Talk and G Webcall? Which is better?

    SMART Plug N’ Talk is:

    • Plug and play (no need for installation and downloading),
    • open to all prepaid and postpaid SMART subscribers, and
    • can connect to any Philippine network / operator.
    • G Webcall is only open to existing postpaid subscribers of Globe. It also requires you to download an application, and register your details. Also, it can only make calls to only Globe subscribers.

14. How is SMART Plug N’ Talk different from SMART Plug It, and PLDT WeRoam?

    SMART Plug N’ Talk is a USB device that enables mobile communications via the internet at affordable rates. It does not provide wireless internet access.
    SMART Plug It and PLDT WeRoam are portable USB modem that allows you to get wireless internet access from anywhere in the Philippines, where SMART signal is available.

15. Can I use my SMART Plug N’ Talk with the SMART Plug It device or the PLDT WeRoam device?

    Yes, you can. SMART Plug N’ Talk works with any broadband internet access, such as what SMART Plug It and PLDT WeRoam provide. This assumes that your computer has enough USB drives to accommodate both devices.

16. Can I use my existing SMART SIM on the Plug N’ Talk, or do I need to purchase a special SIM?

    SMART Plug N’ Talk works with all prepaid and postpaid SMART SIM cards like:
    SMART Buddy,
    SMART Pinoy,
    SMART Gold, and
    SMART Infinity
    currently available in the market, except for SMART Gold with Multiline capabilities, SMART Kid and SMART Bro SIMs.

17. Can I use other Philippine mobile SIM cards with Plug N’ Talk?

    No. SMART Plug N’ Talk only works with SMART SIM cards.

18. Do I need to activate the International Roaming on my SMART SIM to be able to use it with SMART Plug N’ Talk when outside the Philippines?

    There is no need to activate the roaming feature of your SMART SIM card when using the SMART Plug N’ Talk. Activation of International Roaming is only necessary when using the SIM card with a mobile phone when outside of the Philippines.

    (Note: Activation of International Roaming is only necessary when using the SIM card with a mobile phone when outside the Philippines.)

19. What are the call and text rates for SMART Plug N’ Talk?

    Call and text rates through the SMART Plug N’ Talk are so affordable, it’s almost as if you’re making Philippine local calls! Below are the outbound service rates for SMART Plug N’ Talk:
    
    *On-Net: calls / texts made to other SMART numbers
    **Off-Net: calls / texts made to non-SMART Philippine numbers
    
    Outbound Text Messages to International Numbers are PHP 15.00 for prepaid subscribers. International Text Message rates vary for SMART Gold and SMART Infinity, depending on your postpaid plan.
    There are no charges for receiving Calls and Texts on SMART Plug N’ Talk.

20. Will I be able to receive calls & texts on SMART Plug N’ Talk?

    Yes. You will be able to receive voice calls and SMS messages through your SMART Plug N’ Talk from any Philippine network. If you are using a SMART Prepaid SIM (eg. SMART Buddy, SMART Pinoy SIM), you need to have enough load to initiate / send Voice Calls and Text Messages. There is no maintaining balance, however, for you to receive Voice Calls and Text Messages. You can also send and receive text messages to and from International Numbers.

21. Can I make video calls, send / receive MMS, do downloads, or surf the net using Plug N’ Talk?

    Video Calls, MMS, and VAS (Value-Added Services) downloads are currently not available on SMART Plug N’ Talk. These services will soon be available, as upgrades to our system are being worked on.

22. If I use my SMART Postpaid SIM with my SMART Plug N’ Talk, will I be able to consume my free minutes on SMART Plug N’ Talk usages?

    Your outbound usage of SMART Plug N’ Talk services will be charged on top of your plan, and hence, will not be deducted from your free voice minutes, or free text messages per your postpaid plan. Incoming calls and text messages, however is free to the SMART Plug N’ Talk user. A separate line on your billing statement will reflect all your transactions for SMART Plug N’ Talk.

23. How do I request for the remaining load balance on my SMART Prepaid SIM (SMART Buddy or SMART Pinoy) through my SMART Plug N’ Talk?

    Balance inquiry is possible by texting “?1515” to 214 or voice call to *888.

24. If I use SMART Plug N’ Talk to send text messages, will I be able to use up my free texts?  Or will all SMART Plug N’ Talk texts be deducted from my airtime/load?

    Text messages sent through SMART Plug N’ Talk will be charged to your airtime, and hence, will not be deducted from your free text messages.

25. If I don't use my SMART Plug N' Talk, will I be able to retrieve messages sent to me in the past 24 hours?  Will I be prompted for call attempts made on my Plug N' Talk for the past 24 hours?

    No, SMS validity has a maximum of 9 hours only. All messages sent in the last 9 hours will be delivered to you, either on your SMART Plug N’ Talk or your mobile phone, depending on which device you use.
    Call attempts, however, will not be reported.

26. If I use my SMART Postpaid SIM with SMART Plug N’ Talk, will I get a separate billing statement for my Plug N’ Talk charges?

    No, you will not receive a separate billing statement for SMART Plug N’ Talk. You will, however, see a separate category / line for your SMART Plug N’ Talk transactions on the next billing statement of your current SMART Postpaid account.

27. How will I know if the SMART Plug N’ Talk I bought is in good condition?  How will I know if it is defective?

    When the status window of your SMART Plug N’ Talk says “SMART Plug N’ Talk Ready,” you can already send and receive voice calls and text messages.
    For your SMART Plug N’ Talk to work properly, please ensure the following:

    • A valid / active SMART SIM card is properly inserted in the SIM slot of your SMART Plug N’ Talk device,
    • Your USB slot is working properly,
    • You have reliable broadband internet access in the computer you are using,
    • You have properly set the firewall settings (applicable in cases where the network being used has a firewall), and
    • You have enough load when attempting to make a voice call or send text message. (to reload, simply login to http://www.plugntalkload.com/buycredits.php)
    • If you continue to experience problems, you can contact SMART Customer Service through: http://www.smart.com.ph/webconnect
      http://www.smartpinoy.com.ph/webconnect
    • Call *888 using your SMART SIM card

28. How do I make my speakers ring instead of my headset?

    Set the ring device in your settings (Settings | Devices | Ring Device).

29. I have no audio out

    If you can hear audio from other programs that play sound, then:
    Make sure your speakers or headphones are plugged into the appropriate port on your computer Ensure that your master volume is not muted, or set to minimal volume.
    If you install a new USB sound device, it may become the Windows default sound device. In such a case:
    Go to Settings -> Devices
    Under the Headset section the Speaker & Microphone device should be C-media USB Audio device and under the Speakerphone section the Speaker & Microphone device should be the default that was chosen by Plug 'n Talk.
    Make sure that the other party is actually transmitting sound and that they have not muted their microphone.

30. I have no audio in

    Try and record audio with other programs on your computer, such as Microsoft Sound Recorder.
    Ensure your microphone or headset is plugged in, turned on, and the audio on your PC is not muted.
    Go to Settings -> Devices ->
    Under the Headset section the Speaker & Microphone device should be C-media USB Audio device and under the Speakerphone section the Speaker & Microphone device should be the default that was chosen by Plug 'n Talk
    Ask the other party to follow the steps in "No Audio Out".

31. I receive poor audio quality

    Try moving the microphone closer or further from your mouth. When the earpiece is connected, the microphone should be set to low level. If your microphone or speaker volume is too high, you may hear a "crackling" sound Don't download large files during a call.
    Make sure you are not running heavy applications similar to eMule while you are speaking.

32. Where can I buy additional credits for my SMART Plug N’ Talk?

    The fastest, cheapest, most convenient and most secure way of buying additional credits is via http://www.plugntalkload.com/buycredits.php!

33. What is your return policy?

    RETURN POLICY

    FOR E-LOAD PURCHASES:

    Due to the nature of electronic load ("e-load"), we cannot accept cancellations, returns or exchanges.

    Please take extra care when entering the SMART prepaid number, to make sure that it is valid, active, and indeed the number you wish to top up. We will not be held liable for erroneous or mistaken entry of the SMART prepaid number.

    FOR PURCHASES OF THE SMART PLUG N' TALK USB DEVICE:

    We are an authorized distributor of SMART Plug N' Talk devices and ship only brand new units sourced from Smart Communications. In the unlikely event that you receive a defective unit, you may return your unit to us for a full refund plus return shipping costs, subject to the conditions enumerated in this Return Policy.

    We accept returns only for units that are defective upon delivery to the buyer.

    Return Period:

    Defective items must be returned within 15 Days from date of purchase.

    Refunds/Exchanges:

    OksPinoy guarantees full refund or replacement for defective Plug N' Talk devices only.

    Return Shipping:

    OksPinoy shall refund the cost of return shipping to the buyer for Plug N' Talk devices that are determined to have been defective upon delivery to the buyer. The return shipping amount to be refunded is equivalent to our standard shipping costs to the buyer's address in the continental United States.

    OksPinoy accepts no responsibility for untrackable shipments and cannot complete your return.

    Return Procedures:

    To return a product, the Buyer should contact us via our USB Device Support contact details at http://www.plugntalkload.com/contactus.php to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization ("RMA") number within 15 days from date of purchase. We cannot accept returns without prior authorization and without an RMA. Once issued, RMA numbers are valid for 15 days in which time the item(s), complete with original packaging and all supplied accessories and intact consumables (such as load or airtime credits supplied with the device), must be returned to us. RMA numbers will not be extended or reissued. The Buyer should prominently display the RMA number(s) on the shipping label of boxes containing the returned item(s).