Globe, Dito issue warning on tampered modems

MANILA, Philippines — Globe Telecom Inc. and new telecommunications player Dito Telecommunity have warned the public against tampered modems.

In a statement, the Ayala-led telco said its Globe At Home modems are being sold illegally as Dito Telecommunity modems by certain individuals and online stores.

Globe said the modus operandi involves selling the modems to unsuspecting customers using Dito stickers to make them appear as the new telco player’s modems.

“It has come to our attention that certain individuals and retail establishments are illegally reselling and passing off as Dito Telecommunity modems several of our Globe At Home WiFi modems,” the telco said.

“The modus is done through the unauthorized unlocking of the Globe device, substituting the Globe SIM with a Dito Telecommunity SIM and concealing the Globe At Home trademark with a sticker of Dito,” it said.

Globe said all Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi kits have pre-inserted SIMs in the modems ready for activation via the Globe At Home app or Facebook messenger upon purchase.

“We are prepared to take the necessary legal action against these unscrupulous individuals and establishments carrying out these deceptive business practices, through the assistance of law enforcement authorities,” the company said.

Globe is urging the public to buy only from legitimate Globe At Home stores, authorized dealers, and online sites to ensure quality and service guarantee.

Globe At Home is the broadband group of Globe.

Dito, meanwhile, in a statement said a number of overpriced and unauthorized Dito SIM cards and Dito-branded modems and WiFi devices have   been prolifirating online.

Dito chief administrative officer Adel Tamano said there are no official Dito modems or pocket WiFi devices that have been launched at this time.

He said the company cannot and would not guarantee the performance and service should Dito SIM cards be used in unauthorized devices in the market today.