Smart Communications, Inc. has announced that the coming months will see a wider LTE network coverage throughout the archipelago as they improve their systems to better serve their customers.
Specifically, 1,400 LTE sites composed of FD-LTE and TD-LTE installations will be added to the currently active 3,400 in the Philippines. 400 of these will be deployed in Metro Manila, while 1,000 will be constructed in Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Cebu, Rizal, and Pampanga, among others.
“Our continuing investment to expand capacity, reach, and availability in our network allows us to deliver the best Internet experience to subscribers in both mobile and fixed platforms,” said Smart Technology Group Head Rolando Pena. “We are also deploying new technologies such as LTE Advanced to be able to respond to the expected demand in mobile data for years to come.”
This LTE expansion plan comes right after Smart unveiled their 5G LTE Advanced technology during the recently concluded 10th Asian Carriers Conference in Mactan Island, Cebu which saw the network posting a consistent speed of 100Mbps. This is the second 5G covered area in the Philippines, with the first being Mandaluyong.
“Our strategy is to roll out a combination of network platforms meant to address the different needs and requirements of subscribers in different areas,” said Pena. “Our mix of TD-LTE, HSPA+, and mobile LTE deployments respond to varying needs of the market, with the common goal of bringing the Internet closer to every Filipino.”
“This is complemented by bringing high-speed Internet access to homes through Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) and DSL. To date, FTTH is now available in 1,463 areas/villages in 121 cities and municipalities. By year end 2014, it is expected to be available in 1,725 areas/villages with a total capacity of 300,000 lines,” Pena added.
As evidence of the telecom’s dominance, Smart has cited results from Speedtest, Ookla, and Sensorly wherein they hold the fastest average download speeds throughout the country.
“But we’ve gone a step further and validated this with users on the ground,” said Charles A. Lim, EVP and Head of the Wireless Consumer Division at Smart. “In sample tests conducted in at least 500 areas nationwide, Smart emerged with the fastest mobile speeds among telcos. This is further validated by speed tests conducted by users in more than 100 areas nationwide.”
Other Smart internet initiatives include PisoNet, which allows Talk ‘N Text subscribers to use mobile data for only PHP 1 for every 10 minutes; and Wikipedia Zero, which allows Smart, Talk ‘N Text, and Sun cellular subscribers to access Wikipedia-related apps and websites free of charge until February 3, 2015.
“With the largest network in the country, we are able to deliver all of these services to majority of Filipinos nationwide. With a robust network they can rely on, Smart subscribers are able to live more, connect fast, and have the best Internet experience possible today,” ended Lim.