Smart to cap wireless LTE plan

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Communications Inc., the wireless arm of dominant carrier Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), is set to cap its data plan for its wireless broadband service long term evolution (LTE) starting next month.

In a statement, Smart said a 5GB allocation would take effect after Jan. 31.

Lloyd Manaloto, head of Smart Broadband Internet and Data Services, said the PLDT subsidiary launched its fastest wireless broadband service more affordable than ever as it unveiled the new Smart LTE Broadband Plan 1299.

As a special treat for early adopters, Manaloto said Smart LTE Broadband Plan 1299 could be used on an unlimited basis until Jan. 31.

He added that subscribers also have the option to avail of a pocket wifi device for a one-time fee of just P2,000.

“With the Smart LTE Pocket WiFi, all of your devices can now run on the power of LTE.

This gives you the chance to get the most out of our world-class LTE service and to experience what it’s like to truly Live More,” Manaloto said.

Smart LTE Broadband Plan 1299, similar to LTE Broadband Plans 3500 and 1749, is capable of speeds of up to 42Mbps.

“Designed for netizens who want their occasional LTE fix, Smart LTE Broadband Plan 1299 gives even more Filipinos the opportunity to Live Faster and Live More,” he added.

Backed by the country’s first and only 100 percent super-charged network, Smart’s LTE services could be enjoyed in more than 500 establishments in 10 cities across Metro Manila.

The list of LTE hotspots includes popular public places such as malls, restaurants bars, clinics, salons, and other recreational areas.

Manaloto added that Smart LTE is also present in certain residential areas and in select areas in Boracay, Cebu, and Davao.

Smart, with 52.1 million subscribers on its GSM network as of end-September, is negotiating with several telecom providers in Asia for possible LTE roaming partnerships.

Smart is in talks with NTT Docomo of Japan, Hutchison Telecommunications of Hong Kong, KT Corp. of South Korea, StarHub of Singapore to allow its subscribers to surf the internet at blazing speeds abroad.

Currently the fastest fourth-generation (4G) wireless connection in the world, LTE is capable of speeds as fast as 100 Mbps, making it ideal for high-speed broadband applications.

The technology allows users to stream high-definition (HD) videos faster, download HD movies in minutes, and play lag-free online games.