Smart triples LTE coverage barely 6 mos after launch

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Communications Inc., the wireless arm of dominant carrier Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), will expand the coverage of its fastest broadband Internet and data services in the country, a company official said.

Lloyd Manaloto, Smart broadband Internet and data services head, said the company expects a surge in the usage of its long-term evolution (LTE) service in the coming weeks after it nearly tripled its coverage across several locations in Metro Manila.

“The expansion of Smart LTE’s coverage comes at an opportune time because of the introduction of very popular LTE-enabled gadgets. In fact, a number of these have already been sold locally over the holidays,” Manaloto said.

He said there are already 733 “Smart LTE Zones” covering malls, restaurants, bars, clinics, salons, and recreational areas.

New additions to the growing number of LTE-powered establishments now include Bulgogi Brothers at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, Mongkok restaurant at Robinsons Galleria in Quezon City, Gigi Coffee and Cupcake at Eastwood City Walk in Libis, Quezon City.

Other new zones include Precious Moments Showroom along Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City; Seattle’s Best Coffee at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong; Wendy’s Burger Restaurant at Robinsons Place Ermita Manila; and Hanayo Korean Restaurant along Antonio St., Manila.

“We didn’t expect to have been able to expand this quickly especially when you look at what’s happening globally - it is certainly a good sign,” he added.

To help Smart subscribers identify if LTE is available in a particular place, Smart has distributed specially marked Smart LTE “Sticker Pins”. Similar in appearance to those used in online map services, Smart’s LTE Pins help make the wireless service “visible” to its customers.

“If you see the pin, LTE is there - all you need to do is to take a seat and enjoy our connection speeds of up to 42Mbps,” Manaloto said.

Manaloto added that apart from letting guests know of LTE’s presence, the sticker pins would also help bring in additional business to partner merchants.

“It’s no different from having a credit card logo on your door. Smart LTE essentially becomes a value-added service – one that is virtually of no cost to the proprietor,” he said.

Recognized around the world as the fastest fourth generation (4G) technology, Smart makes LTE available using the country’s only super-charged mobile network with more than 54,000 km of fiber optic cables connecting its core infrastructure to its thousands of cellsites nationwide.