LTE coverage nearly triples

LESS than six months after Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) launched the Philippines' first commercial Long Term Evolution (LTE) service, the leading wireless services provider has nearly tripled its coverage across several locations in Metro Manila.

With a total of 773 malls, restaurants bars, clinics, salons, and recreational areas now confirmed to be "Smart LTE Zones," Smart Broadband Internet and Data Services head Lloyd Manaloto said that with the expanded LTE coverage, the telco "expects a surge in LTE usage in the coming weeks."

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

"We didn't expect to have been able to expand this quickly especially when you look at what'' happening globally, it is certainly a good sign," Manaloto said.

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 adds that apart from letting guests know of LTE's presence, the sticker pins will also help bring in additional business to partner merchants.

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

Recognized around the world as the fastest fourth generation (4G) technology, Smart makes LTE available using the country's only super-charged mobile network.

Together with parent company PLDT, Smart has more than 54,000 kms of fiber optic cables connecting its core infrastructure to its thousands of cellsites nationwide.

"We have more than four times more fiber compared to any of our competitors," Manaloto said.

"This is precisely why we are the only telco that could offer the full LTE experience in more than just one city in the Philippines," he added.

Smart LTE is also present in certain residential areas in Metro Manila and in select areas in Boracay, Cebu, and Davao.

Smart LTE is available in Broadband Plans 3500, 1749, and 1299 with a free USB dongle and can be used on an unlimited basis until March 31, 2013.

Monthly caps of 21 gigabytes (GB), 10GB, and 5GB for the Broadband Plans shall take effect, respectively, after the promo period.