Telco cites growth in mobile data revenues

THE mobile data business of wireless leader Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has continued to enjoy strong growth numbers as Filipinos continue to embrace on-the-go Internet connectivity.

According to Q4 2012 figures disclosed by Smart’s parent company PLDT, mobile Internet revenues rose P1 billion from end-2011 to end-2012, elevating the latter to P2.6 billion.

Kathy Carag, Smart's Postpaid Business head, said the 56 percent increase is fuelled mainly by by more affordable data offers made possible by the company’s newly-supercharged mobile network.

"Our 3G, HSPA+ and LTE coverage has improved tremendously in the past few months as we continue to make world-class mobile Internet accessible to all Filipinos," Carag said. "As a result, more and more mobile netizens are enjoying the benefits of instant Internet access on their portable devices," she added.

Similarly, wireless broadband usage is also on the uptrend as Smart reported a P200 million increase in wireless broadband revenues during the same period.

Smart's best performing postpaid broadband offer is its roster of Smart Bro FlexiSurf postpaid plans, which makes available the latest mobile Internet devices (MIDs) such as tablets and laptops at amortized prizes even without a credit card.

In a recent statement, Smart Broadband Internet and Data Services Head Lloyd Manaloto said that FlexiSurf contributed greatly to the 132% increase in Smart Bro mobile postpaid subscribers.

Combined with increased need for on-the-go WiFi connectivity made possible by devices such as the Smart Bro Pocket WiFi, which is also offered under FlexiSurf, Manaloto says that demand for such services will likely continue to climb in the foreseeable future.