LTE Network in Cebu Seen to Boost with Mobile Internet Upgrade

An investment of P47 billion by Smart Communications in undertaking a major expansion of its mobile internet coverage nationwide in the next three years aims to bring high-speed internet service to a country fast known to be digital savvy.

Figures garnered by the Asia Digital Marketing Association and the Internet World in 2015, the Philippines has over 44.2 million users which makes it the second highest ranking in Southeast Asia (SEA) and the sixth in the entire Asia.

But the population, however, is expected to double this year.

According to InternetWorldStats, the Philippines’ mobile connections reached 114.6 million outranking its total population, as there are people possessing more than one smartphone.

As digital lifestyle is increasingly becoming a way of life for Filipinos, mobile phone and internet service provider Smart Communications is swooping down on this reality by investing millions and boosting its coverage of LTE (long term evolution) and 3G mobile data services.

Major expansion however, is seen in the LTE coverage as LTE network should see data speeds that are 10 times faster than the current 3G network.

Ramon Isberto, head of the Public Affairs Group of Smart said the three-year network rollout plan would focus on accelerating its LTE deployment to be made available to users in 1,551 cities and municipalities throughout the country by 2018 or roughly 95 percent coverage.

“LTE is the cutting edge of mobile technology. It is fast, affordable and reliable as well as have better indoor penetration,” said Isberto in a briefing to Cebu’s press.

Isberto said Sun and Smart subscribers would maximize its synergy to make available the best coverage to its customers that would see better changes coming.

“Tourism destinations will be the priority areas because usage is high. User behavior is changing,” said Isberto adding that the Philippines is still transitioning from SMS use to being a data country.

Work is now underway for boosting LTE coverage and 3G mobile data services in Metro Cebu to “greatly improve the reach and quality of our mobile phone and mobile internet services in Metro Cebu which is the central hub for businesses, education, and tourism in the Visayas region,” said Joachim Horn, chief technology and information advisor at PLDT and Smart.

Isberto said the major improvements being implemented would result to some service disruption from time to time but that these works are being done during the most inactive hours of the day.

“Our commitment to our subscribers is that they will have the best possible experience, particularly for mobile data,” said Isberto. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)