Smart offers Internet speeds of up to 42MBps on LTE-enabled devices

MANILA, Philippines — Leading mobile phone provider Smart Communications has rolled out a “bucket” offering of long term evolution (LTE), the fastest fourth generation (4G) technology to date.

“Select Smart Postpaid subscribers can now enjoy speeds of up to 42Mbps on their LTE-enabled devices for as low as P50 a day,” Smart Broadband Internet and Data Services head Lloyd Manaloto said in a press statement on Monday.

“Get a taste of what it’s like to live life on the fast lane,” said Manaloto. “This is another revolutionary service brought to you from the Philippine’s pioneer in LTE technology,” he added.

LTE, a new standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals, offers significantly higher connection speeds compared with existing 3G platforms for mobile phone users.

“All it takes is a simple text message to experience LTE on mobile devices,” Manaloto said.

Available until March 31, this year, unlimited data (unli-data), regular and consumable Smart Postpaid subscribers can avail of one-day, seven-day, and 30-day LTE packages for P50, P299 and P995, respectively.

To purchase a package, a user will have to send the appropriate key word to 2200 (e.g. LTE 50 send to 2200). Once enrolled, LTE-enabled devices compatible with Smart’s LTE network would automatically connect to the service wherever available, the press statement said.

According to Smart, its LTE is present in over 770 establishments including malls, restaurants, and public areas across 10 cities in Metro Manila and in select areas in Boracay, Cebu, and Davao. In the absence of an LTE signal, the device will automatically connect to Smart’s 4G High Speed Packet Access Plus (HSPA+) network.

Together with parent company PLDT, Smart claims to have the country’s most extensive fiber optic network which makes possible high-speed and resilient data connections. With more than 54,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables nationwide, Smart claims to have four times more fiber power compared to the competition.

“Fiber is key to delivering the true LTE experience,” Manaloto said “With fiber, we are able to ensure fast and efficient transmission of data from our core network to your handset,” he said.

Smart, the flagship unit of telecom giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., is the country’s leading wireless services provider with 52.1 million subscribers on its GSM network while its wireless broadband unit Smart Broadband Inc. has 1.69 million subscribers, both as of end-September 2012.