Smart spends P1B to boost Wi-Fi service

SMART Communications, the flagship mobile unit of PLDT, is upgrading Wi-Fi internet services in key transport hubs, government offices and business establishments across the country.

The announcement came a week after the Duterte administration came into power. Duterte earlier ordered incumbent telco players to improve internet services or face a regime making it easier for foreign players to enter and compete.

In its statement, Smart said P1 billion would be spent for the rollout of its “Smart Wi-Fi services.” That was part of the P43 billion in capital spending that PLDT had committed for 2016.

“Over the past months, we have aggressively broadened the Smart Wi-Fi footprint through our key partnerships with government institutions and business establishments, consequently improving internet access and coverage nationwide,” Eric R. Alberto, executive vice president at PLDT and Smart, and ePLDT president and CEO, said in the statement.

Specifically, Smart Wi-Fi public hotspots are undergoing upgrades in all the four terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City; Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao; Iloilo International Airport; Bacolod-Silay International Airport in Negros Occidental, and Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport in Negros Oriental.

Smart Wi-Fi is also now available for use by passengers at the terminals of major bus companies, including Alps, Five Star Bus, Isarog Bus, Jam Liner, Philtranco and Victory Liner.