LTE devices in Smart network up 102%

PLDT Inc.’s Smart Communications reported increasing adoption of LTE or 4G services, which it made available in many parts of the Philippines.

In a statement on Thursday, Smart said the number of LTE devices on its network had jumped 102 percent while data traffic was up 204 percent. Currently, about 40 percent of Smart’s customers access the internet on a 4G device.

Smart said it had recorded “notable” increases in terms of 4G usage in Cebu and Davao del Sur.

PLDT and Smart have already completed their 3G and LTE rollout in these areas, particularly in Metro Cebu and Metro Davao, the country’s biggest urban hubs outside of Metro Manila. Other areas included Pampanga and Bulacan.

“Alongside the ramped-up LTE roll-out, Smart has also been setting the pace in helping our customers shift to LTE devices to experience improved network by partnering with device makers,” PLDT chief revenue officer Eric Alberto said.

Smart said it had been working with handset makers “to encourage customers to shift to LTE handsets.” It cited those capable of utilizing the 700 Megahertz band.

PLDT and Globe gained access to the 700 MHz after buying out San Miguel Corp.’s telco assets in 2016.

Smart said its LTE and 3G expansion program initially covered Metro Cebu, Rizal and Metro Manila. This was complemented by a 3G rollout in several frequency bands, the company said in the statement.

“As a result, the company expects to fulfill ahead of schedule its commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission to cover over 90 percent of the country’s cities and municipalities with mobile broadband using LTE and 3G by 2019,” the statement showed. —MIGUEL R. CAMUS