Smart named ‘Operator of the Year’
Leading wireless services provider Smart Communications Inc. bagged two major awards, including the distinction “Operator of the Year” at the very first Asia Communication Awards held at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore.
Smart also received the Green Technology Award for its “Alternative Power for Cell Sites” program.
Organized by Total Telecom, the Asia Communication Awards recognizes the achievements of Asian telcos and individuals responsible for the innovations, achievements and great new services in the telecommunications industry.
Smart was the only Philippine company that made it to the finals, vying with Afghan Wireless Communication Co. (AWCC), Hong Kong’s CSL and PCCW Global and Telstra International for “Operator of the Year.”
The award was given to the mobile operator that best exhibited how to address customer needs in terms of quality reliability and customer service, provide strong and innovative service offerings, show sound management, clear strategic direction and strong performance and demonstrate revenue generation or growth.
Smart’s use of renewable energy to power its cell sites also earned the judges’ nod for the Green Technology Award, given to the company that is best able to show tangible and quantifiable results from the successful implementation of eco-friendly programs, e.g., reductions in carbon emissions, reduced power consumption and introduction of renewable sources.
There are now over 110 Smart cell sites powered by wind and/or solar energy all over the country, since Smart installed the country’s first wind-powered cell site on Malapascua island, north of Cebu, in December 2006.
The strategy to use renewable energy sources to power off-grid cell sites has resulted in the provision of communications services even in remote areas, reduced carbon emission and reduced operating costs given the decrease in the use of fuel and the need to pay hauling costs, particularly on island sites.
