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Smart expands 5G to over 2.6K sites

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz

April 29, 2021, 4:24 pm

MANILA – More and more mobile users have now access to faster mobile network speeds through Smart Communications Inc.’s (Smart) expansion of its 5G network to over 2,600 sites nationwide.

In a statement on Thursday, Smart said it 5G network covers over 90 percent of the National Capital Region (NCR) and is also accessible in the provinces of Benguet, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, Rizal, Cebu, Iloilo, Aklan, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Davao.

“Smart has consistently posted the fastest 5G speeds for Q1 2021, with median download speeds of 190 Mbps (Megabits), more than double the competition's speeds for the same period,” Smart said, citing a report from network analytics firm Ookla.

Mario Tamayo, head of technology at PLDT and Smart, said the continuous network upgrades provide its customers with “the best data experience” and allows them to complete day-to-day tasks online despite limitations brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Connectivity is even more crucial now that many have turned to the internet to keep updated with the latest news about the pandemic and the vaccines, as well as keep in touch with their families, and continue working and operating their businesses from the safety of their homes,” Tamayo said.

To ensure that users with compatible devices and sim cards get the most out of its 5G network, it launched the “Unli 5G” promo, providing customers at select 5G-covered areas with unlimited data access with no data-capping or speed-throttling.

“Initially available at strategic urban centers, including Metro Manila, Angeles City, Baguio City, Cavite City, Cebu City, Clark City, and Davao City, Unli 5G also comes with additional data for non-5G use so subscribers can stay connected even when they move from a 5G-covered area to a non-5G-covered site,” Smart said.

Smart subscribers can avail of the promo exclusively through its GigaLife mobile application and costs PHP299 for seven days of unlimited 5G plus two gigabytes (GB) for non-5G use, PHP599 for 30 days of unlimited 5G plus 12 GB for non-5G use, and PHP799 for 30 days of unlimited 5G plus 24 GB for non-5G use.

It also launched the “Rocket WiFi,” a pocket Wi-Fi currently available through Smart Signature 5G postpaid plans. (PNA)

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