Smart starts deployment of LTE-Advanced
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The Philippines’ PLDT, through wireless subsidiary Smart, has commenced the rollout of LTE-Advanced carrier aggregation.
The operator has initially deployed the technology in the popular tourist destination of Boracay, marking the first implementation of the technology in the Philippines.
Smart said the Boracay LTE-A network has posted speeds of up to 250Mbps. The company started testing the technology in Boracay and other locations in 2013, and has commenced the rollout now commercial devices that support LTE-A are available.
“Combined with our other network improvement initiatives for both our mobile and fixed line networks, the introduction of LTE-A will help boost internet services in the country and enable more Filipinos to enjoy and benefit from the fast-growing range of digital services that PLDT and Smart offer,” PLDT and Smart CTO and information adviser Joachim Horn said.
These initiatives include a program to integrate the networks of PLDT mobile brands Smart and Sun to improve network quality for subscribers of both. This is expected to improve the effective coverage for subscribers by anywhere from 50% to 100% depending on service area.
Horn said particular attention is being paid to enhancing 3G coverage because 90% of Smart and Sun’s mobile internet users have 3G handsets.
“We are also planning ahead, in anticipation of future advances in technology. Our current investments in network facilities are already being done in a way that will enable us to be ready for 5G when it arrives sometime in 2020. For this purpose, we are working closely with NTT DoCoMo, which is one of the global pace-setters in the development of 5G,” Horn added.
Questions & Answers
Q.Where has Smart initially deployed its LTE-Advanced network?
Where has Smart initially deployed its LTE-Advanced network?
Smart has initially deployed the LTE-Advanced technology in Boracay, a popular tourist destination in the Philippines. This is the first implementation of the technology in the country, with speeds reaching up to 250Mbps.
Q.Why has Smart chosen to roll out LTE-Advanced now, after testing it for several years?
Why has Smart chosen to roll out LTE-Advanced now, after testing it for several years?
Smart has chosen to commence the rollout of LTE-Advanced now because commercial devices that support this technology have become available. They had been testing it in Boracay and other locations since 2013.
Q.What other network improvements are PLDT and Smart implementing alongside the LTE-Advanced rollout?
What other network improvements are PLDT and Smart implementing alongside the LTE-Advanced rollout?
PLDT and Smart are integrating the networks of their mobile brands, Smart and Sun, to improve network quality and effective coverage for subscribers. They are also focusing on enhancing 3G coverage for the majority of their mobile internet users.
Q.How are PLDT and Smart preparing their network for future 5G technology?
How are PLDT and Smart preparing their network for future 5G technology?
PLDT and Smart are making current investments in network facilities with 5G readiness in mind. They are also working closely with NTT DoCoMo, a global leader in 5G development, in anticipation of its arrival around 2020.
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