Smart expands 5G network to over 2,600 sites

PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. forges on with the nationwide rollout of its commercial 5G service as it expands the country’s most extensive 5G network to over 2,600 sites nationwide.

This comes as Smart unveils its most powerful 5G offering dubbed ‘Unli 5G’ and ramps up its 5G outdoor coverage in the National Capital Region to more than 90%.

These developments come on the heels of Smart’s recognition for having the fastest 5G network in the Philippines by Ookla®, the global leader in internet testing and analysis. Based on consumer-initiated tests taken using Speedtest® by Ookla, Smart has consistently posted the fastest 5G speeds for Q1 2021, with median download speeds of 190 Mbps, more than double the competition’s speeds for the same period*.

“We continue to upgrade and expand our network in order to deliver the best data experience to our customers, as fresh community quarantine measures require them to conduct most of their day-to-day tasks online in order to stay safe,” said Mario G. Tamayo, Head of Technology at PLDT and Smart.

“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. With 5G, our customers can also take their favorite online activities, like streaming Ultra-HD videos, playing high-bandwidth games, making video calls, and uploading and downloading heavy files quickly, to the next level,” he added.

‘Most powerful offer’

Unli 5G, Smart’s most powerful offer on its fastest technology yet, provides customers with non-stop data access at select Smart 5G-covered areas, with no data-capping or speed-throttling for a superior and reliable 5G experience.

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 subscribers can avail of Unli 5G exclusively via GigaLife App, which is downloadable on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Offers start at Php299 for Unli 5G valid for 7 days plus 2 GB data for non-5G use. Customers can also avail of Unli 5G valid for 30 days plus 12 GB data for non-5G use for Php599, and Unli 5G valid for 30 days plus 24 GB data for non-5G use for Php799.  

Other innovative data products available in the GigaLife App include All Data, which offers shareable data for all sites, and Magic Data, which offers non-expiring data for all sites.

Fastest and most extensive 5G network in PH

To enjoy Unli 5G, subscribers should have a Smart 5G-certified device and Smart 5G-ready SIM and in a Smart 5G-covered location.  

Smart 5G sites have been fired up at strategic locations nationwide including in all of Metro Manila’s cities and municipalities, and in the provinces of Benguet, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, Rizal, Cebu, Iloilo, Aklan, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Davao.

Along with its continuous 5G roll-out, Smart has also widened its array of Smart 5G-certified devices to make 5G easier to access and enjoy.

Recently, Smart launched Rocket WiFi, the country’s first and fastest 5G Pocket WiFi. Smart also introduced Smart Signature 5G Plans, the country’s first postpaid plans that feature generous data allocations so customers can make the most of Smart 5G.

5G, the latest evolution in wireless technology, is expected to make Smart, the fastest mobile network in the Philippines, even faster. Smart 5G complements Smart’s continuous expansion of its 4G/LTE network, which has been recognized by Ookla as the fastest mobile network in the country for three years in a row starting in 2018.

Smart’s mobile network, which covers 96% of the population from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi, is enabled by PLDT’s fiber infrastructure, the country’s most extensive at 429,000 kilometers.

*Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 5G median download speeds in The Philippines for Q1 2021. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.