PLDT Inc. mobile division Smart Communications has reportedly extended the reach of its 4G LTE network to include Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. Business World writes that the service upgrade will enable residents on the island to access an improved range of services and faster mobile internet speeds by dint of the deployment.
‘This development marks another step towards improved communications for the people of Pag-asa, who were first connected via mobile communication in 2005, when Smart turned on its 2G service on the island,’ Smart said, adding that it plans to continue with its nationwide 4G rollout as part of the PHP260 billion (USD5.3 billion) invested by PLDT-Smart since 2015 to improve the range and availability of its services. ‘To date, Smart’s high speed broadband service is available in 93% of the country’s cities and municipalities and serves 95% of the population,’ it noted in a statement. With the group targeting CAPEX of about PHP70 billion this year, on Monday (7 September) Smart announced that it ‘is working to increase by 40% the number of its LTE base stations in South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani, and Sultan Kudarat – aka the SOCCSKSARGEN region.