The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT)’s wireless unit Smart Communications said it has expanded its 5G network to over 2,600 sites nationwide, solidifying its position as the country’s most extensive 5G network.
According to a statement from the telecommunications, internet, and digital service holdings company in the Philippines, its 5G sites have been fired up at strategic locations all over the country, including in all cities and municipalities of Metro Manila and the provinces of Benguet, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, Rizal, Cebu, Iloilo, Aklan, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Davao.
"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%," it said.
Citing a report from Ookla, Smart said that it was recognized as having the fastest 5G network in the Philippines by the internet testing and analytics firm.
"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," it added.
The statement claims that 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. Smart subscribers can avail of Unli 5G exclusively via GigaLife App, which is downloadable on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
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.