Smart spending P1 B to boost Wi-Fi service

MANILA, Philippines - The wireless subsidiary of PLDT Inc. is spending P1 billion to expand the coverage of its Wi-Fi service in transport hubs, government offices as well as business establishments in the country this year. 

Smart Communications Inc. said the P1 billion budget for the Wi-Fi service program is part of the P43 billion capital expenditures earmarked for this year.

Smart is currently working on the upgrade of the Wi-Fi public hotspots in the four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City; as well as in the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao; Iloilo International Airport; Bacolod-Silay International Airport in Negros Occidental; and Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport in Negros Oriental.

Apart from the airports, Smart Wi-Fi is also being made available to passengers waiting at the terminals of bus companies including Alps, Five Star Bus, Isarog Bus, Jam Liner, Philtranco, and Victory Liner.

Smart is expanding the Wi-Fi service to cover more public areas like city halls, schools, malls, restaurants, and coffee shops.

“Over the past months, we have aggressively broadened the Smart Wi-Fi footprint through our key partnerships with government institutions and business establishments, consequently improving internet access and coverage nationwide,” Eric Alberto, executive vice president at PLDT and Smart said.

He said the Wi-Fi rollout is in line with the telco’s efforts to provide customers a seamless digital experience.

Apart from providing internet connectivity to more people, Smart Wi-Fi is also seen to support the operations of small and medium enterprises and institutions.

“With more people using Wi-Fi provided by establishments they patronize, Wi-Fi connectivity has been proven to contribute to business growth,” Alberto said.

Through Smart’s Wi-Fi service, users could enjoy free connectivity for an initial number of minutes.

Those looking to continue their use of the internet beyond the free minutes could purchase credits from Smart.

Smart’s Wi-Fi service is supported by PLDT’s fixed and wireless networks, with the most extensive fiber optic footprint spanning over 100,000 kilometers.

Amid growing demand for faster, more reliable and affordable internet connectivity, PLDT is implementing a three-year network expansion program to provide customers better services.