Smart leads wireless broadband race

MANILA, Philippines — Mobile leader Smart Communications Inc. has strengthened its industry dominance by snatching the lead in wireless broadband, where it now serves more than 430,000 subscribers.

Smart has accumulated over 430,000 customers across the Philippines for wireless broadband as of end-March, grabbing the lead in the connectivity market for plug-and-play service.

With this, Smart owns 44 percent of the market share for wireless broadband, holding a slim lead against its closest competitor’s 42 percent.

Smart COO Anastacio Martirez said the telco has invested in network buildup to support the growing requirements of consumers. This allowed Smart to develop more products that, in turn, attracted subscribers to its fold.

“This milestone achievement is testament to our unwavering pursuit of customer satisfaction and network excellence. Our growing subscriber base and market leadership also reflect the trust that our customers place in our network and our commitment to delivering world-class connectivity,” Martirez said.

Recently, Smart introduced a new brand in the wireless broadband line called Smart Home WiFi that carries products and services designed for areas with limited fiber.

Under this, Smart launched its Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi that can connect up to 15 devices all at once, and is capable of providing high-speed internet in locations where fiber lines are absent.

Martirez said the service relies on the 5G network to ensure that subscribers can download large files in seconds and stream high-quality videos without any lag.

As of end-March, Smart’s active mobile data users reached 40.9 million, ahead of its nearest rival. It saw its data traffic pick up by more than 80 percent due to the growing adoption of 5G, lifted by the decline in smartphone prices and launch of cost-friendly bundles.

“The growth of our broadband subscriber base is just beginning. Our customers can look forward to even more amazing products and innovative services as we continuously strive to delight them and cater to their evolving lifestyle needs,” Martirez said.

Smart’s parent PLDT Inc. depends on fiber infrastructure to extend internet services to Filipinos, as the telco boasts 1.1 million kilometers of cable lines in land and sea.

However, several areas are geographically challenged for providers to be able to reach them, so they offer wireless broadband as an alternative.