Telco giant mulls LTE rollout in Cebu spots

CEBU, Philippines — Smart Communications is eyeing to roll out the Long-Terminal Evolution (LTE) technology to more tourist spots in Cebu to boost mobile connectivity.

The latest tourist destination to have LTE connection is Cebu’s newest spot, the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park in Carmen, Cebu.

PLDT's wireless unit has partnered with tourism destinations in Cebu and Visayas such as the Cebu Safari to boost tourism.

This year, more areas have been powered by Smart LTE including key tourist spots such as Oslob, Moalboal, Daanbantayan, Medellin, Toledo City and Bogo City, where tourists can share photos and videos of their experiences using LTE.

The company has also expanded its LTE capacity in areas in Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Minglanilla and Talisay, while it has also been rolled out in Balamban, Barili, Catmon, Madridejos, Sibonga and Tabuelan.

“Being connected has a direct impact on the Filipino way of life, and improved connectivity enhances the lives of residents and helps boost local businesses,” said PLDT and Smart senior vice president for network planning Mario Tamayo.

He said areas that have improved LTE networks have also impacted small businesses to have increased earnings, boosted by improved mobile internet connection.

Outside of Cebu, Smart has also deployed LTE to key cities in Visayas, including Kalibo in Aklan, Tagbilaran City in Bohol, Roxas City in Capiz, Tacloban and Ormoc in Leyte, Jordan in Guimaras, Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental, Catbalogan City in Samar and Maasin City in Southern Leyte.

Customers are encouraged to upgrade to an LTE-capable smartphone and an LTE SIM to fully enjoy the LTE network.

Smart said it was on track toward to fulfill its commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission to cover 90 percent of the country’s cities and municipalities with mobile data service by the end of this year.

PLDT, its parent firm, has set a P58 billion capital expenditure this year. The firm’s capex from 2016 through 2020 is expected to reach $5 billion. (FREEMAN)