The PLDT Group said it is undertaking a major network expansion in Metro Manila over the next three months to improve the coverage and quality of its mobile and broadband services.
“Smart is rolling out the fastest and most powerful mobile data network in the country, and we are focused on improving indoor coverage since we know that people use mobile internet services mostly indoors, particularly in Metro Manila – in their homes, offices, restaurants, coffee shops, and the like,” said Joachim Horn, chief technology and information advisor for PLDT and Smart.
Horn said Smart was deploying new base station equipment in 2,500 cell sites across Metro Manila that use low-frequency bands such as 700 MHz, 850 MHz and 900 MHz for its LTE and 3G services. These frequency bands could cover a larger area and provide better indoor signals, he said.
The rollout also includes deploying high-frequency bands like 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz, to increase the capacity of each Smart cell site to handle more calls, texts and ever-increasing mobile data traffic.
Once completed, the rollout is expected to significantly boost the reach of Smart’s LTE and 3G mobile data services across all 17 of the cities and municipalities of Metro Manila.