Smart Communications Inc. said it is providing free WiFi to more barangays across the country.
The Smart Barangay Connect program aims to provide free WiFi to barangays and bring connectivity closer to communities.
Initially deployed in Antipolo, Mandaluyong, Las Piñas, General Santos and Nueva Ecija, the project is also being rolled out in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City and Mandaue in Cebu; Malabon, Parañaque, Pateros, and San Juan in Metro Manila, Manaoag in Pangasinan, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in Mindanao, Lipa in Batangas, and Binangonan in Rizal.
“Our mission is to keep Filipinos connected, especially through this world crisis. As part of this commitment, we continuously roll out fast and reliable WiFi while teaming up with local governments, enterprises, and the academe in creating a better tomorrow where everyone is digitally-empowered,” said PLDT Inc. and Smart president and chief executive Alfredo Panlilio.
PLDT and Smart’s network ecosystem, which also includes fiber, LTE and 5G infrastructure, supports the Philippines’ increasingly connected societies.
“Now more than ever, connectivity is vital in enabling smart cities that are inclusive, resilient and sustainable,” said Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT president and chief executive and senior vice president and head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Group.
“It is our aspiration to be the preferred technology partner for cities, to create the right mix of innovations and solutions for LGUs and organizations, and deliver real value to their constituents and customers,” he added.
Smart Barangay Connect is supported by PLDT’s fiber infrastructure, the most extensive in the Philippines at more than 511,000 kilometers as of June.
This fiber network also supports Smart’s mobile network, which covers 96 percent of the population from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi.