LTE data traffic triples

As PLDT wireless arm Smart Communication, Inc.’s (Smart) accelerated rollout of 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology reaches more Filipinos, the number of LTE devices latched on the Smart network has doubled, while LTE data traffic has tripled as of end of 2017, compared to a year before.

Year-on-year, the number of LTE devices being used on the Smart network has jumped 102 percent, while LTE data traffic has also increased by as much as 204 percent nationwide.

Notable increases in LTE data traffic on Smart’s networks have been recorded in Cebu province, where it increased by as much as 219 percent, and in Davao del Sur, where it grew by 75 percent between December 2016 and December 2017.

PLDT and Smart have already completed its 3G and LTE rollout in these areas, particularly in Metro Cebu and Metro Davao, the country’s biggest urban hubs outside of Metro Manila. PLDT also launched LTE support for Sun subscribers in Cebu, its main ‘Sun country’, last year.

Meanwhile, LTE data traffic in Pampanga likewise doubled (up by 130 percent), while LTE data traffic in Bulacan tripled (increased by 244 percent) between the same period, also due to the ongoing rollout of LTE sites in the area.

The number of LTE devices being used on the Smart network in Cebu and Davao have also doubled year-on-year, increasing by 95 percent and 108 percent, respectively.

“The results of our network upgrades are evident. More and more customers are making the leap to LTE where they enjoy faster internet speeds,” said Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Engineering.

“Our investments in improving our network have made worldclass mobile internet connectivity within the reach of many Filipinos,” said Eric R. Alberto, PLDT Group Chief Revenue Officer.

“Alongside this ramped-up LTE roll-out, Smart has also been setting the pace in helping our customers shift to LTE devices to experience our improved network by partnering with device makers,” Alberto added.