Smart fires up LTE on the 1800MHz band

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Smart fires up LTE on the 1800MHz band

9/05/2012 11:45:00 AM Neil No comments

Smart Communications, Inc. just fired up it’s LTE network on the 1800MHz band, making them the first to have multi-band LTE in the country.

“Offering LTE in multiple frequencies will give us and out subscribers greater flexibility,” said Rolando G. Peña, PLDT-Smart Technology Group Head. As you may remember, Smart recently launched the first commercial LTE network just last August 25, but that is riding on the 2100MHz band, the same one used by NTT DoCoMo on Japan. Having LTE on multiple frequency will help people who have devices acquired from the other countries, as many countries have LTE on the 1800MHz band.

Smart also have multi-band configurations of its GSM network, which runs on the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands. It’s 3G and HSPA+ networks, on the other hand, operates on 850MHz and 2100MHz.

Smart is offering LTE for P3,500 a month which gives users unlimited data, until October 25, wherein after that, customers will only get 10GB of data allowance.

Smart launches multi-band LTE

[04 Sept 2012] Wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) today scored another first in network and customer experience superiority as it extended its pioneering LTE commercial service into a multi-frequency offering.

Recognized worldwide as a leader in innovation, Smart has fired up LTE in the 2100MHz and 1800Mhz bands officially making it the first multi-frequency service provider of mobile LTE in the country and one of the first in the world according to PLDT-Smart Technology Group Head Rolando G. Peña.

“Offering LTE in multiple frequencies will give us and our subscribers greater flexibility,” said Pena. “Multi-band LTE means better coverage whether in densely- or sparsely-populated areas and a wider range of compatible devices,” he added.

Smart’s LTE service which was launched last August 25 initially ran only on 2100Mhz similar to that being used by Japanese telco and LTE pioneer NTT DoCoMo.

Pena explains that multi-band LTE will also allow for the seamless international interoperability of LTE devices which will be offered by Smart in the near future.

“Smart has a history of offering its mobile services in multi-band configurations,” said Pena. “Our GSM connection runs on 900Mhz and 1800MHz bands, and our 3G, HSPA, and HSPA+ connections run on both 850MHz and 2100MHz. These combinations give our service superior reach, flexibility, and resiliency,” he added.

Smart LTE is available at Plan 3500 on unlimited until October 25, 2012. A 10GB monthly data allowance will take effect after the said date. The package includes a multi-band capable USB dongle which can be used for both Windows and Mac computers.

The fastest 4G

Also known as the fastest fourth generation (4G) wireless technology in existence, LTE is capable of delivering speeds of up to 100Mbps. It enables users to download HD movies in minutes, stream HD videos with no buffering, and play online games with no lag.

Complementing the commercial launch of Smart LTE is the installation of more than 54,000 kilometers of Fiber Optic Cabling (FOC) which connects Smart’s cellsites to its core network.

The upgraded FOC system, which is scheduled to be completed by end-2012 under the P67.1 billion “technology refresh” with parent company, PLDT, also makes possible Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) fixed broadband services with speeds of up to 100Mbps.

“This combination of LTE and FTTH gives the PLDT group unmatched capabilities to serve the requirements of its customers for mobile and fixed broadband services,” said PLDT and Smart President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno.

For more information on Smart LTE, visit www.smart.com.ph [END]

About Smart

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is the Philippines' leading wireless services provider with 50.9 million subscribers on its GSM network as of end-June 2012. Smart has built a reputation for innovation, having introduced world-first wireless data services, such as Smart Money, Smart Load, Smart Padala and the Netphone. Smart also offers 3G and HSPA+ services, and the country’s first and only LTE network. Its Smart Link service provides communications to the global maritime industry. Smart Broadband, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, offers a wireless broadband service, Smart Broadband, with over 1.63 million subscribers as of end-June 2012. Smart is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Philippines' leading telecommunications carrier, the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company. For more information, visit http://www.smart.com.ph.