Smart Network To Be LTE-Ready By Mid-2012

Smart Network To Be LTE-Ready By Mid-2012

Following the "Smart Evolution LTE" media beta test last November, the local carrier has announced that the technology will be integrated into the rest of their network by mid-2012. LTE, or Long-Term Evolution, is a fourth generation (4G) wireless standard that is capable of speeds of 100Mbps and above. In order to do this, the company is installing Single Radio Access Network (Single RAN) base stations in all of its 13,000 cell sites. Single RAN facilities can be easily upgraded to offer either HSPA+ or LTE services through software upgrades and some additional hardware. To back up its wireless network, both PLDT and Smart are rolling out additional fiber optic cables in "loops."These "loops" create alternate routes when a part of the network is down, making the whole system more resilient. 

Smart Technology Group Head Rolando G. Peña says that the LTE upgrade is a major component of the PHP67.1 billion network modernization of PLDT and Smart, which is intended to be completed within the year, to capitalize on the rapidly growing demand for mobile broadband services, as well as the upcoming commercial availability of LTE devices such as the HTC Titan II, the Nokia Lumia 900 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7. It is also rumored that the Apple iPad 3 will also have LTE capability. According to Smart, market analytics firm Pyramid Research cites in its latest report that smartphones will surpass personal computers (PCs) as the largest market segment which uses LTE by as early as 2014.

For more information, please refer to the full press release in the next page, or visit www.smart.com.ph