Smart Is Upgrading WiFi And Cellular Service At LRT-1!

PLDT's Smart Communications just upgraded its cellular network coverage at Light Rail Transit (LRT-1) to improve the mobile experience of up to 600,000 commuters everyday!

Smart LTE and WiFi service upgrade at LRT-1!

Under this upgrade program, the company is upgrading the 2G, 3G, and 4G network coverage in the stations / platforms, inside the coaches, and even along the tracks. LTE speeds have since gone up to 12 Mbps inside and up to 25 Mbps outside the depot.

Faster internet!

A carrier-grade Smart WiFi will be also be installed in the 20 stations and platforms which will eventually be available inside the coaches.

“The LRT1 upgrade is part of Smart’s extensive network modernization program to provide consistent and reliable voice, SMS, and mobile data, particularly LTE (Long Term Evolution) services to our subscribers,” said Joachim Horn, chief technology and integration advisor at PLDT and Smart.

A similar network update are also underway soon for both LRT2 and MRT3 as a part of the major network expansion of Smart in Metro Manila to improve service to all their subscribers.

Also, Smart is looking to quadruple its indoor LTE coverage and double its indoor 3G coverage by deploying new base station equipment in around 2,500 cell sites with low frequency bands such as 700 MHz, 850 MHz, and 900 MHz for its LTE and 3G services. These frequency bands cover a larger area and provide better indoor signals.

High-frequency bands like 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz will also be improved, to increase the capacity of each Smart cell site to handle more calls, texts, and ever-increasing mobile data traffic.