Smart reallocates 1800 MHz frequencies from 2G to 4G LTE nationwide

To address the surge in demand and internet usage due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Smart has started reallocating its assigned 1800 MHz from 2GB to 4G LTE nationwide.

File photo: Cell tower in PH

1800 MHz frequencies from 2G to 4G LTE

Smart started the reallocation program in the Visayas region back on April 12. It will continue across the country over the next two weeks.

Smart said that this shift will impact on a large share of Smart's LTE sites throughout the country and will increase the volume of data traffic that these facilities can handle.

It added that the most positive impact of this change is the 1800 MHz band is the most commonly-used frequency among 4G LTE-ready smartphones available in the market today.

We are making this transition at this time because the usage patterns of our customers have been shifting decisively in favor of data and the Internet. The majority of our customers have already moved from using 2G handsets to smartphones, and, increasingly, to LTE devices, said Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT-Smart senior vice president for Network Planning and Engineering.

This is a good move as most Filipinos are now using 4G-ready devices. For most, 2G is a thing in the past already.  Tamayo added that customers who are still using 2G handsets will continue to be well-served because Smart has retained sufficient capacity to handle voice calls and SMS on 2G.

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