PLDT and Smart expands network, rolled out 279 5G base stations

PLDT and Smart announced that the group is accelerating the rollout of their fixed and wireless network, particularly for 4G LTE and 5G to deliver better service.

File photo: Smart 5G in Poblacion Makati using the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2

Major network upgrade in Q3 2020

Smart shared that in the third quarter of 2020 (Q3 2020), the company rollout an additional 279 5G base stations to accelerate its 5G commercial services nationwide.

Smart 5G has arrived in key areas of Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao in September. These areas are added to the Smart 5G sites in Makati Central Business District (CBD), Bonifacio Global City CBD, Araneta City, Mall of Asia Bay Area, North Avenue in Quezon City, Taft Avenue in Manila, Ortigas CBD, New Clark City in Pampanga, EDSA, and in strategic locations in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and the cities of Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Taguig, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Paranaque, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Navotas, San Juan, and Pasay.

Apart from 5G, Smart has also increased the number of LTE and 3G base stations by 17 percent and 15 percent, respectively. On the other hand, PLDT's fiber infrastructure is up by 22 percent to 395 kilometers from end-2019.

Smart claimed that as of end-September 2020, 95 percent of the Philippine populations are now covered by Smart's network. 46 percent of cities and municipalities, on the other hand, have PLDT Home broadband presence, both in fiber and copper.

PLDT's ongoing plan is to add 500,000 fiber ports while Smart intends to add about 2,000 cell sites next year.

See also: PH telcos are intensifying 4G network upgrades parallel with 5G rollout

What do you guys think?