PLDT and Smart end 2020 with stronger network infra

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications further strengthened their network to deliver better telco services to Filipinos.

PLDT/Smart logo

PLDT-Smart boost network 

PLDT said its fiber infrastructure reached over 429,000 kilometers as of December, claiming it to be the country's most extensive digital transport network. 

The telco said the fiber infrastructure supports Smart's mobile network, which now covers 96 percent of the population. 

The year 2020 was a fateful year for many, but it also accelerated our digital transformation, Smart president and CEO and PLDT chief revenue officer Alfredo Panlilio said.

Smart, meanwhile, was able to increase its base stations to more than 59,000. It also boosted the number of 5G sites across the Philippines. 

Building on the strengths of our technological capabilities and laser focus on customer-centricity, we stepped into 2021 with many new aspirations. Our journey continues further by capitalizing on the various improvements we made in 2020, when we pivoted toward market leadership. This year, we will accelerate our capabilities and achieve more milestones, he said

The wireless unit is now equipped with 10,000 sites, including more than 700 new cell sites rolled out last year despite the pandemic. 

By 2021, Smart is targeting to deploy an additional 2,000 cell sites.

Panlilio late last year said the group may spend as much as PHP 92 billion this 2021.

Source: Philippine Star