PLDT, Smart secure over 50K permits to improve network, cited by ARTA for government contributions

Local telco giant PLDT and Smart recently shared that the group has secured more than 50K fixed and wireless permits to improve service.

File photo: PLDT, Smart logos

ARTA (Anti-Red Tape Authority) lauded the PLDT group's efforts for their contributions to the government's efforts to streamline processes and transactions

Moreover, ARTA (Anti-Red Tape Authority) lauded the PLDT group's efforts for their contributions to the government's efforts to streamline processes and transactions. According to ARTA, PLDT and Smart have "exemplary support and contribution" to its flagship program, the National Effort for the Harmonization of Efficiency Measures of Inter-related Agencies (NEHEMIA), which is aimed at reducing the time, cost, requirements, and procedures of government transactions, especially in the telecommunications sector.

Due to these initiatives by all the parties, PLDT and Smart have secured more than 50,000 fixed and wireless permits as of February 2022.

PLDT and Smart said that it helped the group with their continued nationwide network buildout to support the connectivity needs of Filipinos in the new normal.

The result as of end-December 2021 is Smart has increased its total base stations to 75,400 to support its 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G customers from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. It also includes around 7,200 5G base stations.

The one supporting Smart's mobile network is PLDT's fiber infrastructure with 743,700 kilometers as of end-December 2021.

We are proud to partner with government in realizing the goals of NEHEMIA and help improve the country's digital infrastructure, said Atty Aileen D. Regio, First Vice President and Head of PLDT’s Regulatory and Strategic Affairs. We thank ARTA and other government agencies for espousing the interest of the telcos and paving the way for the ramped-up rollout of PLDT's fiber infrastructure and Smart's cell sites, she added.

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