Smart LTE device usage doubles, data usage triples

PLDT Inc.’s wireless arm, Smart Communications has reported increase in LTE or 4G device usage and data traffic as of end of 2017, as compared to 2016.

Smart stated that year on year, the number of LTE devices used on the network has upped to 102 percent while LTE data traffic has also jumped to 204 percent nationwide.

According to PLDT and Smart, they have already finished its 3G and LTE rollout in Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, Bulacan, and Pampanga.

PLDT chief revenue officer, Eric Alberto, said, “Alongside the ramped-up LTE rollout, Smart has also been setting the pace in helping our customers shift to LTE devices to experience improved network by partnering with device makers”.

“Notable” increases in LTE data traffic have been recorded in Cebu and Davao del Sur between December 2016 and December 2017.

Additionally, LTE data traffic doubled in Pampanga, while it tripled in Bulacan.

“The results of our network upgrades are evident. More and more customers are making the leap to LTE where they enjoy faster internet speeds,” said Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Engineering.

Smart has also encouraged customers to shift to LTE handsets to experience faster network connection.

“We are urging our customers to level up to LTE and see for themselves what they can do with our super-charged network. Our efforts at continuously improving our services are geared toward making the best video, social media and gaming experience more accessible to them,” Alberto stated.

Meanwhile, customers who would like to upgrade to LTE SIMs is accommodated by Smart through its free SIM Upgrade Program.

Customers can upgrade their SIMs to LTE SIMs for free and retain their numbers.