Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) today fired up the first Long Term Evolution (LTE) network in Metro Manila. The introduction marks the first public demonstration of Smart LTE in the National Capital Region.

“The future of mobile broadband is LTE, and Smart is leading the way” said Smart Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando B. Vea. “We are very happy to bring the fastest 4G technology to the city with the fastest lifestyle.”

Shareholders of Smart’s parent company, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), were among the first to experience the future of mobile Internet during the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Makati City.

With the use of LTE-enabled dongles, attendees got to try the power of the new network firsthand.
“Everyone wanted to experience downloading movies in minutes and streaming in High Definition, and now here it is” said PLDT and Smart Technology Head Rolando G. Peña. “Soon, we will bring the same breakneck connection speeds to cities and municipalities all over the Philippines.”

From Sand to Land

First introduced in the resort island of Boracay last April, Smart LTE is the only network of its kind in the Philippines. Its groundbreaking connection technology allows it to achieve download speeds of up to 70 megabits per second (mbps), making it faster than mobile 3G and most DSL and cable services.

The low latency connection also makes it ideal for viewing streaming videos and engaging in other media-rich online activities such as gaming and accessing web-based applications and programs.

High-speed Internet for All

LTE is widely recognized by telcos all over the world as the most efficient means of making available high-speed Internet. Several companies in various parts of the world have already rolled out their services such as NTT DoCoMo in Japan, Verizon in the USA, TeliaSonera in Europe, and Telstra in Australia.
“What we are witnessing is only the beginning” added Peña. “In the coming months we shall make the Internet more accessible to all Filipinos as we upgrade our network while at the same time, make it more stable and more reliable.”

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