Smart to Ramp up 5G Roll Out, Push 5G Mobile Data Adoption With More Affordable Devices

The Philippines' leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc. (PLDT)'s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is eyeing a stronger rollout of its 4G/LTE and 5G networks for the rest of 2024 to support the robust demand for mobile data in the country.

The company has also noted that the increase in the number of unique 5G devices driving data traffic continues into 2024 and expects this to be sustained as the price of 5G devices trends lower. PLDT has also cited 5G adoption as one of the emerging growth streams of their Individual Business, which posted revenues of ₱41.9 billion in the first half of the year. Mobile data revenues now account for 89% of total Individual Wireless revenues.

"To accelerate our growth momentum, we must leverage on our site rollouts and capacity enhancements, continue to offer the best value-for-money packages, and deliver excellent customer service to delight our subscribers," said Alex O. Caeg, Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart. "Increasingly, data users, including gamers, are beginning to appreciate the power of 5G. Moving forward, 5G will definitely play an important role as compatible smartphones become more affordable," he added. To drive 5G adoption, Smart is making available device financing for 5G phones through various bank partners.

"For Smart, the move toward 5G entails a combination of three things. Firstly, it is about having a strong 5G network in key areas to support the mobile data needs of subscribers there. Second is the availability of 5G devices, which are necessary to latch on to the 5G network. Today, we can already see a mix of high-end and affordable devices in the market, and we want to be able to leverage that. Finally, we see the potential of premium subscriber benefits for those using the 5G network," said Kristine A. Go, SVP for Smart Consumer Wireless Business.

The PLDT Group’s continued investments in enhancing its integrated network and innovating its products and services are aligned with the group’s commitment to delivering leveled-up customer experience across the country. Smart's award-winning mobile network, recently recognized for delivering the Philippines' Best 5G Coverage Experience, according to the latest report by independent analytics firm Opensignal, covers 97% of the population and is part of the Philippines’ largest integrated network that includes PLDT’s most extensive fiber infrastructure.

Smart's innovative mobile products and services contribute to the PLDT Group’s endeavors to narrow the digital divide, provide connectivity to all, and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. These also reinforce the Group’s support for the Government's overall digitalization thrust.