Smart begins beta testing of LTE powered mobile Internet

With the anticipated demand for better internet connection, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has started the beta testing of its Long Term Evolution (LTE) broadband services. Touted as the fastest fourth generation (4G) technology in the Philippines, the LTE technology can deliver up to 42 Mbps internet speed. Gio Bacareza, Smart Broadband Internet and Data Services Head, said that the beta test represents a significant step towards LTE’s commercial availability. "The beta test shows that we have never stopped working on our LTE network," said Bacareza. "We launched it in Boracay last April, we made the first Metro Manila demo in June, and today it’s going to be put to its paces by potential customers," he added. Initially, the LTE beta testing will be done in Metro Manila. Subscribers who want to be the first to experience the next generation broadband speed of up to 42 Mbps should to sign up at www.smart.com.ph/bro/lte/sign-up. The lucky few who will qualify will be issued special LTE/HSPA-capable USB dongles which they could use for free in several key areas in both North and South Metro Manila until February 13, 2012. A total of thirty LTE sites have been fired up across the city for the beta test. Beta testers are encouraged to report their experiences and findings to Smart in an effort to evaluate the experience and identify potential improvements. For this, Smart has set up several touch points for beta testers. Participants will be contacted via email for instructions. Smart has also provided LTE connectivity in the recently concluded Philippine Ad Congress in Camarines Sur. The technology is much faster than wireless and wired connection, it is ideal for viewing, streaming videos and engaging in other media-rich online activities such as gaming and accessing web-based applications and programs. LTE is widely recognized by telcos all over the world as the next big change in mobile Internet. With the potential to change the surfing habits of individuals and the way business is conducted online, LTE has already been deployed in other parts of the world such as Japan (NTT DoCoMo), USA (Verizon), Europe(TeliaSonera), and Australia (Telstra). "Smart has always been prepared to take on the latest technologies," Bacareza said. "We were the first to come out with 3G, we are the first to deploy HSPA+, we are the first introduce LTE and we will continue to be the first in many more endeavors in the years to come," he ended. Smart is among the first to have introduced LTE and HSPA+ in Asia.