WIRELESS leader Smart Communications, Inc., has seen spikes in smartphone sales from both ends of the market driven by the strong takeup of its Netphone as well as of iPhone 4S.
"We have seen tremendous spikes in smartphone sales from both ends of the market— Netphone sales alone have reached the 100,000 mark and has since been the best- and fastest-selling smartphone in the company’s history," said Gio Bacareza, head of Broadband Internet and Data Services.
Bacareza said sales of iPhone 4S sales exceeded all expectations making it most sought-after premium smartphone from Smart.
He said Smart is taking measures to speed up the acquisition and the delivery of smartphones to its wireless centers and to its customers to avoid long wait.
It has put in place the Smart Online Store (store.smart.com.ph) where customers can avail of Smart’s products online and even includes free nationwide delivery until June 30, 2012.
Existing Smart postpaid subscribers are also rewarded with various freebies and discounts via the Smart Rewards loyalty program.
Smart reported that the number of subscribers using smartphones has doubled in its network during the last four months of 2011.
The climb is in sync with the International Data Corporation’s (IDC) report that the worldwide smartphone market grew by as much as 54.7 percent year over year in the same period.
Bacareza said that all Android phones from Smart now have SmartNet installed including the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the first smartphone in the world which uses the new Android version 4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) operating system.
Meanwhile, Smart subscribers who purchased Android devices from third party retailers can still use SmartNet by downloading the app from the Android Market.
In December of the same year, Smart officially entered the Apple market as it became the first in the Philippines to make available the iPhone 4S.
Dubbed as "the most amazing iPhone yet", the iPhone 4S features Siri, Apple’s patented voice assistant technology, Facetime video calling for Apple devices, and a high-definition 8-megapixel still and video camera.
The Apple iPhone 4S is available for as low as P999/month with Smart’s iPhone Plan 999.
Smart also carries the latest, the best, and the widest range of smart devices across all operating systems.
Among those in its roster of smart devices are the 5.3-inch Samsung Galaxy Note (free at Unlimited Data Plan 2000), the Meego-powered Nokia N9 (free at Unlimited Data Plan 2000), and the thinnest Blackberry ever the Blackberry Bold 9900 (P1,200 at All-In Plan 3500).
Making available the best devices, however, is only a part of the equation as Smart readies its network to meet the increased demand for mobile data.
Under its P67.1 billion modernization program, Smart, together with its parent company Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) is set to complete the country’s first true fourth-generation (4G) wireless network by as early as June 2012.
A network is deemed 4G-ready when it is able to deploy High Speed Packet Access Plus (HSPA+) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) services.
With a compatible device, Smart’s HSPA+ and LTE networks can deliver speeds of up to 84Mbps and over 100Mbps, respectively.
"Once our network transformation is complete, we will be able to instantly switch on HSPA+ or LTE in areas where they are needed," said Bacareza.
"Couple that with the best data packages we are already offering such as UNLIsurf and Always On and Filipinos are assured of a truly world-class mobile experience."
Earlier, Smart said its subscribers which, as of end-September, totals 47 million, are expected to experience enhanced quality of voice, SMS and broadband services once it completes its modernization program by the middle of this year.
Smart said it has completed the first phase of its two-year modernization program.
"Our subscribers will experience the benefits of additional capacity in the enhanced quality of our voice, SMS and broadband services, especially once we complete the testing and optimization of our modernized sites," said Orlando Vea, Smart chief wireless adviser.
The company is capable of providing up to 200 percent additional capacity on a "push-button" approach or as needed to meet the demands of customers.
Despite the significant increase in capacity, energy costs for the completed sites across the country has decreased by an average of 20.54 percent in the second half of 2011.
"This translates not only to savings but also to a reduction of Smart’s carbon footprint. Imagine the cumulative effect once we complete the conversion of thousands of our sites nationwide to the multi-technology single radio access network (RAN) system under our modernization program," he added.
With multi-technology single RAN, a base station can simultaneously handle different technologies, from 2G, 3G, HSPA (high-speed packet access) to LTE (long term evolution), allowing an operator such as Smart to quickly shift to new technologies through advanced software defined radio (SDR) capability depending on market needs in a cost-efficient manner.
The conversion to multi-technology single RAN requires the total replacement of base station equipment with smaller, cost-efficient structures that consume less power and subsequently reduce carbon emission.
"A recipient of the GSM Association’s first-ever Green Mobile Award in 2009, Smart is consistent in its efforts to be earth-friendly in its operations. We have pioneered the use of renewable energy to power 114 off-grid cell sites nationwide, and we are doing it again by reducing our carbon footprint with smaller, less power-hungry equipment under our modernization program," Vea said.
The work is being undertaken in phases by Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) in Metro Manila and Bulacan; Ericsson in north and south Luzon; and Huawei in the Visayas, Mindanao, Palawan and Bicol.
