Smart turns Boracay into a giant 'hotzone'

The Philippines’ hottest summer destination just got hotter as Smart, the country’s wireless services leader, fires up the latest 4G technologies Long Term Evolution (LTE), High Speed Packet Access Plus (HSPA+), and WiMax-powered Wi-Fi hotspots in Boracay. With its wireless network on the resort island fully modernized, Smart subscribers can enjoy the next-generation of mobile broadband with speeds of up to 70Mbps — 35 times faster than the average mobile Internet connection. “It’s Smart to be in Boracay this summer: there’s sun, sand, and high-speed surfing — the likes of which only Smart can provide,” said Smart broadband Internet and data services head Lloyd Manaloto. “Now you can share your jumping photos, food trips, and other beach escapades in seconds,” he added. Wi-Fi hotspots and share stations are located in several areas, including the Jonas restaurant beachfront, Boracay Peninsula hotel, Epic restaurant, Juice Bar, and Zuzuni hotel and can be used free of charge. “This our own little way of spreading the 4G excitement,” said Manaloto. “Boracay is the birthplace of LTE in the Philippines and it is just right that we make this one-of-a-kind technology available in this one-of-a-kind destination.” Along with Boracay, several other areas, including Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique, have already been fully modernized and are 4G-ready. A network is deemed 4G-ready if it is able to deliver next-generation, high-speed wireless services at the push of a button. The upgrades are part of the P67.1-billion network modernization program of Smart and its parent company, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. Under the ambitious endeavor, Smart is beefing up the scale and the scope of its 4G network by installing additional fiber optic cabling, base stations, and international gateways which will help its network become more reliable and more resilient. These translate to clearer calls, faster mobile browsing speeds, and stronger signal reception even in the remotest corners of the archipelago. With the program now on its final stages, Smart’s entire network infrastructure is scheduled to be completely 4G-ready by mid-2012. “We already have a one-year headstart from everybody else,” said Manaloto. “And based on the feedback we have had thus far, Filipinos are clearly benefiting from the speed and stability improvements of our network,” he added.