Smart hastens mobile broadband deployment

To quickly deploy high speed mobile broadband services nationwide, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has to date fired up over 1,200 High Speed Packet Access Plus (HSPA+) base stations in 120 cities and municipalities throughout the Philippines. HSPA+ is a next-generation network technology that can deliver aggregate speeds of up to 42Megabits per second (Mbps). As of middle of this month, HSPA+ service cover 50 cities and municipalities in Metro Manila, Rizal, and Bulacan, as well as key locations in Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos City and Zamboanga City, according to Smart Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando B. Vea. "We have stepped up our network transformation program," he elaborated. “Last month, we had about 500 HSPA+ base stations. It took us just a month to more than double that count." Already, subscribers are reaping the benefits of the country's most extensive and robust mobile broadband network in the country, Vea added. “They are enjoying a better mobile Internet experience on the devices such as the Smart Bro Rocket and the Netphone that we have introduced in the past few months." To fast track the deployment of HSPA+ base stations, Smart tapped the services of three major international network suppliers.