THE wireless unit of PLDT, Inc., Smart Communications Inc., is ramping up its long term-evolution (LTE) network in Palawan as it sees increased tourism in the island.
The telecommunications network said in a statement Tuesday it is rolling out more cell sites and is expanding its LTE coverage in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, San Vicente and Coron this year.
“Since Smart began connecting the islands with LTE last year, and as more customers shift to mobile data and upgrade their devices to LTE, the telco recorded an increase in the number of LTE users in the province,” the company said.
The expansion of Smart in Palawan is part of the company’s bigger plan to bring its LTE technology to more locations in the Philippines.
The improved LTE network in Palawan is also expected to help businesses in the island by allowing them to bring their offers online.
“These upgrades also benefit residents, resort operators and tour operators, whose businesses continue to flourish as more tourists come to Palawan amid the improvement of connectivity and mobile data experience,” Gia C. Palafox, PLDT-Smart vice-president and head of Customer Development for the National Capital Region and Palawan, was quoted as saying.
PLDT is allocating a record P78.4 billion for capital expenditures in 2019, a huge chunk of which will be dedicated to improving its network and information technology platforms.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Denise A. Valdez
