PLDT, Inc. and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. have fired up 279 base stations in the third quarter to support its roll out of fifth generation (5G) networks across the country.
In a statement Friday, the telecommunications company said it has now extended the reach of its 5G service to Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao, following its commercial launch in July.
These locations add to PLDT-Smart’s existing 5G sites in Metro Manila, located in Makati, Taguig, Pasay, Quezon City, Manila, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Paranaque, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Navotas and San Juan.
It also has sites in Pampanga’s New Clark City, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal.
“The massive capex (capital expenditure) investments have fortified PLDT’s network superiority, reinforcing its position as the largest integrated telco in the Philippines,” Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT senior vice-president for network planning and engineering, said in the statement.
Aside from expanding its 5G network, PLDT-Smart has increased its long term evolution (LTE) and third generation (3G) base stations by 17% and 15%, respectively, as of end-September.
The company is allotting P70 billion for capital expenditures in 2020. In the first three quarters of the year, it booked a net income of P19.69 billion, up 23% from the same period last year.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Denise A. Valdez
