AFTER deploying three of its first batch of base stations with the capacity to operate cellular services via the 700-megahertz (MHz) band, Smart Communications Inc. targets to close 2016 with at least 360 cell sites with the said technology.
Joachim Horn, who serves as chief technology and information advisor at Smart, reported on Wednesday his company has fired up the first three cell sites using the 700-MHz spectrum this week. These are in Tanay, Rizal; Matina, Davao City; and Manggahan, Pasig City.
Peak download speeds of 101 Mbps were attained on the setup. In Tanay he said the company combined its 700 MHz and 1,800 MHz frequency bands using the Carrier Aggregation capability of LTE-A, resulting in peak speeds of up to 222 Mbps.
Peak speeds refer to the maximum possible data rate that may be achieved on a single-user basis. The actual speeds that may be experienced under normal circumstances will be influenced by the number of users being served by a particular base station.
“Smart plans to activate 360 cell sites with 700 MHz this year, initially in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao, as part of its three-year program to bring faster, affordable and reliable Internet service to users all over the country,” he said.
Smart previously announced it would deploy LTE on 700 MHz, in order to combine the powerful frequency with the most advanced mobile-phone technology. The low-band 700 MHz has a longer range and provides better indoor coverage than high-band frequencies.
“Combined with other frequency bands, LTE on 700 MHz will help expand the coverage and enhance the capacity of our data network at a faster pace,” Horn said.
The second part of the group’s strategy is the increased availability of more affordable LTE smartphones, pocket Wi-Fis and tablets using 700 MHz.
“This combination of advanced network, technology and devices will enable us to provide the best digital experience to our customers across the country,” he said.
Smart subscribers with handsets equipped to use the 700-MHz spectrum will enjoy high-speed LTE on this frequency as the network rollout progresses.
The initial list of 700 MHz-capable devices includes Samsung models Tab S2, Galaxy Note 5, S6, S6 Edge, S7, S7 Edge, J5 2016, J7 2016, A5 2016, A7 2016 and Tab A 2016, and O+ models Sonic and Finite.
Also available are five smartphone models of Huawei: GR3, GR5, GR8, P9 LITE and P9+.
Local manufacturer MyPhone is introducing nine handset models and a pocket Wi-Fi that will run on 700 MHz by September this year.
The service will also be available to Alcatel Shine users by September, and to users of the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus and SE, upon release of the new Apple iOS sometime this year.
Smart’s accelerated LTE deployment is part of PLDT’s three-year network-expansion program. The current budget for this year is P43 billion, plus an additional $100 million to utilize the frequencies now available to Smart, as a result of the recent co-acquisition of San Miguel Corp.’s telecommunications business with rival Globe Telecom Inc.
These expansion efforts are seen to broaden, by 2016, Smart’s 3G and LTE coverage in order to deliver faster, more reliable and more affordable Internet services throughout the country.