P67.1-B modernization project: Smart-PLDT completes upgrade in 2 provinces

By Joey Pavia & Ding Cervantes (www.punto.com.ph)

CLARK FREEPORT – Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary, Smarts Communications, announced on Tuesday the completion of its modernization project in Pampanga and Bulacan.

In press conference here on Tuesday, Smart Public Affairs Department Manager Jose “Wo” Rosete said the project in the two provinces is part of its nationwide plan that would cost P67.1 billion. It is expected to benefit close to 50 million Smart subscribers.

He said the network transformation program, which started in 2011, will also “further enhance the reliability and quality of its wireless services, including SMS, call and data services, and internet access to even the most remote barrios (villages).”

Rosete added that Smart had “not just improved its network capability but also the physical aspect of its offices dubbed as Smart Stores.”

They recently opened branches in the City of San Fernando and Clark in Pampanga and Marilao and Baliwag in Bulacan.

Orlando Vea, co-founder and chief wireless advisor of Smart, said “we have given priority to the provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan since we are the leading telecommunications provider in these provinces.”

“There is a lot of potential to grow our business in Pampanga and Bulacan both in the individual and corporate market segments,” he said in a statement. 

Vea also cited Clark International Airport as an example of “the growing importance in terms of both domestic and international tourism.”  

He said that the completion of the program will run for three years but they had completed it in three Region III provinces in a span of one year and a half after its launch.

“While our closest competitor is just about to lay the groundwork, we have already passed the hallway mark of this landmark network undertaking,” Vea said.

Smart subscribers have enjoyed the fruits of the program, including superior voice connection and quality, quicker SMS delivery, enhanced data connection speeds, nationwide coverage and zero downtime, especially in times of disasters, Rosete said.

“To date, PLDT and Smart have modernized and optimized the network covering the entire Visayas and Mindanao areas, and Bicol in Luzon, with the rest of the country to follow soon.

Aside from Huawei, PLDT and Smart are also working with Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Network on the program,” he said.