Smart Communications, Inc.’s LTE service is now available to prepaid subscribers, giving more mobile users “lightning-fast” mobile Internet connectivity, while being able to call and text, all through one SIM.
The Smart Prepaid LTE, the first in the country, allows prepaid subscribers to surf at mobile Internet speeds up to 42Mbps.
The telco launched its first commercial LTE services in 2012, making data connectivity speed of up to 42Mbps available to its postpaid mobile phone and broadband subscribers. In April this year, Smart announced the availability of the first prepaid LTE SIMs for broadband devices such as dongles and tablets.
The Smart Prepaid LTE SIM for mobile phones is available in two variants— the dual-cut micro SIM for LTE-capable handsets with regular or micro SIM slots, which is priced at Php40 and includes 35 free SMS to any network while the Nano SIM for the iPhone 5 which is priced at Php100 includes Php50 load. Both can be loaded with Smart’s prepaid LTE packages or buckets which offer unlimited LTE browsing for 1 day, 7 days or 30 days.
The one-day offer costs Php50, the week-long package costs Php299 while the 30-day package costs Php995. These can be availed by simply texting LTE 50, LTE 299 or LTE 995 to 2200.
“Aside from new subscribers, we are also eyeing current users of LTE-capable phones who don’t maximize the powers of their handsets because they will use non-LTE prepaid SIMs,” said Jane Basas, head of Smart’s prepaid business group.
Existing prepaid subscribers who want to upgrade to an LTE SIM but want to retain their number may just go to any Smart Stores to make the upgrade.
The Micro SIMs fit both regular cut and micro-cut LTE phones
The Micro SIMs fit both regular cut and micro-cut LTE phones such as the Galaxy S4, Xperia V, Ascend D1, Lumia 920, ZTE 82 or Samsung Mega. The Nano SIM fit the phones that require a Nano-cut size SIM such as the iPhone 5.
To connect to Smart LTE, make sure:
– You are in an area with Smart LTE coverage
– You are using a Smart Prepaid LTE SIM
– You are using an LTE mobile phone
– Ensure that you are subscribed to an LTE offer
According to Smart, the LTE works best in open areas where there are no obstructions such as closed, thick concrete walls, areas with heavy foliage or plenty of trees, beside tall buildings, and such. Glass walls such as those in coffee shops or restaurants or near windows are ideal.
Once registered to an LTE offer, you will be receiving a confirmation message saying you are registered to the LTE offer. A 4G/LTE logo should also appear on top of your screen.
The Nano SIM fit phones that require a Nano-cut size SIM such as the iPhone 5.
Although the SIM will work on a non-LTE device, you will not experience LTE mobile Internet speeds up to 42Mbps, what you will get is 3G speed.
Smart plans to expand the LTE service to the vast majority of its subscriber base by offering LTE bucket offers, and soon bundling the LTE prepaid service with entry and mid-level LTE-capable handsets.
Smart LTE is now available in over a thousand sites spread across almost 180 cities and municipalities across the country, including the province of Rizal, and areas in North Luzon, South Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. Smart LTE also covers all 17 cities and municipalities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela.
LTE-capable phones
