The Philippines’ leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc. (PLDT)’s wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is expanding its 5G network and focusing on offering more value to its subscribers to further drive revenues in 2025.
“On top of the network rollout itself, focusing on seamlessness of coverage and customer satisfaction is paramount,” said Smart Chief Operating Officer Anastacio R. Martirez, adding that seamlessness or network ubiquity is vital in conveying topnotch customer experience. “Our network should be where people live, work, play and travel,” he said.
“By harnessing the power of 5G and expanding 5G city-by-city, we at Smart are committed to delivering the world-class experiences that Filipinos truly deserve,” added Martirez, fielding questions from reporters during PLDT’s recent nine-month earnings disclosure.
More recently, Smart reinforced its lead in 5G coverage, particularly in major event venues including Smart Araneta in Quezon City, Philippine Arena in Bulacan, and Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, as demonstrated by Smart’s support for events such as the PBA Finals, FIBA qualifiers, and South Korean boy band Stray Kids’ concert.
Strengthening 5G coverage, Smart has also rolled out new sites in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, as well as launched affordable devices under Php5,000, including the Smart ZTE A75 5G and TNT Panalo Phone 5G, to make 5G more accessible.
These initiatives continue to drive the segment’s growth. Mobile data revenues, which account for 89% of total Individual Wireless revenues, grew by 5% to ₱55.2 billion in the first nine months of the year.
Active data users stood at 41.2 million, while mobile data traffic increased by 10% year-on-year, primarily supported by the rollout of new sites and capacity expansion of existing LTE sites. The drivers for the increase in data traffic were Smart’s value-packed mobile data offers including Power All, All Access, and Doble Data and Smart Postpaid’s new channel exclusive plans, which have enabled amazing experiences.
The PLDT Group’s continued investments in enhancing its integrated network, including its robust 5G infrastructure, is aligned with the group’s commitment to deliver leveled-up customer experience across the country. Smart’s mobile network covers 97% of the population and is part of the Philippines’ largest integrated network that includes PLDT’s most extensive fiber infrastructure.
Smart’s innovative mobile products and services also contribute to the PLDT Group’s endeavors to narrow the digital divide, provide connectivity to all, and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. These also reinforce the Group’s support for the Government’s overall digitalization thrust.
