Smart expands LTE rollout

MANILA, Philippines—Dominant network Smart Communications Inc. has expanded its Long-Term Evolution (LTE) rollout through the addition of a new frequency band, which ensures that even more devices are supported by the new high-speed mobile Internet technology.

Smart over the weekend announced that it would offer LTE connectivity on the 850 megahertz (Mhz) band, adding to the 2100 Mhz and 1800 Mhz frequencies previously announced.

The announcement came on the heels of the recent launch of the new Apple iPhone 5, which has LTE connectivity running on all three frequencies.

“This is consistent with Smart’s multi-band strategy for delivery of mobile voice and data services, which the telco has been deploying ever since it started offering GSM services,” the company said.

In a statement, Smart technology group head Rolando G. Peña said the 850 Mhz spectrum would help the company expand the reach of its LTE coverage.

LTE technology is the newest mobile data connectivity standard that helps telcos offer substantially faster connections to their clients.

Peña explained that while the 850 Mhz band would result in wider reach or what the company described as “umbrella” coverage, tt also provides better indoor signals and complements the 2100 and 1800 Mhz bands.

“By making these three bands available, this deployment ensures that the Smart network has superior coverage and capacity, and the flexibility and resiliency to serve the needs of subscribers,” Pena said.

“More importantly, the consumer enjoys the best mobile broadband experience,” he said. “This makes Smart LTE the perfect fit for current and upcoming devices.”

The iPhone 5, which was released in different models that run on varying LTE frequencies depending on the regions the units will be sold, was launched by the Cupertino, California-based Apple last week.