Smart Communications now offering tri-band LTE

Smart Communications has successfully deployed Long Term Evolution (LTE) services in the 1800MHz band, making its 4G service tri-band.

The cellco was already using the 850MHz band and the higher 2600MHz band to carry the service. PLDT, Smart network and IP systems head Rolando Pena said on the launch of its LTE services ‘We have the equipment, we have the capability, we have the system and we have the frequency asset. Why don’t we use it?’

The frequencies in question in the 1800MHz band once belonged to Smart’s former sister unit Pilipino Telephone Corp (or Piltel). Piltel’s frequencies and nationwide cellular mobile licence were transferred to Smart Broadband Inc, a subsidiary of Smart, when the former ceased to be a cellular operator.

Pena confirmed that the addition of the 1800MHz band brings to three the frequencies being used to support the LTE service. ‘By making these three bandwidths available, this deployment ensures that the Smart network has superior coverage and capacity, and the flexibility and resiliency to serve the needs of subscribers,’ said Pena. Smart is currently the only tri-band 4G/LTE operator in the region