Smart’s fiber optic infra to be completed by the end of the year

[23 August 2012] Wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is set to complete its nationwide fiber optic cable project by the end of 2012, a full year ahead of schedule.

The development is expected to allow Smart subscribers to enjoy the benefits of being on a fully modernized network, most notably a marked improvement in the speed and reliability of its mobile Internet service.

“We have fast-tracked this program because consumer and business demand for mobile broadband services is growing rapidly,” said PLDT and Smart Technology Group Head Rolando G. Peña.

Fiber optic cables (FOCs) connect Smart’s base stations in many parts of the country to the rest of the network. FOCs are equipment that enable wireless networks such as Smart’s to carry voice and data traffic in greater volumes and faster speeds, and with greater resiliency.

Smart’s FOC project is a major component of the P67.1 billion network modernization initiative of the wireless leader and its parent company PLDT.

The announcement comes right before the previously reported commercial launch of its LTE service, set for August 25.

LTE is shorthand for the most advanced fourth generation (4G) wireless technology called Long Term Evolution, which is capable of speeds of 100 Mbps and above.

“The completion of our FOC project will allow us to improve our network’s capacity as well as its resiliency, and meet the transmission requirements of the most advanced technologies like LTE and HSPA+ (Evolved High Speed Packet Access),” said Smart Technology Services Division Head Mario G. Tamayo.

Smart had close to 6,500 kilometers of fiber optic cables nationwide in 2010. As of August 1, 2012, this amount had almost doubled to close to 11,500 kilometers of fiber optic cables nationwide, or about 90% of the targeted amount by end of 2013.

In Metro Manila, Smart’s FOC project is already 82% complete, while in North Luzon and South Luzon, the completion is already at 97% and 83%, respectively.

The Visayas and Mindanao legs of the telco’s FOC project are posting more impressive developments, as they are already 91 percent and 97 percent complete, respectively.

These kilometers of fiber optic cables are arranged in “loops”. Looping allows data to be redirected to other avenues or channels, should one channel of connectivity be cut. This makes the Smart fiber optic network the most comprehensive and the most resilient in the Philippines.

The overall 90% percent completion of the nationwide fiber optic cable project of Smart is ahead of any modernization milestone of competitors’ networks.

“One by one, the key components of our massive network modernization efforts are reaching completion, and they all play a part in enabling Smart to create a future-proof, world-class network that will greatly benefit our subscribers now and in the years to come,” added Peña. [END]