Mobile internet speeds in the Philippines will get a big boost in 2018 as PLDT wireless arm Smart Communications (Smart) rolls out its high-speed LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) service with carrier aggregation in more areas of the country.
This includes the deployment of four-component (4CC) carrier aggregation which can deliver data speeds of over 200 Mbps via 4CC capable handsets.
“This is not a test or pilot. We are bringing today 4CC to our customers as a live, commercial service that can deliver world-class mobile internet,” said Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Engineering.
“By deploying LTE-A, we will have an even more powerful network platform for offering a richer array of data services and digital life solutions to enterprises, families and individuals,” said Ernesto R. Alberto, PLDT Group Chief Revenue Officer.
Carrier Aggregation on LTE-A involves combining two or more radio frequency bands to deliver bigger bandwidth and faster data speeds to mobile phone users.
With 4CC, four separate spectrum bands are combined, resulting in much higher data speeds.