Smart Expands 3G Services

The Philippines based, Smart Communications has unveiled new and expanded 3G service offerings and announced the commercial rates for its 3G cellular service which is now supported by an extensive nationwide network ready for HSDPA technology. Starting May 1st, Smart postpaid and prepaid subscribers with 3G-capable handsets will start to be charged for various 3G services on a commercial basis.

Smart 3G users can now make video calls not only within the country but also to 3G subscribers of eight mobile phone operators in six countries that include Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Austria and Germany.

"With 800 cellsites covering 119 key cities and municipalities, Smart offers genuine nationwide 3G coverage. We've made the service very affordable to encourage usage. To pave the way for continuous improvement in the service, we've made our 3G network HSDPA-ready" said Napoleon L. Nazareno, president and CEO, SMART.

Smart is not only the first mobile operator in the country to commercially launch 3G services but also the first to use a 3G network with HSDPA technology. Last March, Smart became the first operator in the country to successfully conduct HSDPA test calls.

When Smart 3G was launched February 14, 3G services such as video-streaming, video calls, high-speed internet browsing and downloading of special 3G content were offered on a free-trial basis. Under the introductory pricing scheme that takes effect May 1st, Smart 3G rates are aligned with existing 2G rates while some services will remain free of charge.

Smart says that it currently has approximately a quarter of a million subscribers with 3G capable handsets."

Posted to the site on 1st May 2006