Smart aims to bolster 3G use with affordable rates

19.04.2006
Telecom giant Smart Communications Inc. hopes to encourage use of its 3G (third generation) service by introducing affordable rates and value-added services next month.

'The rates will be set in a way that will encourage usage of the service,' said Smart public affairs head Mon Isberto, in an exclusive interview with Computerworld Philippines.

Isberto said Smart has been busy rolling out its 3G network since December 2005, immediately after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) granted them a license.

'After two months we already have 114 networks deployed nationwide or about 60 percent of cities in the Philippines,' Isberto said.

3G allows faster data transmission speeds, making possible high-speed data communications and mobile multimedia services such as video calling, video streaming, and high-speed Internet browsing. With 3G, subscribers can exchange volumes of data in the form of audio, video, and graphics.