Smart Communications (Smart) has expanded its nationwide 5G network to around 6,400 base stations, surpassing the initial target of 3,800 5G base stations for 2021.
This puts Smart's total base stations as of end-September to 72,600, enabling Smart to cover 96% of the population from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi.
Firing up 5G in more areas in the third quarter, such as Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, Amadeo in Cavite, Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental and Valencia City in Bukidnon, Smart's continuous 5G network buildout has enabled it to reinforce its dominance in 5G, widening its lead over rivals as the Philippines' fastest and most reliable 5G network.
Supporting Smart's 5G network is PLDT's fiber infrastructure of about 615,000 kilometers as of the end of September.
Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT Inc and Smart Communications President and CEO
Off the back of the huge number of 5G base stations that we built this year will be a very targeted rollout of 5G in 2022. We will be more granular next year, doubling down to ensure that our efforts match the demand and the availability of handsets in the market.
