TECHNOLOGY, LIFESTYLE | May 7, 2018
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| (Image Source: Rappler) |
More than 17,000 residents and even local and international tourists
can now enjoy a faster and more reliable internet experience anytime and
anywhere they want to as Smart Communications Inc. has officially deployed and
activated its LTE network in the beautiful island of Batanes as well as the Philippines'
northeastern provinces.
Being LTE-connected powered by Smart's strong network is considered a
satisfying blessing for Batanes considering that it took about two years for
the island to experience such better connections again after the disaster brought
by Typhoon Ferdie. On the other hand, Smart's LTE network is slated to boost
and further cater one's need to communicate with friends, family and loved ones
since 2G was first deployed in the island way back in 2014.
However, there are several areas where Smart's signal cannot be reached
or rarely so but it is assured that most of the island will have a strong
signal that can be at par with various places within Metro Manila and even its
nearby provinces. Though the deployment is not 100% complete, at least
residents and tourists will be delighted to begin with more particularly those
who prefer to enjoy worry-free internet browsing on their mobile devices.
I've first learned on this development on Twitter but I was intrigued
to learn that 70% of the island's total population are Smart, Talk n' Text (TNT)
and Sun subscribers. It comes as a no surprise to me since they have their own
reasons why many residents of Batanes trust any of the three telco brands owned
by the same parent company. Meanwhile, Globe's network is also in the island
but its strength and reach may be a bit underwhelming judging by how Globe
subscribers in the island fare. But that is one story that is yet to be told.
