PLDT's wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is enhancing its network in Quezon to serve its customers in the province better.
Among the services enabled by PLDT and Smart's enhanced network is Smart Padala by PayMaya. PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 60,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services.
Among Quezon residents who have benefited from Smart Padala and PLDT and Smart's continuous network rollout and enhancement in the province is Ofelia Endozo.
A Smart retailer for nearly 20 years, Ofelia, 56, says Smart's network and PayMaya's services have not only enabled her to earn a livelihood, they have also allowed her to serve her community better as a one-stop shop for her neighbors' remittance and loading needs.
"I am happy that Smart's network has allowed me to earn a living here. It has also enabled me to help my neighbors, who no longer have go far to pay their bills, buy load, or send and receive remittances. They can just go to my store for these transactions," she said.
Smart 5G in Quezon
To date, Smart has fired up 5G base stations in nearly half of Quezon's cities and municipalities, including its capital Lucena City, Tayabas City, Sariaya, Pagbilao, Tagkawayan, San Antonio, Dolores, Candelaria, Gumaca, Infanta, Lopez, Tiaong, Unisan, Calauag, Catanauan, General Nakar, Lucban, Mauban, Polillo and Real.
Smart LTE is also available across Quezon, enabling high-speed mobile data service for customers with LTE handsets. To be able to maximize Smart's fastest mobile network, Quezon residents are encouraged to upgrade to 5G or LTE-enabled mobile or broadband devices.
The accelerated deployment of LTE and 5G across the country is part of PLDT and Smart’s broader initiative to deliver world-class customer experience to its customers nationwide. To support growing mobile data traffic, Smart has increased to 75,400 its total base stations nationwide as of end-December, supporting its 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G subscribers from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. This includes around 7,200 5G base stations. Supporting Smart's mobile network is PLDT's extensive fiber footprint, which was at 743,700 kilometers as of end-2021.
This enhanced network also enables customers in Quezon to engage in digital transactions and keep safe amid the pandemic. Following tightened restrictions due to the rising cases of COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant, PLDT and Smart are urging their customers to transact using the group’s available digital channels.
Smart customers can download and use the GigaLife App to purchase load for their prepaid phones and other services. For billing concerns, Smart postpaid subscribers can manage their accounts via the GigaLife App or through my.smart.com.ph, while PLDT customers can text PLDTHOMEBILL and send to 0970 0000 171 or check their bills at my.pldthome.com.
PLDT and Smart customers can pay their bills online. They can check out https://pldthome.com/paymentcenters and https://smart.com.ph/paymentcenters/ for options.
Customers are highly encouraged to book virtual appointments for their online transactions. Appointments can be booked through the following links:
- PLDT Virtual Appointment Scheduler: bit.ly/pldtssc
- Smart Virtual Appointment Scheduler: https://smrt.ph/bookanapp
They can also inquire via verified official social media channels of PLDT and Smart, and via Google My Business. For the full list of hotlines and digital channels, visit https://pldthome.com/contact or https://smart.com.ph/help/contact-support.
