PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are working closely with the government and expanding their support for the government's COVID-19 response by rolling out fiber-powered WiFi connectivity to more government-run quarantine, swabbing, isolation sites and other COVID-19 facilities nationwide.
This includes the deployment of WiFi in isolation sites set-up by the Office of the Vice President in Malabon City as part of its Swab Cab initiative, in the Quezon City Quarantine Center, in Taguig City's COVID-19 facilities including Taguig Pateros Hospital, Lakeshore Tent, PWD Center, City Hall of Justice, Katwiran Building and TUP Campus, and Pasig City's Quarantine facility at Rizal National High School and Pasig City General Hospital.
PLDT has also rolled out carrier-grade WiFi connectivity in quarantine sites of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. PLDT fiber-powered WiFi is also available at the mega quarantine sites by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Philippine International Convention Center, and World Trade Center, as well as the mega quarantine and swabbing sites of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Philippine Arena, Mall of Asia Arena, Palacio del Manila (Swabbing), Enderun (Swabbing), Rizal Memorial Coliseum (Quarantine) and Ultra (Quarantine).
PLDT is also working with local government units to rollout WiFi in their vaccine sites.
Since last year, PLDT and Smart have been providing connectivity and communications support to frontline agencies and their personnel such as the departments of health, transportation, public works, the armed forces and police, local governments, and non-governmental organizations in different parts of the country, to help frontliners and patients stay connected despite the challenges of the pandemic.
“Working with our government to deliver fast and reliable connectivity that is easily accessible in these facilities is top priority. This is a crucial component in our country’s COVID-19 response and we take it to heart, " said Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart Communications President and CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer.
Smart WiFi connectivity is also available at provincial capitols, city and municipal halls, in supermarkets and convenience stores, as well as in hospitals across the country. Smart also recently launched its Barangay Connect project, which aims to provide free Wi-Fi to barangays and bring connectivity closer to communities in key areas around the country, including Antipolo, Mandaluyong, Las Piñas, General Santos and Nueva Ecija.
The deployment of Smart WiFi is part of PLDT and Smart’s nationwide rollout and expansion of their integrated fixed wireless networks. To date, Smart’s wireless network, the fastest mobile network in the country according to third-party analytics firm Ookla, covers 96% of the Philippine population from Batanes to Sulu.
Enabling these services is PLDT’s fiber infrastructure, the most extensive in the country at more than 429,000 kilometers.
