Residents of Baguio City as well as tourists can now enjoy fast, free and reliable Internet connectivity after the Philippines’ leading telecommunications company PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. expanded the Smart WiFI coverage in the City of Pines.
PLDT and Smart recently signed an agreement with Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to provide fiber-powered, carrier-grade Smart WiFi to more places all over Baguio City, including Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Baguio City Public Market, Baguio Convention Center, Baguio General Hospital, Malcolm Square, Wright Park and other sites on Session Road.
Smart WiFi is currently available in busy areas of the city such as the Baguio City Hall, The Camp, the NBI Regional Office in Upper Session Road, Saint Louis University, and Partas Bus Terminal.
This rollout of Smart WiFi in Baguio City complements the ongoing expansion of PLDT’s fiber-to-the-home services and Smart’s LTE network in the city and the rest of the country.
Signing the contract with Mayor Magalong were Smart WiFi Head Regina P. Pineda and PLDT Enterprise CRM Head Dennis G. Magbatoc.
In the same ceremony, Smart also turned over Smart Infocast, a web-based text message broadcast solution that enables the Baguio City LGU to send out news broadcasts and other critical information to its employees via text message. The platform also allows Baguio citizens to send feedback to Mayor Magalong.
Around 1.8 million tourists visit the Summer Capital of the Philippines every year, according to the City Planning and Development Office. Most tourists are local travelers who go to Baguio to enjoy the city’s famous cool weather and tourist sites.
Baguio City is also home to more than 345,000 residents, many of whom are young, and for whom access to fast Internet, whether via Wi-Fi or LTE, is crucial.
“This year, Baguio City will be undergoing transformation and rehabilitation, and connectivity infrastructure would be a vital component of it,” said Mayor Magalong. “We are happy to have PLDT and Smart as Baguio City’s partners in this endeavor to uplift the quality of life in the city.”
“By improving connectivity and expanding the footprint of our fiber-powered Smart WiFi service in Baguio City, we are boosting the tourism industry, as well as local businesses operating in one of the country’s premier tourist destinations,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT Chief Revenue Officer and Smart President and CEO.
“Better connectivity means Baguio City residents and visitors can stay connected with family and friends while shopping on Session Road, share their photos and videos while sightseeing in Mines View and Burnham Park, or stay updated while transacting at the City Hall, NBI or Baguio General Hospital,” Panlilio added.
Passengers at the Partas Bus Terminal can likewise check their hotel reservations online, while students at the Saint Louis University can use Smart WiFi for research and other academic purposes.
This partnership with Baguio City is the latest in Smart WiFi’s ramped-up expansion campaign, which has recently covered cities across the country, including Manila, San Juan City, Lapu-Lapu City, Iloilo City and San Fernando in Pampanga, to name a few.
For more information, visit the Smart WiFi website.
