Smart to complete HSPA rollout by end-Jan

Filipino incumbent Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), through its wholly owned mobile arm Smart Communications, says it plans to complete the deployment of high speed packet access (HSPA) technology on its national network by the end of the month. The Philippine Daily Inquirer quotes Smart wireless adviser Orlando Vea as saying: ‘Within the month, mega-Manila (Metro Manila and surrounding suburbs) and all major cities will be covered. Some areas are already covered like Cebu City.’ Smart’s HSPA rollout is part of a USD50 million investment allocation for 2008 and 2009, and will provide a faster version of the cellco’s current HSDPA service, offered through PLDT WeRoam and Smart Bro. PLDT started rolling out its HSPA 850 platform in the fourth quarter of 2008. The platform was targeted at high-density population areas that are not adequately covered either by next generation networks, DSL or broadband wireless services.