EACH day, there are about 500,000 commuters who ride the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3, and 326,000 riders who ply Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa). Ask any of them to describe the Metro’s busiest highway in one word, and you’d be hard-pressed to get “fast” for an answer.
That’s about to change as mobile services provider Smart Communications, and its parent company PLDT, have recently launched a free, juiced-up Wi-Fi service at MRT stations and along Edsa.
“PLDT and Smart have always been committed to giving the best services to the Filipino people. This is what propelled us to partner with the government,” Smart Wi-Fi Senior Manager Claire Guevarra said in the project’s recent launch, referring to the administration’s initiative to provide free Internet access in major public spaces, including the 23.8-kilometer stretch of Edsa.
The super speed Smart Wi-Fi can now be availed by subscribers of all networks for an access period of 30 minutes per day—without, yes, data cap. That turns traffic jams into welcome time to download files, and makes knotted queues on MRT platforms bearable with buffer-free streaming.
The Smart Wi-Fi team said they have carefully designed the service structure, from ensuring maximum-coverage quality to addressing congestion concerns. To ensure the quality of coverage, they opted against relying on a fixed line and installed their own fiber cable, separate from other providers. The team has also installed 350 access points across the full MRT line along Edsa to eliminate Wi-Fi blind spots in between stations, expected to be fully operational by the end of the month.
To subscribe to the service, one needs to connect to the “#SmartWiFi@MRT-EDSA” network option at any of the 13 MRT stations, from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft in Pasay City. The Smart Wi-Fi service can also be accessed on the street level.
If a user exceeds the initial 30-minute connection period and wants to continue browsing, he can purchase Smart Wi-Fi load from partner retailers. Denominations include P20 for two hours, valid for two days; and P50 for 10 hours, valid for five days.
Another option is the conversion of Smart, Sun and TNT load to Smart Wi-Fi minutes by texting the keywords WIFI10, WIFI20 or WIFI50 to 9991.
Aside from MRT and Edsa, PLDT and Smart have already deployed carrier-grade Smart Wi-Fi service at other key transport areas, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Light Railway Transit and in key regional airports, seaports and transport hubs all over the country.
2 comments
I knew there was a catch. Its a marketing ploy
No one would make business without earning as return of their product or services.