Smart Posted 1.4 Gbps Data Speed Using LTE-Advanced!

First tested last April of 2016, Smart Communications Inc. has announced that they achieved data test speeds with whopping 1.4 Gbps speed using LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) technology today.

Smart 1.4 Gbps speed! Image grabbed from Smart's YouTube video

In their lab test, the company was able to successfully combine five frequencies or "component carriers" using Carrier Aggregation to consistently achieve data speed with more than one gigabit per second. As a result, it achieved bigger bandwidth and much faster data speeds to mobile users.

“Through these tests, we have demonstrated that we are constantly looking ahead to anticipate the ever increasing demands of mobile broadband customers,” said Joachim Horn, PLDT and Smart chief technology and information advisor.

“It will take time for carrier aggregation on five frequencies to be deployed, largely because capable handsets are not yet commercially available. But the excellent results of these tests have encouraged us to roll out LTE-A using two or three component carriers which can already be utilized by several handset models in the market,” Horn said.

“LTE-A is the sharp edge of our efforts to bring high-speed mobile internet throughout the country through our LTE deployment program. LTE facilities, with strengthened transport links, can be quickly upgraded to LTE-A,” Horn said.

“We are accelerating our LTE deployment because this provides us the platform to deliver faster, more reliable, and affordable internet services throughout the country,” added Horn.

According to Smart, LTE-A base stations will soon be activated in major urban areas like Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao as a part of the 3 year plan focus of the company to expand LTE coverage in the country and bring an up to 95% high-speed internet service in the Philippines.

Right now, some of the LTE-A ready handsets includes the Huawei P9 / P9 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge, and the iPhone 6s.