Leading telecommunications and digital services provider PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have joined forces with Google Philippines in bringing free world-class internet connectivity to more Filipinos through the Google Station project in partnership with Smart WiFi.
Google Station is a platform that provides fast, free and open Wi-Fi hotspots. In partnership with Smart WiFi, heavy foot traffic areas such as airports, markets, malls and bus stations is being provided with a set of cloud-based software and network access devices to provide high-quality internet to the public.
To date, Google Station x Smart WiFi can be found in more than 400 venues across the country, with an estimated 1 million daily active users on average.
“As more Filipinos enjoy using their Wi-Fi-capable devices for data-heavy activities, such as streaming videos and playing mobile games, the demand for fast and reliable connectivity is stronger than ever,” said Juan Victor Hernandez, senior vice president and head of Enterprise for PLDT and Smart.
“With Smart WiFi and Google Station, we are empowering more Filipinos with high-quality connectivity, so they can stay productive and connected even while on-the-go,” added Hernandez.
“With reliable Wi-Fi connections in areas like airports and seaports, more Filipinos can access online services like banking and ecommerce, keep in touch with family and workmates through messaging apps and email, or tap into the wealth of information available on the Internet for work and school,” Hernandez added.
Google Station locations have been fired up across the country, including in major transportation hubs like the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Clark International Airport and Davao International Airport, as well as seaports and the LRT-2 and MRT-3 stations in Metro Manila.
Google Station is also available in the Araneta bus port in Quezon City, Cebu South bus terminal and the Port of Batangas, as well as in Ali Mall and Gateway Mall in Quezon City.
Google Station is part of Google’s Next Billion Users program, which aims to make Internet access more accessible in emerging markets. Aside from the Philippines, Google Station has already been launched in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Mexico, Nigeria and Brazil, and is under a pilot test run in Vietnam.
The nationwide rollout of Smart WiFi complements Smart’s ongoing network expansion and modernization program across the country. Parent company PLDT has committed historic levels of resources to support network transformation. For 2019, PLDT capex is expected to reach P78.4 billion, including allocations for the aggressive roll-out of its fiber broadband service, which also supports the stepped-up deployment of the mobile network by providing high-capacity links for cellular base stations.
