In support of the Philippine government’s thrust for digitalization and inclusive connectivity, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the wireless arm of PLDT Inc., is reinforcing its network in Batanes, bringing stronger LTE coverage and exclusive offers to the country’s northernmost province.
This initiative underscores Smart’s commitment to provide reliable mobile services in remote areas, helping bridge the digital divide hand-in-hand with the national and local government.
“Our continued investments in Batanes reflect Smart’s deep commitment to nation-building,” said Anastacio R. Martirez, Smart Chief Operating Officer. “We are proud to support the government’s digital inclusion agenda by delivering reliable, value-for-money services tailored to the needs of our customers nationwide. This is part of our broader effort to improve the customer experience in far-flung areas and ensure that no Filipino is left behind in the digital age.”
Smart has built an LTE network tailored to the unique needs of Batanes, where delivering fast data speeds is particularly challenging due to its rugged terrain, remote location, and scattered islands. The province’s frequent exposure to harsh weather conditions also makes it difficult to deploy and maintain traditional telco infrastructure, often requiring specialized equipment and innovative solutions to ensure stable connectivity. Despite these hurdles, the improved LTE signal now allows residents, local government units, and tourists to enjoy more reliable voice, text, and mobile data services.
This development coincides with the celebration of National Information and Communications Technology (NICT) Month this June, spearheaded by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), with Batanes hosting key events that highlight ongoing efforts to bring digital services to the most remote corners of the country.
Exclusive FREE Offer for Batanes
To enable customers to maximize their reinforced LTE network, Smart is launching special exclusive promos for its prepaid and postpaid subscribers in Batanes, including subscribers using TNT. These include data allocation of 2.5GB for 3 days, with 25 all-net minutes of free calls and 25 free all-net SMS, in celebration of value brand TNT’s 25th anniversary and Smart’s 34th year.
This free special promo is Smart’s way of thanking the Batanes community for their loyalty and support, while giving them a chance to experience the improved LTE network firsthand.
Smart’s initiatives in Batanes are part of its broader thrust to support the national goal of digital transformation, especially in remote and far-flung areas. These efforts are supported by PLDT’s robust nationwide fiber infrastructure, which powers Smart’s mobile services across the archipelago. By partnering with national and local government units, Smart continues to bring meaningful connectivity to more Filipinos — fueling economic participation, education, and digital access across the nation.
