PLDT-Smart, Manila gov’t ink free WiFi deal

PLDT Inc.’s wireless unit Smart Communications and the City of Manila signed a deal on Wednesday, August 7, 2019, to establish free WiFi spots in key areas of the capital city. The agreement was signed by Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso (seated center), PLDT chair and CEO Manuel Pangilinan (seated right), and Smart chief revenue officer Alfredo Panlilio (seated left). PLDT Inc.

PLDT-Smart signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Manila “to provide fast and free Smart WiFi across the city, particularly government offices, hospitals, universities and other key areas.”

The agreement was signed by Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso, PLDT chair and CEO Manuel Pangilinan, and Smart chief revenue officer Alfredo Panlilio.

“We are happy to work with the city government of Manila and Mayor Isko in helping provide connectivity to the city and bring the benefits of the Internet to more Filipinos across the country,” Pangilinan said.

Other areas that have been proposed to get free WiFi include Ospital ng Maynila, Tondo Medical Center, Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, Universidad de Manila, and Museo Pambata.

“By working hand-in-hand with the local government to bring Smart WiFi to more areas, we are making connectivity more accessible for everyone, who can use it to keep in touch with their families and friends, and to access key online government and banking services,” Panlilio said.

The partnership is seen to empower entrepreneurs and businesses in Manila to get connected, enrich their knowledge about their respective industries, and enable them to further succeed, senior vice president and head of Enterprise for PLDT-Smart Juan Victor Hernandez said.

The nationwide rollout of Smart WiFi complements Smart’s ongoing network expansion and modernization program across the Philippines, the telco said. —VDS, GMA News