Smart Broadband postpaid base up 132% in 2012

Smart Communications Inc.’s (Smart) broadband postpaid business increased by 132 percent last year due to high demand for new mobile Internet devices (MIDs) such as tablets. With this, the telecommunications firm is confident that it will exceed its growth targets for 2013. “We expect to exceed our growth targets for 2013 with new devices joining the fold and with the continued expansion of Smart 4th generation Long Term Evolution (LTE),” said Smart Broadband (Smart Bro) Internet and Data Services head Lloyd Manaloto on Tuesday. Manaloto also said “unbelievable public reception” to their new FlexiSurf line of post-paid plans helped Smart Bro achieve its “highest growth numbers ever” in 2012. FlexiSurf accounted for 40 percent of Smart Bro’s total activations. “We really hit a sweet spot,” Manaloto said. “The public’s reception to FlexiSurf was unbelievable.” Launched in May 2012, Smart Bro FlexiSurf gives subscribers the option to avail of the most popular laptops and tablets on a 0-percent interest 24-month installment scheme without a credit card. Smart expects further growth in its broadband postpaid business this year as it covers more areas with its LTE service, which is hyped as the country's first commercially-available 4th generation technology mobile broadband service. The service is capable of speeds of up to 42Mbps through the use of a free USB dongle and can be used on an unlimited basis until April 30, 2013. “Compared to the LTE services of other providers, SmartLTE is not limited to just one area,” said Smart, PLDT, Sun, and Digitel Network head Rolando Peña. “Smart LTE can be enjoyed in 46 cities and 69 municipalities nationwide.” — KBK, GMA News