SmartxAST
The MoU was part of ASTS’ agreements with mobile network operators which cover 1.4 billion mobile subscribers.
Specifically, its MOU with Smart would extend its coverage to over 70 million Smart subscribers in the country, especially those in hard to reach rural areas.
The collaboration can give “affordable broadband cellular access to the unconnected for the first time ever,” confirmed Abel Avellan, AST SpaceMobile Chairman and CEO.
Under the MoU, AST SpaceMobile will offer cellular broadband network coverage to Smart subscribers after executing definitive agreements and launching its SpaceMobile service.
“Our collaboration will enable us to continue expanding the reach of our services across the Philippines’ more than 7,000 islands,” according to Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart Communications President and CEO.
AST SpaceMobile Announces Collaboration with Smart Communications
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AST SpaceMobile notches deal with Smart Communications
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This enabled the two to step up their internet speeds, on the back of their network rollouts.
Smart’s average mobile download speeds have almost tripled from 16.60 Mbps to 47.30 Mbps between May 2020 and May 2021.
PLDT’s average fixed download speeds have more than doubled from 27.44 Mbps to 67.91 Mbps in the same period.
This was according to analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data.
“Speed in the homes is strengthened by our ongoing fiber rollout, while 5G continues to lift the wireless experience,” noted Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications President and CEO.
In Ookla’s latest Speedtest Global Index, the Philippines’ mobile average download speeds were at 31.98 Mbps, whereas average fixed broadband speeds were at 59.73 Mbps.