TELECOM | PLDT, Smart, TNT back Visayas festival season with network upgrades, on-site services
Source: Smart Communications
PLDT Inc., Smart Communications and TNT supported major festivals in the Visayas this year by boosting mobile network performance and offering services on the ground during Sinulog, Dinagyang and Ati-atihan.
Debbie Hu, first vice president and head of wireless network at Smart, said the company’s presence at the festivals was about staying connected with communities and culture.
“The Visayas festival season showcases the vibrant spirit of Filipinos,” Hu said. “These festivals are integral to our culture, bringing communities together to celebrate our rich heritage. We at PLDT and Smart are proud to have been part of these celebrations through our network services and on-ground support across the Sinulog, Dinagyang and Ati-atihan Festivals.”
In Cebu, PLDT and Smart made network upgrades to improve coverage along the Sinulog parade routes and major gathering spots. Booths were also set up in key areas to provide festival-goers with mobile load, devices and other items. The companies partnered with restaurants to give subscribers access to special deals during the celebrations.
For Dinagyang in Iloilo, the companies built out booths along the route and supported livestreaming of the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan performance. Network improvements were also made to handle a spike in data usage during the festival weekend.
In Aklan, TNT held sales and merchandising activities during the Ati-atihan Festival. Smart also expanded 5G coverage in the area to keep people connected during the event.
PLDT and Smart said network checks, added capacity and extra field teams helped support the increased demand during the festivals. The effort is part of the company’s ongoing digitalization push, both for customers and national infrastructure.
