Smart iPhone 5 users get free LTE coverage until April 30, 2013!

With the long-awaited release of Apple iOS 6.1, iPhone 5 users can now enjoy the Philippines’ most extensive Long Term Evolution (LTE) service only from Smart Communications (Smart). Smart iPhone 5 users on iPhone Plans 999 and 2499 and Unlidata Plans 1500, 2000, and 3000 can automatically use Smart LTE for free until April 30, 2013. More details after the jump.

“Subscribers of Smart iPhone 5 postpaid plans with unlimited data can now get download speeds that are up to 20 times faster than the usual 3G connection on their mobile device,” said Smart Executive Vice President and Wireless Consumer Division Head Emmanuel C. Lorenzana.  “You can enjoy this superior broadband service in a growing number of LTE zones in Metro Manila and in key cities in different parts of the country,” Lorenzana added.

To download iOS 6.1 over-the-air, go to the iPhone’s Settings menu and click on General > Software Update. Hit “Download and Install” and follow the on-screen instructions. Alternatively, iOS 6.1 may be applied via iTunes by connecting the iPhone 5 to a Mac or a PC.

Regarded by telcos and tech pundits worldwide as the fastest fourth generation (4G) wireless connection, LTE is ideal for downloading movies in minutes, lag-free gaming, ultra-fast surfing, buffer-free video streaming, and mission-critical Internet use because of its low latency and fast download speeds.

Launched in August 2012, Smart LTE is the Philippines’ first commercially-available LTE service and is currently available in more than 770 establishments across 10 cities in Metro Manila, and in select areas in Boracay, Cebu, and Davao.

Smart LTE is backed by the country’s only 100% modernized and super-charged mobile network which boasts of more than 54,000kms of fiber optic cabling.

Unlike traditional copper wiring and microwave radios which transmit data through electric and radio signals, fiber optic cables use pulses of light beamed through thin wires of glass.

This ‘optical’ technology allows for efficient, high speed transmission of data from Smart’s core network to thousands of base stations nationwide, providing for unparalleled speed and stability.

“Together with our parent company PLDT, Smart has more than four times the number of fiber optic cables than the competition,” said Lorenzana.

“More fiber means Smart subscribers enjoy faster and more reliable call, text, and data services—an experience which simply cannot be matched on any other service provider,” Lorenzana added.

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