7 Reasons Why You Should Level Up to LTE Right Now

LTE or Long-Term Evolution is currently the most-advanced commercially available mobile technology being used by mobile users all over the world. Usually indicated by an ‘LTE’ or ‘4G’ mark beside a smartphone’s signal bars, LTE delivers mobile internet that’s more than twice faster than the data speed of its predecessor - 3G.

But more than just faster download and uploads, the essence of LTE technology is in the delivery of a much better mobile internet experience and digital services, especially now that connectivity is fast becoming an integral part of how we live our daily lives. LTE is no longer the future; LTE is now.

If you’re still not using LTE on your phone, you are missing out on a lot. Smart Communications is encouraging its customers to make that important shift now in order for them, Smart subscribers, to maximize the benefit of the LTE network.

Here are seven reasons why you should level up to LTE:

SIM upgrade is free. To start connecting to LTE, you must: 1) have an LTE-capable device 2) use an LTE SIM and 3) be in an area covered by LTE network. If you haven’t updated your SIM since you got your first phone, say 5 years ago, chances are you’re still using a 3G or 2G SIM. If your SIM is not LTE-capable, you may upgrade it for free at the Smart Store nearest you. Don’t worry, you’ll get to keep your original SIM’s mobile number.

LTE gives the best possible mobile internet experience. LTE is made for how we use the internet today. We no longer just browse and search via mobile, we watch movies, play games, listen to music, download email attachments, share files, shop, bank, study, and more. With LTE, we can enjoy and experience all these digital content and services the way they’re intended to be.

LTE’s coverage is expanding nationwide. Smart projects that by the end of 2018, more than 90% of the country’s population will have access to Smart’s LTE network. That means LTE will be virtually ubiquitous, making better internet experience seamless for the increasingly mobile smartphone users. With an LTE device powered by an LTE SIM, you’ll be enjoying LTE speeds almost everywhere.

LTE will have better indoor penetration. Smart has been deploying LTE across the country by replacing and upgrading cellsite equipment that are more efficient in utilizing LTE frequencies. And because Smart has been prioritizing lower frequencies like 700Mhz and 850Mhz for LTE, Smart users will be able to enjoy stronger data signal even while indoors. Here’s a video about one of Smart’s network initiatives designed to improve the LTE experience of customers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhEWAL5AgyI

There are more options for LTE devices now. Gone are the days when LTE devices are only reserved for the high-end users. There is a wide-array of LTE smartphones now from different manufacturers - catering to everyone from the entry-level to the premium market. When choosing your next smartphone, make sure it’s LTE-capable and it’s compatible with the 700 Mhz frequency for the best possible LTE experience.

More possibilities are coming for LTE. Just recently, Smart has successfully tested the use of LTE network to make crystal-clear voice calls. Soon, LTE connectivity will be used not just to power our smartphones, but also to connect devices that will allow us to manage our homes, our vehicles, workplaces, physical well-being and more. LTE can also be quickly upgraded to LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), which can provide even faster speeds and greater capacity to users with LTE SIMs on LTE-capable handsets.
Going LTE is simply the smart decision. Go LTE or go obsolete. We are all going to that direction and we should be equipped with the right technology that’s ready for the future. If you’re investing in a device, it’s only practical to choose one that will still perform well as the technology progresses.

Smart’s LTE network powers all of Smart’s mobile brands: Smart, Sun and TNT. For more information on the respective brands' LTE offers and SIM availability, go to smart.com.ph, tntph.com, or suncellular.com.ph.

SAP Promotes Filipino Executive Edler Panlilio as Managing Director for SAP Philippines, Inc.

SAP SE announced the appointment of Edler Panlilio as the Managing Director for SAP Philippines, Inc. In this new role, Edler will be responsible for leading and driving business growth and operations in the Philippines, building on the 22-year establishment of SAP in the country. He will report directly to Claus Andresen, President and Managing Director of SAP Southeast Asia.

A 20-year veteran in the IT industry, Edler joined SAP in 2013 and was most recently the Senior Director of Key Accounts managing a combined salesforce of Key Account Managers, Cloud Specialists, Platform and CRM Specialists focused on the Top customers for SAP Philippines. Prior to joining SAP, Edler spent more than a decade in his career holding leadership roles and responsibilities with various multi-national IT organizations based in the Philippines, including Symantec, Sun Microsystems and Logica. Edler replaces Ryan Poggi, who will take on another executive role within SAP Asia Pacific Japan.

Commenting on Edler’s appointment, Claus Andresen, President and Managing Director for SAP Southeast Asia said: “The Philippines economy remains vibrant and is the 10th fastest growing economy in the world. With a stable and sustainable economic environment, SAP is well poised to help the Philippines economy grow by supporting the country’s digital agenda with our technology. Edler’s promotion signifies a strong leadership bench that we have in Southeast Asia, and SAP’s commitment to the development of our talents. I am confident that Edler will be able to build on our growth trajectory and accelerate our growth plans in the Philippines.”

“The Philippines has a great opportunity to leapfrog into the next phase of digitization as government organizations and companies in the private sector embark on a digital transformation journey. The Philippines Digital Strategy has served as a great framework for organizations to start thinking about how we can collectively work together towards the vision of Philippines’ Digital Future,” said Edler Panlilio, Managing Director, SAP Philippines. “Being a global market leader, SAP has the transformative innovations needed to help local government and businesses strive to be a globally competitive Filipino nation with Digital. I am delighted to be a part of the SAP family and look forward to lead the team to help the Philippines run better, and improve people’s lives.”

SMX Convention Center Manila Pitches its 1st Bazket Manila: Work + Shop Local Event

SMX Convention Center Manila sets the mood for a shopping frenzy for fashionistas, entrepreneurs and start up online business owners when it pilots the 1st BazKet Manila: Work + Shop Local, on October 27-29, Friday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 10 PM at Function Room 5 of SMX Manila. The 3-day bazaar-market themed event highlights locally made products such as novelty and handcrafted items, food and beverage concocted by artisans and many more. BazKet Manila is a great venue for seasoned and budding entrepreneurs to promote their products and engage with the right market.

With the fast-approaching Yuletide season, the BazKet Manila event is also a perfect time to start ticking off our Christmas shopping list. Exciting and educational activities and workshops are also included to pick up tips and business ideas: Basic Crochet Workshops by DMC Philippines; Scribble Workshops by Ink Scribbler, the first Calligraphy design company based in Manila; seminars entitled “How I Started My Social Enterprise Business” by Anne Krystle Yee of Jacinto & Lirio, the innovators of plant-based, eco-chic, multi-functional and sustainable leather goods; Green Housekeeping Workshop by Messy Bessy; Paint Your Tote by Andrea Mercado and Basic Brush Lettering with Florals by Kimberly Paclibar of Rockets PH and Being an Entrepreneur in the Corporate World by Builtable.

Shopping at BazKet Manila is made even more exciting with discount vouchers and raffle prizes.

Admission fee is at PhP 50. Workshops are free, pre-registration is required. The event is made possible by their sponsors Eastwest Bank, Nissan Philippines Inc., and Lugaw ni Bossing. Event partners include DMC Philippines, Ink Scribbler, Inspired Expressions Event Management Co., Jacinto & Lirio Handmade Plant Leather Goods, Messy Bessy, Rockets PH and Zalora together with media partners Discover MNL, WhineInManila.com, WazzupPilipinas.com, and ManilaBazaar.com.

For the complete schedule of the workshops and seminars, check out SMX Manila’s Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/smxccmanila or call Yvonne Palaganas / Abigail Sarita at (63 2) 556 8888 local 1008 / 1009 or email projects@smxcc.com.ph.