PLDT-Smart Network Expansion Boosted by Carbon Fiber Towers

PLDT Inc., along with its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc., is planning to set up cellular site towers made of lightweight carbon fiber in an effort to significantly bolster its network rollout.

In a joint statement, PLDT-Smart expressed plans to use IsoTruss carbon fiber towers which have been observed to be 10 times lighter than traditional steel towers. This allows it to be installed on buildings while complying with the National Building Code.

The transportation and installation of these carbon fiber towers are also much easier to accomplish. It requires minimal to zero maintenance since it uses non-corrosive materials. Ideally, PLDT-Smart hopes to deploy these cell sites on rooftops and coastal areas.

These towers will also enable the telco giant to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions and encourage more efficient land use by taking up less land area, both of which will cut down on the firm’s environmental impact.

“The deployment of carbon fiber towers will support our LTE and 5G rollout, especially in metro areas where the demand for LTE network expansion and new 5G rollouts require lighter tower solutions that can carry equipment to serve at full capacity,” said PLDT-Smart senior vice president and head of technology Mario Tamayo.

This rollout of carbon fiber cell sites is in line with PLDT-Smart’s network expansion program nationwide. The first carbon fiber tower had already been installed in Quezon City, which was just recently unveiled.

At least 96% of the population is covered by Smart’s mobile network coverage. As of end-March, PLDT’s fiber infrastructure spanned more than 478,000 kilometers making it the most extensive in the country.

Source: GMA News