In support of government’s efforts to improve the delivery of their services, PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has inked an agreement with the Land Transportation Office to roll out free Wifi services via Google Station in more LTO branches across the country. These additional venues will join the growing list of more than 600 Google Station sites nationwide that Google and Smart announced earlier this year.
To date, Google Station is already available in LTO offices in Metro Manila, Davao and Laguna. As a result of this agreement, this Smart-powered Wi-Fi service will be available across LTO district and regional offices nationwide in the coming months.
“The internet is already integral to the Filipino lifestyle. Aside from using the internet to keep in touch with their families or to post on social media, people also use it to access online services that are relevant to them, including government services,” said LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar C. Galvante. “Given this, reliable connectivity is crucial to delivering timely and efficient government services,” he added.
“This partnership with the LTO is proof of the commitment of PLDT and Smart to support government by boosting the delivery of public services in the country through enhanced connectivity and digital solutions,” said PLDT Chief Revenue Officer and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio.
“With quality connectivity at their fingertips, motorists who visit the offices to obtain or renew their driver’s licenses, motor vehicle registrations, and other permits can easily access these online services,” said PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Juan Victor I. Hernandez.
Aside from LTO offices, Google Station is also available in other government offices such as city and provincial halls, as well as in offices of the National Bureau of Investigation across the country.
Moreover, Google Station is also available in other heavy foot-traffic areas such as airports and other transportation hubs like bus stations and seaports, hospitals, tertiary schools, and malls.
The nationwide rollout of Google Station complements Smart’s ongoing network expansion and modernization program across the Philippines.
For 2019, PLDT capex is expected to reach P78.4 billion, including allocations for the expansion of PLDT’s fiber broadband service, which also supports Smart’s mobile network by providing high-capacity links for cellular base stations. [