Digital services provider PLDT, through its business group PLDT Enterprise, partnered with the Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines in an effort to “redefine the local commute and evolve the current bus transportation system for the benefit of local commuters.”
The partnership’s key central focus is the improvement of bus wireless service quality throughout the country through Smart Biz LTE, PLDT’s wireless broadband solution. To help improve the current state of public transportation in the country, a select number of demo units of Smart Biz LTE are to be deployed to bus companies for fast and reliable Internet connection inside the vehicles that will help make the commute experience more enjoyable. The Smart Biz LTE units can connect bus fleets with business-grade WiFi to address the connectivity needs of companies within the transportation industry and can connect up to 45 mobile devices at a time, allowing passengers to surf non-stop at speeds of up to 42 Mbps.
Apart from a wireless router, each package includes both a Smart Tracker and Smart Cam: solutions designed to enhance security for the commuter’s peace of mind, both free of charge. PLDT’s Smart Tracker enables bus companies to monitor real-time traffic conditions through a GPS tracking device to make the dispatching of fleets more efficient. It also allows business owners to monitor fuel consumption through distance travelled by their units, and alerts them if their drivers are over-speeding, idle or are going beyond a defined geo-zones through SMS, email and web alerts.
The Smart Cam, on the other hand, allows business owners to view and monitor situations their vehicles encounter on the road for the security of drivers and passengers alike.
“This key partnership reinforces how we at PLDT Enterprise support the government’s initiative to modernize public transportation with improved connectivity that will provide Filipinos better services in their everyday commute. We recognize the challenges for our mobile-first consumers who demand to be always online even in transit, so with our recently launched Smart Biz LTE, we are committing to continuously work to develop solutions that will further improve the lives of every Filipino,” said Jovy Hernandez, SVP & head of PLDT Enterprise.
“We at PBOAP understand the growing needs and demands of our everyday passengers. We are excited to partner with PLDT Enterprise to be able to provide secure, fast and non-stop Internet access to our passengers who travel out of town,” said Alex Yague, President, Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines.
As part of the initiative, PLDT Enterprise will be offering an exclusive Smart Biz LTE package for PBOAP members, and will extend it by special request to the partners and associations present during the event. The solution will likewise be made available to other micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) beyond the automotive industry that do not have any fixed facilities or anchored stations.
