For the third year, PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) teamed up with McDonald’s Philippines in its thrust to provide students with a safe and conducive learning space outside their schools, this time by opening its doors to the ‘Night Classroom’ in 60 participating stores nationwide.
The ‘McDonald’s Night Classroom’ is a continuation of the McDonald’s Classroom initiative which started in 2020, wherein approximately 250 unused party rooms were converted into spaces for teachers and students to conduct their virtual classes and fulfill their online learning needs.
Now that schools have reopened, McDonald’s Philippines tweaked the project to cater to those who need a safe and suitable place to do their homework, review, and do research online beyond school hours.
Worry-free online learning experience
In support of the project, Smart provided free WiFi access via Smart WiFi installations in McDonald’s stores, and Smart Bro Pocket WiFi units in other participating venues. This allowed Night Classroom participants to connect online and make the most of the Philippines’ fastest and best mobile network, as recognized by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and network broadband intelligence.
Powered by Smart, McDonald’s Night Classroom participants enjoyed a worry-free online learning experience – through accessing the internet and being able to upload and download heavy files in seconds, surf the web for information in an instant, and stream instructional videos without buffering.
Over 40,000 McDonald’s Night Classroom participants
From its launch on March 28 until May 31, the McDonald’s Night Classroom project benefited over 40,000 participants at 60 McDonald’s branches nationwide, making a positive impact on the life of teachers and students.
“McDonald’s has always been a safe and trusted space to create feel-good moments for all—whether you’re a family celebrating a birthday, an employee getting their coffee fix before work, or a student looking for a place to pull an all-nighter. Students have already been treating McDonald’s as their go-to place for meetings or study sessions, so the McDonald’s Night Classroom is our special way of supporting them with their schoolwork,” said Oliver Rabatan, McDonald’s Philippines Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.
“We recognize the huge role of mobile technology in making education more accessible and bringing the world of learning to one’s fingertips. This partnership allowed us to work hand in hand to create connected and safe spaces for learning and help students and teachers achieve academic success. It’s our pleasure to provide free WiFi access at McDonald’s Night Classrooms nationwide for uninterrupted work and study sessions,” said Anton Agustin, Smart AVP and Head for Consumer WiFi & Mobile Advertising.
Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network
Smart is the first and only Philippine mobile operator to win Ookla’s Best Mobile Network award in Q1-Q2 2022 and Q3-Q4 2022 . To get this rare and prestigious recognition, Smart won both the Fastest Mobile Network and Best Mobile Coverage awards within the same reporting periods.
As of end-March 2023, Smart’s 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G network covers 97 percent of the country’s population.
To learn more about Smart’s programs and services, follow its official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, or visit its official website at smart.com.ph.
