Huawei CEO, MVP discuss modernization of Smart cellular network

 Eric Xu, Vice Chair and CEO of Huawei today met with PLDT and Smart Communications Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan to discuss the progress of the ongoing modernization of Smart’s mobile phone network, which company officials say is entering its final phases and will be completed by mid-2012. Huawei is one of the world’s top three leading global providers of commercial telecom networks, that Smart has tapped for the total overhaul of its cellular network.  The other two are Nokia Siemens Network and Ericsson.  Huawei is handling the modernization of Smart’s network in the Visayas, Mindanao and Bicol regions. This involves the replacement of existing radio base station equipment with state-of-the-art facilities that enable Smart to expand its 3G network and rapidly deploy fourth-generation (4G) mobile phone technologies such as HSPA+ and Long Term Evolution (LTE). Aside from extending the reach and speed of its mobile Internet services, Smart’s modernization  program will also strengthen its voice call and SMS services and raise the overall quality of its services.