Free, high-speed Wi-Fi now available in NAIA

The Internet has fast become an important part of travel — from booking tickets online to posting updates on social media. Travelers will be happy to know that airports across the Philippines are getting equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, starting with the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

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Passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia)can now have unlimited access to high-speed Wi-Fi, at least until Oct. 10, which marks the 100th day of the Duterte administration.

A high-end closed-circuit TV (CCTV) system equipped with analytics through high-definition, full facial recognition-capable cameras was also installed in the country’s premier airport.

The enhancement of connectivity services by Smart Communications and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) Group was a realization of his belief that technology was a “game changer,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said during the launch on Thursday of the Smart Wi-Fi upgrade at Naia Terminal 1. “I have always been a believer that technology creates and enhances connectivity,” he added.

The official said that when he assumed the leadership at the Department of Transportation (DOTr), he immediately sought the help of friends from the private sector, including PLDT-Smart chair, president and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, to provide free Wi-Fi in “all establishments that create entry and exits for the country.”

The DOTr secretary said the MVP Group immediately committed free high-speed Smart Wi-Fi spots to be set up in 23 public transport hubs nationwide, including 18 airports, three major railway systems, and two seaports, during the first 100 days of the Duterte administration.

“This state-of-the-art communications infrastructure will help boost the country’s tourism industry,” Pangilinan said. “Today’s travelers are constantly online and rely on mobile apps for information and services that make their trips more enjoyable and productive,” he added.

Executive vice president for PLDT-Smart and ePLDT president and CEO Eric Alberto said that PLDT-Smart committed in June to help the government provide the public a more accessible and inclusive internet service.

“We have fulfilled that commitment and we have already provisioned 17 of those 23 hubs,” Alberto said, adding that the 17 hubs included the Smart high-speed Wi-Fi service at Naia terminals.

He said that in providing high-speed internet, PLDT-Smart provisioned at least 1 gigabit per second fiber-optic lines in each of the four Naia terminals. “This ensures a very robust and good customer experience (for internet surfers),” Alberto said.

source:abscbnewnews