Nationwide Wi-Fi project makes its debut in Manila

Details: James Barton; Category: Wireless Networks; 25 May 2012; 8207 views

A major project which will provide carrier-grade Wi-Fi access across the Philippines is now underway...

A major project which will provide carrier-grade Wi-Fi access across the Philippines is now underway. The wireless broadband solutions provider Alvarion will work in conjunction with operator PLDT on the project, which will begin by creating over 3,000 hot zones around Manila’s metropolitan area before continuing to other major areas around the Philippines.

Installation has begun on the first phase and the entire project is expected to be completed in two years. It will provide key cities in the Philippines with high-speed Wi-Fi in areas such as cafes, bars and clubs, car dealerships, salons, shopping malls, restaurants and cinemas.

The solution is camouflaged with graphical sleeves designed by Alvarion in order to make it visually unobtrusive, as well as environmentally friendly. PLDT subscribers can gain unlimited access to the service for a minimal fee, and can access all 3000 zones using one username and password.

The base stations have been placed in tactical locations that provide connectivity inside malls and buildings covering distances of up to 500 meters while overcoming obstacles in both Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Non-Line-of-Sight conditions. The solution is capable of throughput of 20 Mbps throughput at 500 meters in a Non-Line-of-Sight, urban environment.

Hezi Lapid, President and CEO of Alvarion, said: “We have enabled a nationwide network of carrier-grade Wi-Fi hot spots that will give PLDT’s customers strong Internet connection anywhere they are, delivering a fantastic user experience no matter where the customer may go.”