Smart brings new LTE connection to Boracay

Why go to the beach just to go online? A friend asked me this after I told her I went to Boracay to check out the new Smart Evolution LTE internet connection. The internet and the beach didn’t used to get along. But I haven’t seen them get along as well as fish and chips until last weekend.

Let’s face it, we’re always looking for that free WiFi connection. Even if just to add up a cool person we just met on Facebook or on Twitter.

Besides, after getting a tan, after surfing or after having a few drinks by the beach, it’s nice to hang around with friends and share some videos or things you discovered online. It’s just a part of us now–we love to share what we learned. Hey, it’s part of making long-lasting relationships.

Smart Evolution LTE Speed

Would you rather have fast or slow internet? See how fast you answered that? That’s how fast Smart’s new Evolution LTE internet connection was. Here’s the gist: The average internet speed in the metro is 1 Mbps; 2 Mbps if you’re lucky. Smart’s speed went as high as 45 Mbps during our test when directly connected to the source, and as low as 14 Mbps when we were using the LTE dongle at a place with 50% signal strength.

Testing the dongle at a low signal area, right outside our hotel

Extraordinary Experience in Boracay with Smart Evolution LTE

So how did it improve my Boracay experience? Pretty simple. I got spoiled. And I never wanted to leave again. I could load any Facebook page and YouTube video instantly. I could open any site within a second. So I got more time to socialize and hit the beach. I got to hang out more with Hannah, Ferdz, Patricia and the rest of the awesome gang we were with. Fast internet to get some work done quickly then the beach when you’re done? Sounds like heaven on earth to me.

Let’s put it this way: I played a 1 hour and 35 minute 1080p HD YouTube video on full screen, using the LTE connection. It only buffered for 3 seconds, and I never had to pause it but the buffer just kept on growing and growing, until I didn’t have enough time to finish the video because we had to go Paraw Sailing (come on, it’s the beach, people!).

L to R: Kyle, Audie, me and Gay (who took the photo)

The funny thing is, even some of the Smart people with us were still gaping at the speed incredulously. Here’s all of us amazed at the speed of the connection: Smart Evolution LTE in Boracay

It’s funny because we were given hours to try out the technology, but in a few minutes we’d be done testing–it was that fast. We actually got to spend more time walking around Boracay than spending time on the internet.

So you still think the beach should be enjoyed offline? I don’t know about you, but when you have this chance to have your Baked Salmon with Olive Oil and Garlic Pasta and eat it too, wouldn’t you want to take it?

LTE Impact

It’s obvious to see the long term benefits of Smart’s Evolution LTE connection, especially for people whose jobs require the internet, which is common nowadays. Another blogger who tried it out, sexynomad, even claimed that she was able to do all her work in half the usual time it takes her to finish.

We tried different set-ups for the LTE internet–direct connection, WiFi and dongle. None disappointed. Personally though, I prefer the dongle. Why should I be tied down to a single location? Especially if I’m at the beach, I’d love to be able to use that really fast connection at the beachfront, lunch table or in my hotel room. I don’t mind that it can get slower than 45 Mbps; in hindsight, anything above 5 Mbps was opulent. It’s tough to push that kind of connection to the limit (legally).

My speed in an area with only 50% signal strength

LTE Pricing and Availability

Smart is just rolling out this new technology so we can expect this to be available within the year or early next year. Let’s see how Smart prices this long-awaited technology. Folks, we’ve been clamoring for better internet, and it’s here, within our grasp.