Smart 3G Milestones
SMART is the first to bring you state-of-the-art 3G - from Live Video Streaming to Broadband Internet to HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access).
On February 14, 2006, SMART launched on a free-trial basis what has been dubbed as ‘the next big thing’ to happen in the Philippine wireless industry.
Introduced as “Smart 3G”, the new service comes less than two months after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) awarded SMART its 3G license after the telco garnered the only perfect score of 30 based on the regulatory body’s grading system designed to gauge the capability of operators to massively and effectively provide 3G service.
The launch was highlighted by a 3G video call from Barcelona, Spain by then SMART network services division head Rolando G. Peña to an audience composed of members of the press and SMART personnel.
The launch was a culmination of massive preparations, rapid network rollout, and mass market oriented public demonstrations in various key cities of the country.
With the February 14 launch, SMART becomes the first telco in the Philippines to offer 3G services to the public.
The story of SMART 3G began earlier than many of us may think. It’s a story of firsts.
First to test. In an event witnessed by NTC officials, 
SMART, in cooperation with Nokia, conducted the first successful trials on experimental 3G systems in the Philippines in January 2001. The company also started rolling out base stations that were easily upgradeable to 3G technology.
First to demo in an international conference.
In 
November 2005, SMART demonstrated its readiness to offer a full range of 3G services in a live video conference call and an international roaming call at the annual conference of the Inter-Working Roaming Expert Group of the GSM Association in Cebu City.
First time on TV. To welcome the first day of 2006, a Smart 3G video call between PLDT and SMART chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and celebrity icon Kris Aquino was aired over the popular television show The Buzz.
First in Festivals. From January to February 2006, Smart 3G was showcased in various festivals. SMART linked the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City and Ati-Atihan in Kalibo City through a Smart 3G video call broadcasted on screens. SMART also linked the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City to top tourist beach destination Boracay in Aklan. In these events, SMART engineers used the 3G video call service to “broadcast” the activities live to customers or through wide screen projections in festival venues.
First in Schools. Smart 3G debuted in major colleges and universities with Ateneo de Manila and De La Salle universities hosting demos on their campuses.
First in public service involvements. In June 2006, Smart 3G enabled the mobile viewing of selected traffic zones and vacation spots nationwide to smoothen the travel plans of motorists during the Holy Week. Using Smart 3G, motorists were able to use their 3G-capable phones to access traffic video and avoid bottlenecks.During the May 14, 2007 elections, Smart 3G was also deployed during the coverage of GMA 7 of election hot spots nationwide.
First to offer a digital life solution via the Mobile Eye. The Mobile Eye functions as a security camera, allowing SMART subscribers to closely monitor their household, businesses, and everything else they value most via a video call using their 3G mobile phones.
First to offer mobile social networking. Through C Me on Smart, the country’s first 3G video portal community, subscribers can meet new friends, join discussion fora, and build social and business contacts.
