A government and SMART/PLDT project aims to provide faster internet connection to the passengers of NAIA.)
Based on recent reports and surveys, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is still one of the worst air terminals in the world. With the issues about the “tanim bala” up to the dirty restrooms, critics gave the country’s premier airport a failing grade. This bad publicity, even reached the global media and truly it is not beneficial to the nation’s tourism fate.
Because of the ridiculous stigma towards NAIA, the current administration is doing its best and investing a lot of money to upgrade the airport terminals and hopefully change the people’s perception.
The most recent effort is a joint venture of the Department of Transportation and the telco industry giant, SMART/PLDT. Through a Memorandum of Agreement, it aims to provide a faster internet connection to 3,000 synchronous users in the airport’s four terminals. A very promising speed of 1 Gigabit per second is planned to be available for the passengers to enjoy.
The first phase alone is budgeted by SMART with a whopping 1 billion pesos allocation. According to SMART/PLDT Chief Executive Officer and President Manny V. Pangilinan: “This state of the art communications infrastructure will help boost the country’s tourism industry. Today’s travellers are constantly online and rely on mobile apps for information and services that make their trips more enjoyable and productive.”
This is just a portion of the government’s airport upgrading projects. Prior to this, SMART established WIFI services to Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City last July 19. Moreover, other regional terminals such as Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental and Kalibo Airport among many others. In the next few months, airports in Caticlan, Puerto Princesa and Tagbilaran will also benefit the same internet connection project.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade is targeting to position CCTV cameras in all terminals and harbors as his next project. These are very plausible blueprints. Hopefully, they will be implemented soon and we can see great results.
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