MANILA, The Philippines-Mobile-phone operator Smart Communications is targeting at least 11 million subscribers by year-end, according to company legal and carriers division head Rogelio Quevedo.
He also said the company, currently considered the number-one operator in the Philippines in terms of subscriber volume, aims to establish at least 4,000 cell sites this year from 2,700 cell sites. One cell site, which can accommodate 100,000 subscribers, costs at least US$1 million.
To date, Smart has 9.1 million subscribers. Smart and sister firm Pilipino Telephone Corporation reported having 8.6 million subscribers in December 2002, while competitors Globe Telecom and subsidiary Isla Communications have 6.6 million.
Last month, Gokongwei-owned Digital Telecommunications (Digitel) formally launched its entry into the wireless business, carrying the Sun Cellular brand.
