Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is expanding its 5G coverage and capacity in key areas of Siargao Island as the Philippines hosts its first World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour stop at Cloud 9 in General Luna. The network enhancements aim to support the increased demand for mobile connectivity from November 4 to 10, 2026, as international surfers, visitors, and spectators arrive on the island.
Why it matters: The WSL Championship Tour brings international attention to Siargao, but the increased number of visitors also means greater demand for reliable mobile connectivity. Better network capacity can help athletes, media practitioners, content creators, tourists, residents, and local businesses stay connected throughout the event.
The details: Smart is building on its existing 5G network presence in key areas of Siargao, including Cloud 9, Siargao Airport, Siargao Seaport, and other strategic locations.
As the event’s official telecommunications partner, the company is enhancing its network to accommodate the connectivity requirements of the competition and its international audience.
Smart First Vice President and officer-in-charge Lloyd R. Manaloto said the company remains committed to supporting Siargao’s growth as a tourism destination through reliable connectivity.
He added that the partnership with the WSL Championship Tour provides another opportunity to deliver digital experiences to athletes, visitors, and local communities.
The bigger picture: Beyond major sporting events, mobile connectivity plays an important role in Siargao’s tourism economy. Residents and visitors rely on mobile services for digital payments, accommodation and transport bookings, real-time communication, remote work, and sharing travel experiences online.
For tourism-oriented businesses, reliable connectivity also helps facilitate transactions and maintain communication with customers.
Between the lines: Smart’s network improvements are part of its continued investment in mobile connectivity across the Philippines. The company also cited recognition from global network intelligence firm Ookla for Best Mobile Latency and Best Mobile Video Experience as part of its focus on network performance.
For Filipinos: Visitors attending the WSL Championship Tour can access select Smart Unli 5G offers, which include unlimited 5G data and non-stop 4G data, starting at PHP 90 for three days. These offers require a 5G-compatible device to access the 5G service.
Smart Postpaid subscribers can also use plans with the Smart Device Link feature, allowing them to share their primary mobile number and plan with a smartwatch for calls, texts, and mobile data even when their iPhone is not nearby.
Smart subscribers who avail of select offers at designated Smart booths and partner stores in Siargao may also receive freebies.
What’s next: The WSL Championship Tour runs until November 10 at Cloud 9. Smart says it will continue building on its network presence in Siargao to support the island’s connectivity needs beyond the competition.
The Bottom Line: Smart is strengthening its 5G network in Siargao as the island hosts its first WSL Championship Tour event. The upgrades cover key tourism and transport locations, while visitors can also access select 5G offers starting at PHP 90 for three days.
Get the latest from WALASTECH directly on your Google feed.
Add as a preferred source on Google