By: Paolo G. Montecillo Philippine Daily Inquirer MANILA, Philippines—Dominant mobile network Smart Communications is taking a second look at wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology, often seen only in malls or coffee shops, as a way to connect more households across the country to the Internet. Smart, a wholly owned subsidiary of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), announced on Tuesday the launch of its “carrier-grade” Wi-Fi service that would allow mobile device users to log on to the web using indoor and outdoor hotspots via prepaid or postpaid accounts. Unlike regular public Wi-Fi hotspots found in malls, shops, and schools, carrier-grade Wi-Fi can be set up even in local neighborhoods. “We will make this possible by installing access points in our base stations, thus allowing users to connect to our Wi-Fi even in their own homes,” PLDT Technology group head Rolando G. Pena said. “All they need to do is sign in with a username and pas...