PLDT’s Smart, the wireless subsidiary of PLDT, Inc., has announced a deal with South Korea’s largest telco KT Corp. to develop 5G use cases for Philippine consumers.
To date, Smart has topped the country’s two other telcos, Globe and newcomer DITO, when it comes to 5G rollout and experience. With a network of 4,400 5G sites in more than 4,000 areas, Smart expects to double or even triple the number of 5G users in the country.
“Smart has long been at the forefront of innovation in the Philippines. These innovations have led to widespread social and economic development over the years. In order to build a truly world-class 5G ecosystem with life-changing experiences, we will need to collaborate, learn, and partner with formidable industry leaders, such as KT,” PLDT and Smart head of strategic partnerships Katrina Luna-Abelarde said.
In a recent report, Smart has been named the fastest and most dependable 5G mobile network in the Philippines by Ookla, the worldwide leader in internet testing and analysis. In Q1-Q2 2021, median download and upload speeds were twice faster than Globe, its closest competitor.
Smart is also the only Philippine telco company to be recognized by OpenSignal as a 5G Global Leader for Video Experience, which was topped alongside other 5G leaders such as South Korea’s SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+, Thailand’s AIS, and other operators from other countries.
Globe and DITO are rallying close behind Smart in rolling out their own 5G services. Globe announced this month that it will bring 5G standalone (SA) technology to the Philippines as it strives to provide a wide range of use cases to customers. DITO, meanwhile, is preparing to enter the home broadband market using its 5G network toward the end of the year.
Manufacturers and service providers seeking to capitalize on 5G’s capabilities as a data communications medium will need new solutions for scale, power, and cost. These advantages promise complete system integration as well as improved product quality, more accurate diagnostics, reduced failure rates, and lower costs of ownership.
“As an industry leader, the company stands firm in its mission to enable Filipinos with innovative technologies and empower them in their life choices. 5G SA will enable our customers to experience better connectivity, enjoy new applications from 5G use cases, and connect new industries,” said Ernest Cu, Globe president and CEO.
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