4G isn’t just enough for the tech savvy Filipinos. Now comes 5G in the horizon.
Nokia and Smart, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PLDT, have recently achieved 5G speeds of 2.5 Gigabits per second (Gbps) using 100 MHz with latency of just 1 millisecond for the first time in the Philippines over a ‘live’ network.
With its capability to deliver extremely high speeds coupled with low latency, 5G opens up exciting possibilities for Internet of Things (IoT) applications for Filipinos, particularly in healthcare and smart cities.
Nokia Manila Technology Center and Smart’s innovation team will collaborate to conduct joint 5G research for the development of 5G technology.
Smart intends to be 5G-ready by 2020 through massive efforts in network infrastructure development.
“We are excited to work with Nokia in conducting cutting-edge research and development for 5G. This is a key part of our efforts to transform the PLDT and Smart network into the country’s most future-ready data infrastructure delivering a wide range of gigabit digital solutions,” Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman and CEO of PLDT and Smart, said.
Nokia is already at the forefront of 5G research and standardization, and its R&D centers across the globe including the Manila facility, are helping to bring the company’s 5G vision closer to reality.
“Smart is committed to enriching the lives of Filipinos by bringing them the best-possible technology. This live demo is part of our initiative to develop 5G capabilities by 2020. We look forward to working with Nokia and taking advantage of its leadership and proven expertise in the 5G space. The demo also underlines our commitment to provide the most relevant services and the best experience to our customers,” Joachim Horn, chief technology and information advisor at PLDT and Smart, said.
For his part, Sandeep Girotra, head of Asia Pacific and Japan at Nokia, said “Smart has been a longstanding partner of Nokia and we are thrilled to be part of their transformation towards 5G.”
“Acquiring the 5G competencies early will enable Smart to lead the market with new offers for their subscribers and improve the customer experience. Nokia is committed to R&D investment through our Manila Technology Center, which plays an important role in the development of 5G solutions and services.”