This week, PLDT’s subsidiary, Smart Communications, will become the first to roll out its 5G services in the Philippines nationwide.
Smart’s commercial 5G service will be expanded in the Visayas and Mindanao region, including key areas like Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao.
“The commercial launch of 5G underscores our commitment to bring the best digital technologies to our customers across the country,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, President and CEO of Smart and Chief Revenue Officer of PLDT.
Smart’s launch of 5G in Visayas and Mindanao will add to the company’s expanding portfolio of live 5G sites, which currently include central business districts in Makati City, Bonifacio Global City, and Ortigas.
This rollout is consistent with its parent company, PLDT’s continual fiber infrastructure upgrades. PDLT’s fibre infrastructure is currently the most extensive in the Philippines, covering a total area of 360,000 kilometres.
Mr. Panlilio also stated that the company will be extending its 5G services to prepaid subscribers. Using Smart-certified 5G devices with 5G-activated Smart SIM cards, customers will have access to the Internet at higher speeds in selected cities across Metro Manila, Makati City, and Bonifacio Global City.
W.Media has been reporting on the progress of telecommunications in the Philippines under the threat of COVID-19.
In April, the country’s prospective third telecommunications player, DITO Telecommunity was forced to delay its launch due to the pandemic. And in September, we reported that Philippines’ two major telecom providers, PLDT and Globe Telecom, are moving forward with a series of acceleration programs to improve network services in the country.
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