PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications (Smart) has signed a MOU with Huawei to jointly conduct research and development on 5G.
Under the MOU, PLDT and Smart will work with Huawei to shape the strategic and commercial development of the 5G ecosystem in the Philippines. In particular, the two parties are looking to identify and develop the areas of technological innovation needed to deliver 5G, which is expected to provide the foundation for the digital connected society.
Late last year, Smart and Huawei successfully combined five frequencies through Carrier Aggregation (CA), a capability of LTE-A, to achieve data speeds of 1.4 Gbps. Smart also used CA in April last year to roll out the country’s first LTE-A service. Initially deployed in Boracay and soon in major urban areas such as Metro Davao, Metro Cebu, and Metro Manila, Smart's LTE-A service delivers peak speeds of more than 100 Mbps to users with LTE-A capable devices, claims the Operator.
We are focused on ensuring that our current investments in network facilities will enable us to be ready with the necessary infrastructure foundation for 5G when it arrives sometime in 2020, said PLDT in a statement.
Joachim Horn, Chief Technology & Information Advisor for PLDT and Smart
Smart is focused on LTE, as it provides us the best platform to bring high-speed mobile internet throughout the country. LTE facilities, with strengthened transport links, can be quickly upgraded to LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), and will be an integral part of our future 5G network.
Atty. Ray C.Espinosa, Chief Corporate Services Officer at PLDT and Smart
This collaboration with Huawei is an important part of PLDT and Smart's efforts to bring the most advanced technologies to the Philippines. It will enable us to best serve our customers and help boost the country's development in a world that is rapidly turning digital.
