Smart banks on 5G for steady growth

Smart Communications, Inc., the wireless arm of PLDT Inc., is banking on its growing base of data users and expanding 5G traffic to support steady revenue generation for the group’s individual wireless segment.

Smart Chief Operating Officer Anastacio R. Martirez said Thursday that the 40.9 million active mobile data users as of end-March positions the company to generate more stable revenues from this business segment.

“The shift to 5G is improving how our network runs—making it more efficient, supporting LTE and especially 5G users, and strengthening everyday mobile experiences. This momentum puts us in a better position to steady our revenues and to keep growing the individual segment,” Martirez said.

“We’re focused on growing data traffic year after year and staying ahead of the competition,” he added. “The company does not see the same softening trend as the rest of the industry, with data traffic continuing to grow, supported by strong 5G networks.”

In the first quarter, PLDT’s Individual Wireless segment posted revenues of P21.3 billion. Mobile data accounted for 88 percent of that total, holding steady at P18.8 billion year-on-year.

5G data traffic surged more than 80 percent year-on-year, while 5G device adoption rose by around 60 percent quarter-on-quarter. 

Smart attributed the gains to more affordable 5G phones, attractive data offers, and continued upgrades to its nationwide network.

To support high-traffic events, Smart tested its 5G Standalone (5G SA) technology during J-Hope’s “Hope on the Stage” concert at the Mall of Asia Arena. The setup enabled faster, more reliable connectivity, with dedicated network lanes and access to 5G Max for real-time sharing.

Smart’s mobile network, which covers 97 percent of the population, is part of PLDT’s integrated network backed by fiber infrastructure.