PLDT Smart deploys 5G for SEA Games

East China's Jiangsu province will establish 55,000 5G base stations by the end of 2020 and has launched many major 5G pilot programs, according to provincial officials. CHINA DAILY

PLDT Inc., through its wireless service provider SMART Communications Inc., is set to deploy 5G Technology to make the 30th Southeast Asian Games more accessible to Filipinos.

At the sidelines of the “Sama-Sama sa SEA Games” campaign of TV 5 Network Inc. and Cignal TV on Monday, PLDT SVP and Head of Consumer Business Oscar Reyes Jr. said they will use 5G technology to provide a “new viewing experience for consumers.”

“We know that 5G technology is available and we have been developing that technology. We want to make sure when we try it out and share it the Filipinos will enjoy,” Reyes told reporters.

“This is something that we have never been able to do before with regular technology,” he quickly added.

Reyes explained 5G Technology will allow viewers to watch SEA Games from different angles.

For instance, one can freeze moments should there be controversial plays and see if the referee called the right decision.

“When you’re there, if you have a 5G-capable device, you will be able to experience the 5G mobile signal,” Reyes said.

“There are 5G mobile devices available in the market already, so if you have that, you go to Clark and you can already experience it.”

Moving forward, Reyes said PLDT Smart plans to partially roll out 5G technology among its first three huge case projects.

“We want to enter the market but we also want consumers to see the benefits of 5G through our hosting of the SEA Games,” Reyes said.

He added they are also looking at deploying a 5G network in mobile phones.

PLDT Smart is currently testing its network for 5G and other advanced systems in Cubao and Katipunan in Quezon City.

Recently, PLDT received a $1 million grant from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for a training program that will support the firm’s fiber and 5G rollout initiatives.

PLDT has been investing in fiber-optic network expansion across the country to deliver ICT and fast connectivity to businesses and homes both for fixed and wireless subscribers.