PLDT, Smart to fire up first 5G cell site this month

Pangilinan-led PLDT Inc. and its mobile subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. have inked an agreement with the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) to fire up the country's first fifth generation (5G) cell site in the Clark Freeport Zone this November.

Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU), PLDT and Smart, together with technology partner Ericsson, will fire up the first 5G cell site in the city in November.

"We are happy to be working with CDC in building the city of the future, equipped with smart services and powered by 5G infrastructure, right here in Pampanga," said PLDT and Smart chairman and CEO Manuel Pangilinan.

"This will benefit not only Clark but the country as well be demonstrating that we are in step with the rest of the world in adopting advanced intelligent technologies," he elaborated.

According to the company, the 5G connection will be able to leverage on its fiber network now at some 221,000 kilometers.

"Through this pilot deployment, we will be able to test 5G's capabilities using a live network and develop solutions that will serve the future needs of industries and government, such as autonomous vehicles, connected fleets, and smart buildings and factories," said PLDT and Smart chief revenue officer Ernesto Alberto.

In June, Globe Telecom Inc. said it is set to roll out 5G technology by the second quarter of 2019. — RSJ, GMA News