NOW Telecom unveils plans to offer 5G services

NOW Telecom, an affiliate of NOW Corporation, on Monday unveiled plans to offer fifth generation wireless technology which would allow speeds of up to 20 Gigabits per second (Gbps).

In an emailed statement, NOW Telecom said its board approved plans to offer 5G technologies to both enterprise and home clients.

“5G is necessary for the Internet of Things to thrive. With cloud computing, you can now decentralize the business of telecommunications,” newly elected NOW Telecom president Rodolfo Pantoja said.

NOW currently holds a license from the National Telecommunications Commission to operate a Cellular Mobile Telephony System, with a frequency assignment of 5G mid-band channels.

The company renewed its congressional franchise for another 25 years on February 22, 2018, under Republic Act 10972.

It has since deployed wireless technology in selected areas. The technology from Israel-based TELRAD supposedly delivers connectivity speeds of up to 200 Mbps for its customers.

“NOW Telecom stands true to its commitment in its franchise. We are a compliant telecommunications company,” said chairman Mel Velarde.

NOW Telecom was among the companies that bought bid documents to compete for the country’s third major telco player, which was won by Mislatel Consortium.

Incumbent player Globe Telecom Inc. earlier said it was on track to switch on its first 5G fixed wireless home broadband service this June.

Rival PLDT Inc. said it is set to make 5G connections commercially available within the year. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VDS, GMA News