PLDT in advanced talks with Nokia for next-gen IoT

Pangilinan-led PLDT Inc. is now in advanced stages of discussion with Nokia to provide a next-generation internet of things (IoT) service which will allow enterprise customers to deploy fifth-generation 5G solutions.

Announced during a virtual briefing on Wednesday, the platform is set to be powered by Nokia's Worldwide IoT Network (WING), and will simplify the expansion of the current LTE-based to 5G-based IoT solutions.

"IoT is a technological revolution with immense potential in improving the way we do things, and we are finalizing a partnership with Nokia to fortify our initiatives in this space," said ePLDT president and chief executive officer Jovy Hernandez.

With the increased capability, PLDT said customers can opt for different combinations of ultra-low latency, high security, and enhanced throughput based services.

In June, PLDT said its 5G rollout will be pushed back to the fourth quarter of the year, after its rollout was hit by the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. It earlier planned the commercial rollout in the first quarter of the year.

"We're in the middle of budget planning for next year. We will propose to the chairman a further expansion of our 5G coverage, but obviously, we will work with our network team to make that happen," Alfredo Panlilio, PLDT chief revenue officer, said in the same briefing.

This was mirrored by PLDT president and chief executive officer Manuel Pangilinan, who noted that the impact of 5G speeds on customers, especially home subscribers.

"What we're noticing is the speed -- the speed and capacity that 5G brings not only to the individual users on the wireless platform but also to the home," he said.

"I think the full impact of 5G on usage and lives of people have yet to unfold. What has emerged in recent months is the increasing importance of home, particularly as a consequence of the pandemic actually forcing people to spend more time at home, work from home, and get entertained at home," he added.

A study commissioned by global technology firm Cisco found that Philippine telecommunications companies stand to increase revenues by as much as $650 million from the rollout of 5G services starting 2025.

Its mobile subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. currently offers commercial services in the Makati Central Business District (CBD), the Bonifacio Global City CBD, Araneta City, Mall of Asia Bay Area, North Avenue in Quezon City, Taft Avenue in Manila, Ortigas CBD, New Clark City in Pampanga, EDSA, and other strategic locations in Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal. — RSJ, GMA News