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| Smart 5G Brings Super-Fast Internet and New Digital Services |
The Smart 5G mobile phone network will be initially available with Smart Signature, Smart Infinity, and other Smart Postpaid subscribers, wherein they will be able to enjoy super-fast data using Smart-certified 5G handsets with 5G-activated SIMs.
The 5G coverage will be in the key business districts of Metro Manila, such as Makati CBD, Bonifacio Global City CBD, Ortigas CBD, Araneta City, SM Megamall, and Mall of Asia Bay Area. Moreover, it will also be available in key high-traffic areas, which include Taft Avenue in Manila, North Avenue in Quezon City, and Clark Green City in Pampanga.
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“5G is a major milestone in the development of mobile phone services and digital technologies. It is a platform that enables new technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, cloud computing and other digital services, that when combined, will not only enhance existing services, but also make possible a new generation of wireless services,” said Ramon R. Isberto, PLDT-Smart Public Affairs Head and First Vice President, in an interview with Cito Beltran's Agenda on One News.
“Through your 5G-capable handsets, you can enjoy streaming of high-movement videos such coverage of sports events. You can now also enjoy e-sports and cloud-gaming and play your favorite PC games on mobile devices because of 5G,” said Lloyd Manaloto, Vice President for Corporate Marketing and Strategy at Smart.
“To fully enjoy the benefits of 5G, people will need 5G-capable devices. The good news is, we are seeing more and more affordable devices in the coming months so that more people can benefit from 5G,” Isberto said.
“With technology becoming more pervasive, it will just be a matter of time for handsets to become cheaper. 5G will also expand beyond mobile and enable devices and wearables,” Manaloto added.
As for the 5G-certified devices, Smart currently offers devices from Huawei and Samsung. In addition, handsets from realme and Vivo will also soon be available.
Important qualifications for an end-user to access Smart 5G services:
- Must have a 5G device type-approved by Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).
- Must have a 5G-ready SIM.
- Must be within a Smart 5G coverage area.
PLDT, Smart Roll Out PH's First 5G Cell Sites in Makati and Clark (Backstory)
Last November 2018, PLDT and Smart Communications announced that Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) would be the first Smart 5G City in the Philippines. To fire up their plans, the company successfully activated the country’s initial 5G sites in Makati City and Clark, Pampanga.
Through its partnership with Huawei, PLDT and Smart have already launched their first 5G cell site at the PLDT headquarters in Makati City. Meanwhile, its collaboration with Ericsson led to the activation of its 5G cell site at the Clark Smart 5G City in the CFZ.
“With 5G resources now in place, we are looking at developing 5G solutions and applications for central business areas like Makati, which host a dense population of businesses, people and advanced devices,” Ernesto R. Alberto, PLDT and Smart Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, addressed.
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In case you missed it, 5G won’t only boost mobile data connections, as it will also work as a door for more IoT applications – making smarter cities for consumers, most especially for the transport sector, traffic management, manufacturing, airport and mall operations, logistics and warehousing, retail, customer support, and smart homes.
Key features of 5G include ultra-high speeds, enhanced mobile broadband services, massive machine-type communications, and reliable and low-latency communications.
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