Words by Gianna Sibal and Misha Fabian
Photos by Gianna Sibal
You’re about to send an instant message, a work email, or submit an assignment, but alas, your wi-fi gets disconnected. Or maybe you’re trying to stream a movie online or watch a video on YouTube but it keeps buffering because the connection is too slow. Filipinos are all too familiar with the feelings of frustration and helplessness that come with not being able to surf the internet seamlessly because their internet connection simply isn’t working as efficiently as it should.
Well, all that can so0n change as 5G is well on its way to Filipinos all over the country.
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In an effort spearheaded by one of the country’s largest telecommunications company, PLDT, this fifth-generation mobile internet connectivity or 5G is promising more up-to-speed downloads and data, wider coverage, and a much faster mobile internet experience. 5G will be able to handle thousands of devices and simultaneous connections, decreasing the latency in communications. With this, Filipinos will no longer have to rely on computer shops for quick wi-fi!
PLDT has been pioneering 5G in the Philippines since November in 2018, powering up 5G sites at the Clark Freeport Zone, Makati Central Business District, the Ateneo de Manila University, and the Araneta Center in Cubao. To further the country’s 5G adoption and open up exciting possibilities for the Internet of Things, PLDT announced the Smart 5G Alliance during their 2019 Digital Convention last July 18th.
The PLDT Smart 5G Alliance
This said alliance, one of the highlights of the Digital Convention, works to support PLDT’s 5G strategy “so that we may bring the network’s use cases across platforms, in the hope that this will bring real value to the Filipino public,” said SVP and Head of PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups Jovy Hernandez. Included in the alliance are Cisco, Ericsson, Fujitsu, Huawei, Nokia, SMS Global Technologies, Microsoft, Palo Alto, Araneta Center, the Ateneo de Manila University, and the Clark Development Corporation. The alliance aims to reach new heights that have never before been entered in the realm of technology.
With the announcement, we’re sure to see new developments and initiatives in the research and the country’s adoption of 5G—hopefully, we won’t have to worry about disconnecting from our family and friends any longer.
The Digital Convention 2019 truly brought delegates and guests to the edge with plenary sessions, a digital grounds tour, and breakout sessions with industry experts during the two-day event.
What do you guys think of 5G? Are you excited? Share your thoughts with us!
