SMART Communications, Inc., the wireless arm of PLDT, Inc., on Wednesday said it signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea’s largest telecommunications company KT Corp. to develop fifth-generation (5G) use cases for consumers in the Philippines.
“In order to build a truly world-class 5G ecosystem with life-changing experiences, we will need to collaborate, learn, and partner with formidable industry leaders, such as KT,” Katrina Luna-Abelarde, PLDT and Smart head of the strategic partnerships, said in an e-mailed statement.
KT Head of Global Business Unit Justin Moon said: “Timing is crucial in digital transformation in business.”
“We hope that the two companies can grow to always share information… and promote new business,” he added.
Analytics firm Ookla’s recent data showed that Smart is the Philippines’ fastest 5G network.
Smart said it operates the “widest” 5G network in the country with more than 4,400 sites.
The company recently fired up its commercial 5G standalone sites in Makati City.
The technology paves the way for a variety of new industry applications that use 5G’s full features, Smart said.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group. — Arjay L. Balinbin
