CHINESE smartphone manufacturer Realme said it is collaborating with Philippine tech firms and network operators to expedite the development of the fifth-generation (5G) network technology in the country, as it is set to roll out its 5G smartphones in China this year.

“Realme continues to work closely with local network operators, internet companies and app developers to fast-track the development of 5G in the Philippines,” the Chinese firm said in a statement e-mailed to reporters on Monday.

5G technology will offer Filipinos better connectivity, Realme said, adding that the Philippines, with 72 million social media users and 26.59 million mobile telephone customers, already tops the world in terms of Internet users.

The company said it will launch its 5G-enabled smartphone devices in China this year. The rollout will cover units in “all price segments” to allow “all future Realme devices to be equipped with a 5th generation mobile network.”

Fitch Ratings earlier said that the Philippine telecommunications sector’s capital expenditures for the 5G technology will likely be limited “over the next 18 months” due to “lack of applications and the absence of a robust ecosystem of customer devices.”

It said Philippine telcos are expected to be still dependent in the next three years on existing 4G technologies amid growing demand for data.

Realme is also targeting to ship 50 million units globally in 2020.

It said it shipped over 25 million smartphone units worldwide last year.

“Realme is setting its sights on doubling its 25+ million global smartphone shipments in 2019, entering the 5G space and introducing new Realme devices with unprecedented features and performance to hit 50 million units this year,” the Chinese firm said.

Sky Li, Realme founder and chief executive officer, said: “The smartphone industry is a very competitive market where brands come and go, and it is fiercely growing as we speak. As a young brand, Realme is optimistic it will surpass all the challenges in the industry and continue broadening our market footprint with the youth as our number one motivation. We at Realme will only keep moving forward and offer real value products to all.”

Citing data from the International Data Corp., Realme, which is present in 22 markets worldwide, said it is currently the number two brand in India in terms of online market share at 26.5%.

The brand also has the fourth largest share of Indonesia’s market, it added.

Realme likewise said it was the “second” best-selling smartphone brand during the year-end sale of Lazada. The brand was third and fourth best seller in Vietnam and Indonesia, respectively.

“These record-breaking feats in the three Southeast Asian markets landed Realme on the 5th spot overall of the best-selling smartphones in the region,” it said. — Arjay L. Balinbin

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