PLDT Inc. said 5G data traffic on Smart Communications Inc. network doubled in the first half of the year, driven by unlimited promos and the deployment of 5G network nationwide.
Data traffic on Smart 5G more than doubled between the first and second quarter of 2021, while the number of unique devices connected to 5G also doubled as of end-June compared to end-2020, as Smart increased the number of 5G base stations deployed across the nation to over 4,800.
Jane Basas, Smart senior vice president and head of Consumer Wireless Business, underscored the importance of making 5G handsets accessible to more Filipinos, in order to expand the 5G adoption in the country.
“As we continue to build out our 5G network, we are also already seeing affordable handsets in the market. This will be key to 5G adoption, as we help our customers upgrade to 5G,” she said.
Meanwhile, Globe Telecom Inc. said it expanded its roster of 5G roaming partners in a bid to serve more Filipinos abroad.
The company owned by the Ayala Group added Japan through Softbank, Turkey through Turk Telecom, Switzerland’s Swisscom and O2 Czech Republic, the largest operator in the Czech market, to its roster of overseas partners on August 20.
The company has also teamed up with Israel’s Pelephone so its visiting subscribers from the country may enjoy the benefits of 5G in the Philippines.
“Our relentless 5G roaming expansion efforts are driven by our commitment to provide the best travel experience for our customers worldwide,” Coco Domingo, Globe vice president for Postpaid and International, said.
Globe postpaid and prepaid customers currently abroad and those intending to travel to top destinations worldwide can enjoy a more stable internet with hardly any delay when they connect to the 5G network of Globe’s partner telcos.
Subscribers of Globe’s roaming partners will also have access to Globe’s 5G network when they visit the Philippines as long as they are using 5G-enabled phones in over 1,700 5G locations.
5G is the latest wireless internet connectivity that promises higher bandwidth, very low latency and a more stable internet connection.
Globe remains committed to bringing more bandwidth capacity to Filipinos at a lower cost by tapping more efficient technologies like 5G.
