PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit, Smart Communications, have been testing next-generation telecom technologies while introducing students to advancements in the industry.
More than 200 students from across the Philippines visited the PLDT and Smart Technolab in the first quarter, including those from Bulacan State University (BulSU) Meneses campus, the University of San Agustin in Iloilo, and De La Salle University in Manila. The students explored new technologies and extended reality applications at the company’s innovation facility.
“The exposure to these technologies will help us prepare for our future work,” said Jaina Mae Jumaquio, a fourth-year student at BulSU. Her classmate, Louisse Angelo Sapaula, said he was most interested in smart home applications of the Internet of Things.
Radames Zalameda, Smart’s head of wireless network strategy, said the Technolab helps the company assess emerging technologies and engage with future industry professionals.
“The PLDT and Smart Technolab plays a critical role in helping the PLDT Group decide which upcoming technologies to pursue. It gives us the opportunity to explore digital innovations that are not yet available commercially, and see how they could enhance customer experience,” said Zalameda. “These opportunities to meet with next-generation leaders is the best part of this project. We hope they’ll explore careers in telco in the future.”
Located in Makati, the facility is operated by PLDT Group’s Network Strategy and Transformation Office and focuses on innovations such as Open Radio Access Network (ORAN), non-terrestrial networks, and cloud-based home automation.
The initiative is part of PLDT’s broader efforts to support innovation and education, aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on quality education and industry advancement.