PLDT Inc. said it is now in advanced stages of coordination with Nokia to provide a next-generation internet of things (IoT) service, which would allow the deployment of fifth-generation 5G solutions.
Nokia’s Worldwide IoT Network (WING) will power that platform to simplify the current LTE-based to 5G-based IoT solutions’ expansion.
“IoT is a technological revolution with immense potential in improving the way we do things, and we are finalizing a partnership with Nokia to fortify our initiatives in this space,” said ePLDT president and chief executive officer Jovy Hernandez.
PLDT said customers could choose from different combinations of ultra-low latency, high security, and enhanced throughput-based services with the upgrading.
PLDT announced in June that its 5G rollout would be moved to the fourth quarter of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It initially planned the rollout in the first quarter of the year.
“We’re in the middle of budget planning for next year. We will propose to the chairman a further expansion of our 5G coverage, but obviously, we will work with our network team to make that happen,” Alfredo Panlilio, PLDT chief revenue officer, said in the same briefing.
PLDT in talks with Nokia for next-gen internet of things
This was confirmed by PLDT president and chief executive officer Manuel Pangilinan, who pointed out the impact of 5G speeds on customers, especially home subscribers.
“What we’re noticing is the speed — the speed and capacity that 5G brings not only to the individual users on the wireless platform but also to the home,” he said.
“I think the full impact of 5G on usage and lives of people have yet to unfold. What has emerged in recent months is the increasing importance of home, particularly as a consequence of the pandemic actually forcing people to spend more time at home, work from home, and get entertained at home,” he added.
Its wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. currently offers commercial services in the Makati Central Business District (CBD), the Bonifacio Global City CBD, Araneta City, Mall of Asia Bay Area, North Avenue in Quezon City, Taft Avenue in Manila, Ortigas CBD, New Clark City in Pampanga, EDSA, and other strategic locations in Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.