PLDT Inc. wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. has started the commercial operation of its first fifth generation Standalone (5G SA) network.
The 5G SA sites located at the PLDT and Smart headquarters in Makati are considered one of the first in the world.
PLDT said 5G SA will enable it to offer Voice over New Radio and network slicing capabilities, as well as support new industrial and enterprise opportunities.
“With the first batch of our 5G SA sites now fully operational, we are starting to see the true capabilities of 5G which will play a critical role in the advancement of massive IoT (internet of things), health care and smart cities, delivering customer experience that is truly world-class,” said Alfredo Panlilio, PLDT and Smart president and chief executive officer.
5G SA technology paves the way for a variety of new industry applications that utilize 5G’s full features. PLDT said this will provide super-fast response times and faster access to higher data rates that are required by cloud gaming, or immersive media, for example.
Customers will be able to project everything on any surface or use Augmented Reality glasses to superimpose images, videos and information right in front of them. Adding holographic projectors, they will be able to bring people, objects and even pets right next to them. – Myla Iglesias
