PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. on Tuesday said it has successfully tested the optical transport network disaggregation technology, a first in the Philippines, as part of its efforts to modernize its entire network.
Network disaggregation will enable telcos like Smart to choose any vendor for software and for hardware separately, at any time. Smart said in a statement that this ability to mix and match vendors and best-in-class solutions will enhance network performance, boost innovation, increase operational efficiency and offer more options that can reduce costs and accelerate service delivery.
“It supports our goal of a fully disaggregated, cost-efficient network architecture and paves the way for an open, end-to-end transport infrastructure that’s future-ready, scalable, and vendor-neutral” Debbie Hu, Smart FVP and head of wireless network, was quoted by the statement as saying.
The test brings Smart closer to building a fully disaggregated transport network, which the company said is key to transforming its network into a more open, agile, efficient and flexible one that will enhance the quality of customer experience.
The transport network, though largely invisible to end users, is a critical backbone that carries data, voice, and video across vast distances. Unlike traditional, vertically integrated networks that rely on a single vendor, disaggregated systems are built with open, interoperable hardware and software from multiple suppliers.
Disaggregating both IP and Optical transport allows telcos to rapidly adapt to shifting market needs, deploy new services faster, and reduce dependency on proprietary, closed systems.
“Our transformation journey has always aimed to modernize our entire network, from Core, to Access, to Transport,” Hu added.
Smart said this push toward next-generation technologies reflects the PLDT Group’s commitment to enhancing customer experience and expanding digital access nationwide.
