FOUR years ago, the Philippines stepped into the digital fast lane with the deployment of 5G technology as Globe Telecom launched its initial 5G service in June 2019, targeting fixed wireless access (FWA) in select areas. This technology provided fiber-like internet speeds through fixed wireless equipment instead of traditional fiber optic cables.
Over a year later, Smart launched their 5G network in July 2020, initially targeting postpaid subscribers in Metro Manila with compatible devices and 5G-activated SIM cards. This focused on mobile broadband applications.
5G is the fifth generation of wireless communication. This revolutionary upgrade promises breakneck speeds, near-instantaneous response times, and the ability to connect billions of devices simultaneously.
Gaming demands and the unusual circumstances fueled 5G growth globally but the Philippines has been left behind. In a study by technology research company Ookla last July, the Philippines ranked 10th out of 11 nations in Asia and the Pacific in terms of 5G quality, with a median speed of 133.47 Mbps.
The private sector is investing heavily in network expansion and service innovation. Filipinos are embracing the digital transformation, eager to explore the possibilities that 5G unlocks.
Comparatively, Malaysia was fastest at 512.1 Mbps, South Korea follows at 503.99 Mbps, Singapore (387.15 Mbps), India (335.17 Mbps), New Zealand (271.9 Mbps), and China (264.86 Mbps) outperformed the Philippines. Australia (213.36 Mbps), Thailand (161.15 Mbps), and Hong Kong (142.04 Mbps) also had faster 5G speeds. Based on the data, Japan had the slowest 5G speed at 110.54 Mbps.
Additionally, Ookla pointed out that Metro Manila had the slowest 5G speed of 135.51 Mbps among 14 urban centers in the region. Seoul and Kuala Lumpur, the capital cities of South Korea and Malaysia, led the region with average speeds of 533.95 Mbps and 523.44 Mbps, respectively.
On the other hand, the Philippines achieved a 5G availability rate of 19.8 percent, ranking 5th just behind Hong Kong (42.3 percent), Australia (36.6 percent), South Korea (35.3 percent), and Thailand (26.8 percent).
Despite launching 5G in the same year as South Korea, the latter has managed to develop the availability and speed of its network more rapidly than the Philippines.
During the pandemic, most countries in Asia and the Pacific accelerated their 5G rollout to assist consumers who were compelled to conduct digital transactions due to lockdowns. As a result, the region is expected to become one of the world’s largest 5G markets by 2025.
Ookla emphasized the importance of deploying 5G infrastructure to connect as many people as possible. It pointed out that in underserved areas lacking fiber infrastructure, many people rely on their mobile devices to access the internet.
Compared to 4G, 5G offers subscribers faster speeds and lower latency, resulting in smoother gaming and quicker website loading, among other benefits.
Aside from Globe Telecom and Smart Communications, DITO Telecommunity is also in the mix for 5G. Globe recently implemented 5G Voice over New Radio (VoNR) for crystal-clear voice calls and network slicing for catering to specific needs like high bandwidth or low latency.
Smart Communications, following suit in 2020, focuses on offering competitive speeds and expanding its reach across the country. DITO entered the market in 2021 with aggressive 5G plans, aiming to disrupt the existing duopoly and provide affordable access. It has so far worked for them.
Transforming agriculture, healthcare and education
5G is not just about faster downloads; it’s about unleashing transformative potential across various industries. In education, online learning will be enhanced with immersive virtual reality experiences and real-time collaboration tools. Healthcare will witness remote diagnostics, real-time patient monitoring, and improved access to specialists in remote areas.
Agriculture will benefit from precision farming techniques using connected sensors and data analysis, optimizing resource use and crop yields. Manufacturing will embrace automation and real-time data-driven processes, boosting efficiency and productivity. Entertainment will be redefined with lag-free gaming, augmented reality experiences, and ultra-high-definition content streaming.
Device affordability is crucial for widespread adoption, and digital literacy programs are essential to ensure everyone can reap the benefits of the 5G era.
Philippines’ 5G journey is challenged but on a fast pace. The government is actively involved in promoting infrastructure development and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. The private sector is investing heavily in network expansion and service innovation. Filipinos are embracing the digital transformation, eager to explore the possibilities that 5G unlocks.–with Deriq T. Bernard
