Smart Communications Launches 5G Standalone Network in Iloilo City, Philippines
Smart Communications Rolls Out 5G Standalone in Iloilo City
Smart Communications, the wireless subsidiary of PLDT, has officially launched its cutting-edge 5G Standalone (5G SA) network in Iloilo City, located in Western Visayas, Philippines. This milestone marks the beginning of a nationwide rollout of 5G SA technology, bringing enhanced speed, reliability, and modern connectivity to Filipino users. While Smart initially introduced 5G SA in Makati City back in 2021, the primary focus until now had been on expanding non-standalone 5G coverage to rapidly deploy 5G services across the country. With this new initiative, Smart elevates its commitment to connectivity innovation in the Philippines.
The Benefits of 5G SA for Customers and Businesses
The deployment of 5G SA in Iloilo City offers a range of groundbreaking benefits, particularly for users who rely on data-intensive services. According to Smart, this upgrade doubles the network capacity for 5G users and introduces advanced features, such as network slicing. This technology allows for dedicated bandwidth allocation, ensuring optimal performance for mission-critical business applications, gaming platforms, and other high-demand services. The enhancements provided by Smart’s 5G SA represent a significant leap forward in enabling more robust and reliable connectivity solutions.
In addition to network slicing, Smart is collaborating with major smartphone vendors to ensure that 5G SA-compatible devices become more accessible to Filipino consumers. This strategy highlights the company’s vision to integrate cutting-edge technology into everyday use, fostering digital inclusion and supporting businesses that rely heavily on advanced telecommunications.
A Landmark Launch for Iloilo City
For Smart Communications’ Chief Operating Officer, Anastacio “Boy” R. Martirez, the 5G SA launch holds personal significance. “I grew up in West Visayas, and I wanted this region to be one of the first to feel the full power of 5G Standalone,” stated Martirez during the announcement. This launch underscores Smart’s commitment to serving underserved regions of the Philippines with the latest telecommunications advancements.
Smart’s decision to bring 5G SA to Iloilo is part of a broader two-year modernization plan designed to revolutionize the country’s network infrastructure. Through this plan, the company aims to provide next-generation mobile connectivity to urban and rural areas alike, bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth through better communication systems.
What’s Next for Smart’s 5G Standalone Rollout?
Over the coming months, Smart will continue to accelerate its nationwide deployment of 5G SA technology. As part of the expansion, users in various regions of the Philippines can expect higher data speeds, lower latency, and a host of new features that redefine the mobile experience. This initiative further strengthens Smart’s position as a leader in the telecommunications sector, propelling the nation into a new era of technological advancement.
The rollout of 5G SA represents a transformative step in the telecommunications industry, and Smart’s efforts set the stage for significant improvements in connectivity, economic productivity, and user experiences across the country.
