Leading telecommunications and digital services provider PLDT Inc. and Chinese electronics manufacturing titan Huawei have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on research, development and eventual rollout of 5G wireless systems in the country. The joint-venture aims to launch a robust 5G mobile network in the Philippines by 2020.
According to BusinessWorld Online, the collaboration was revealed through a statement from PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. Chairman, President and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. Pangilinan signed the memorandum of understanding with Huawei Philippines CEO Jacky Gao Kexin during a visit to the Huawei headquarters in Shenzen, China, last January 13.
“Under the MoU, PLDT and Smart will work with Huawei to shape the strategic and commercial development of the 5G ecosystem in the Philippines,” PLDT said. The partnership plans to “identify and develop the areas of technological innovation needed to deliver 5G, which is expected to provide the foundation for the digital connected society.”
“This collaboration with Huawei is an important part of PLDT and Smart’s efforts to bring the most advanced technologies to the Philippines,” said Ray Espinosa, PLDT’s Chief Corporate Services Officer. “It will enable us to best serve our customers and help boost the country’s development in a world that is rapidly turning digital,” he added.
