Smart Communications, the mobile arm of Filipino telecoms operator PLDT Inc., has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ateneo de Manila University to collaborate on the development of next-generation applications/services to run on the Smart 5G network. In a press release confirming the development, PLDT-Smart said that with technology partner Nokia, they will establish a 5G laboratory at the Ateneo’s Convergent Technologies Center to enable students and tech experts ‘to co-develop practical and relevant solutions’ such as IoT solutions, Augmented and Virtual Reality services, robotics, drones, and analytics. To support these research activities, Smart is deploying 5G base stations in the Ateneo campus, it said.
The release went on to note: ‘The launch of 5G at the Ateneo is the third leg in the PLDT Group’s roadmap of 5G deployment in the Philippines. Late last year, PLDT and Smart set up Smart 5G Cities in the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone and the Makati City central business district … Over the past few months, Smart has been firing up more 5G cell sites in Clark and the Makati CBD, paving the way for piloting 5G solutions in these areas in cooperation with enterprise partners and local government units. More Smart 5G cities will be launched in various areas and campuses in the coming months.’