PLDT, Ericsson launches Technofest to boost knowledge on 5G tech

PLDT's wireless arm Smart Communications and its technology partner Ericsson have started engaging workforce as well as the academe in exploring opportunities brought by fifth generation (5G) network. 

Officials of Smart, Ericsson present during the Technofest

The two groups partnered to launch the Technofest, aimed at showcasing how 5G could be used to leverage systems of different sectors, said PLDT chief technology and information advisor Joachim Horn. 

Some of the participants present during the two-day event in Makati were faculty members from University of Makati, Mapua University and Batangas State University, and Smart employees. 

The event featured Ericsson’s Robotic Arm, Balancing Robot, Smart City Model, Connected Mangroves and Connected Fleet technologies. 

Connected mangroves by Ericsson

It’s a very versatile platform for completely new set of applications. In 5G, the focus moves from providing the pipe to providing the environment for very different applications, for a very different group of customers, enterprises, consumers.

Ericsson vice president and key account manager Anthony Valdez, meanwhile, said Smart has been equipped with necessary tools for the adoption of 5G network as evident with its aggressive roll out of long term evolution (LTE) technology across the country, which are 5G-ready.

Both Smart and Ericsson target to fire up the 5G pilot network by the first half of next year, with Luzon as the first region to experience this technology. 

To prepare for this innovation, Smart has been upgrading its sites, equipping them with 5G-compatible radio equipment across its network. The group said it now has over 2,000 5G-ready sites.

Smart also signed an MOU with Huawei Technologies Philippines "to shape the strategic and commercial development of the 5G ecosystem in the Philippines."

PLDT earlier unveiled its 5G Technolab, a facility that will focus on research and development, standardization, and testing of 5G technology.

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