PLDT & Smart: Clark, Pampanga is set to be the first 5G city in the Philippines

PLDT, Smart Communications Inc., and Clark Development Corp. (CDC) have already signed a memorandum of understanding last August that sets the launch of Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) as the country's first 5G city! 

Clark is the first 5G city in the Philippines!

First 5G city in the Philippines soon!

This November, the first 5G cell site will be setup in the city, according to the MoU, PLDT and Smart, together with technology partner Ericsson.

We are glad that Clark was chosen to serve as the location for the very first 5G wireless platform in the Philippines. This, we believe, will not only be of benefit to Clark locators but also the many industries, various businesses and communities in the country as well, said CDC President and CEO Noel Manankil.

PLDT and Smart are also stepping up the rollout of the LTE in the key areas of CFZ. ALL areas will be equipped with 5G facilities in the coming months. The company has now the most extensive fiber network at over 221,000 kilometers.

Clark

Alongside the signging of MoU, Ericsson has also showcased possible use cases for 5G in an exhibit that featured Ericsson’s robotic arm, balancing robot, connected mangroves and connected fleet technologies. 

Smart 5G van spotted in Clark City

Aside from the ultra high-speeds, the key features of 5G include enhanced mobile broadband services, massive machine type communications, and ultra-reliable and low latency communications.

We are happy to be working with CDC in building the city of the future, equipped with smart services and powered by 5G infrastructure, right here in Pampanga. This will benefit not only Clark but the country as well by demonstrating that we are in step with the rest of the world in adopting advanced intelligent technologies, said PLDT and Smart Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

The MoU signed also states that PLDT and Smart will deploy 5G network in Luzon first by the first half of 2019.

The 5G Trial System to be deployed in Smart will be 3GPP compliant and will include Ericsson 5G RAN, core and transport solutions. Smart has also established their "5G Technolab" last June 2018 as part of the preparations for the 5G network rollout.

PLDT capex is expected to reach PHP 58 billion, which includes allocations for the aggressive roll-out of its fiber broadband service.

It also supports the ramped-up deployment of the mobile network by providing high-capacity links for cellular base stations.

Are you excited to experience the 5G network?