PLDT says synergy of 5G and AI will shape the future of telco

PLDT Inc. (PLDT) is positioning the convergence of 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) as the driving force behind the telecom industry’s future.

PLDT COO/CTO, Butch Jimenez speaking at MWC Shanghai 2025

A new era for telecommunications

During a keynote at the 2025 Mobile World Congress in Shanghai, PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer Menardo "Butch" G. Jimenez Jr. highlighted how this combination will enable smarter, faster, and more transformative digital experiences across industries.

Addressing a global audience of technology leaders, Jimenez emphasized that the integration of 5G and AI is reshaping PLDT from a traditional connectivity provider into a catalyst for next-generation, cross-industry solutions.

It is the power of both 5G and AI that will deliver the magic, Jimenez declared. Not just one or the other. Telcos have the unique DNA to deliver both, and that's why we believe the future of the industry depends on how we harness these two forces together.

Jimenez referenced PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan's vision of a "mega utility" serving Filipinos across sectors such as power, water, highways, agriculture, media, and telecommunications. He noted that this vision is now materializing, with PLDT at the center as the digital backbone of Pangilinan-led companies and a leader in telecom convergence. The company is also positioning itself as a regional innovator, aiming to bring Philippine-developed solutions to the global market.

From Connectivity to Intelligence

Jimenez explained how PLDT's role within the conglomerate has shifted from providing connectivity to enabling digital transformation through data centers, AI platforms, and 5G-powered infrastructure.

If we stopped at just providing connectivity, our revenues and relevance would eventually plateau, he said. We had to invest forward, and we did.

PLDT claimed it now operates as the largest data center network in the Philippines and is the sole provider offering GPU services essential for AI processing. These capabilities allow the company to meet growing enterprise demand for scalable, high-performance AI solutions.

A Strategy for 5G and AI Leadership

Jimenez outlined PLDT's approach to leading the 5G-AI revolution, which includes building smarter infrastructure, fostering strategic collaborations, and prioritizing workforce training. With 5G Standalone Architecture as its foundation, PLDT is preparing for AI-driven innovation.

The solo mindset is outdated, Jimenez said, underscoring the importance of partnerships. Internally, PLDT is investing in AI bootcamps and upskilling initiatives to ensure its employees are equipped to lead in the era of intelligent connectivity.

If our people don’t embrace AI, there’s no way we can lead with it, he emphasized. We must believe in it ourselves before we can deliver it to our customers.

A Transformed Telecom Industry

In closing, Jimenez asserted that the next phase for telecom companies is not just faster networks but intelligent, integrated ecosystems powered by 5G and AI. He affirmed PLDT's readiness to lead this transformation in the Philippines and beyond.

This is our dream, our vision, and our hope – that 5G and AI together will drive the next generation of growth for telco.

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