(File photo: social media)

Bangkok (People’s Daily) - The Philippines' largest telecom company, PLDT, launched its 5G mobile service on July 30 using equipment supplied by China’s Huawei and Sweden's Ericsson. The 5G mobile phone network of Smart Communications, PLDT’s wireless subsidiary, has gone live as a commercial service in key business districts of Metro Manila. PLDT had originally been expected to begin its 5G service in the fourth quarter of the year.

“After many years of preparation and sustained investments, we’re very happy to say that Smart subscribers can now try out and enjoy the super-fast data service that Smart 5G can deliver,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT Chief Revenue Officer and Smart President and CEO.

Manny Pangilinan, head of PLDT, announced the selection of Huawei and Ericsson as 5G suppliers last December, citing the extensive presence of Huawei in its legacy networks. 

PLDT is not the first one to offer 5G mobile phone network services in the Philippines. Last year, Globe, another Philippines telecom company, launched Southeast Asia’s first 5G broadband service backed by equipment from Huawei. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman and chief executive of Globe's parent Ayala Corp., said Huawei is “a leader in 5G technology” and played an important role in "successfully expanding Globe’s network."

According to Nikkei Asian Review, the launch of PLDT’s 5G mobile service marks another win for Huawei in the Philippines as the embattled Chinese equipment manufacturer pleads with carriers to stick with it amid a US crackdown on the company.

“In the Philippines, Huawei is poised to make a clean sweep,” said Robert Clark, news analyst of Light Reading. “After the early setbacks in Europe, Huawei looks set to dominate in Southeast Asia, including the longstanding US allies Philippines and Thailand.” He added.