PLDT and Smart Enterprise Advocate for Industry Collaboration in 5G, Network APIs to Drive Transformation

The Philippines' leading telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT), its B2B arm PLDT Enterprise, and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have reiterated the Group's commitment to power the transformation of their partner enterprises and businesses, urging stronger collaboration among industry stakeholders, especially in the areas of 5G and Network APIs.

“Our mission is to enable enterprises to transform through relevant solutions powered by 5G and Network APIs, and bring the use cases to life through industry collaboration,” said Jojo G. Gendrano, PLDT SVP and Head of Enterprise Business Group, during a panel discussion with representatives from Ericsson, Novare, and Amkor at the recent Ericsson ‘Imagine Live’ event.

The panel, titled “Driving Digital Transformation through Ecosystem Collaboration” highlighted the key role that telco operators play in helping enterprises harness technology, including 5G and artificial intelligence, to drive growth.

“The expansion of 5G, which includes 5G Standalone (SA) is a pivotal advancement in connectivity that will empower industries to streamline operations and enhance productivity. For companies like Amkor Technology, which operates a vast network of machines across its facilities, 5G offers the potential to connect these systems in real-time, laying the foundation for predictive maintenance, enhanced automation, and efficient operations,” Gendrano said.

“With 5G SA’s ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) and network slicing capabilities, Amkor can boost productivity, minimize downtime, and optimize its semiconductor manufacturing processes to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry,” he added.

“5G Standalone technology is a potential for Amkor’s future manufacturing operations. As we look to connect thousands of machines across our facilities, 5G SA will enable real-time responsiveness, reduce latency, and ensure continuous optimization of our production lines. It’s a key component of our strategy to harness next-generation technology for operational excellence,” said Jonathan Mondero, PhD, CIO of Amkor Technology Philippines, Inc., one of the panelists.

The introduction of 5G and Network APIs enables real-time data access and greater connectivity across industries. In banking, it supports faster, more secure transactions and enhances fraud detection. For the government, it enables smart cities, improves public safety, and streamlines services. In healthcare, 5G powers telemedicine, remote surgeries, and better data management. Other sectors, like retail and logistics, benefit from more efficient operations and improved customer experiences.

By leveraging Network APIs, industries can also seamlessly integrate network functions into their systems, driving innovation in real-time monitoring, automated control, and remote management, transforming services and operations across the board.

“What is important is thinking like an organization that delivers solutions that matter. It is no longer just about selling connectivity. It is about understanding what our customers need and partnering with the industry so that we can make a difference,” Gendrano said.

The PLDT Group’s continued investments in innovation and its integrated network are aligned with the Group’s commitment to democratize access to the latest technologies like 5G and deliver leveled-up customer experience across the country. These also contribute to the PLDT Group’s endeavors to narrow the digital divide, provide connectivity to all, and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. These also reinforce the Group’s support for the Government's overall digitalization thrust.