Live network by first half of 2019: Smart and Ericsson to deploy 5G in PH

Tweet

PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and Ericsson have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deploy the country’s first 5G pilot network by the first half of 2019.

Smart and Ericsson team up for 5G in PH. At the signing were PLDT Chief Corporate Services Officer Ray C. Espinosa, PLDT chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, Ericsson Head of Market Area South East Asia, Oceania and India Nunzio Mirtillo and Martin Wiktorin, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei, Philippines and Pacific Islands.

Smart and Ericsson team up for 5G in PH. At the signing were PLDT Chief Corporate Services Officer Ray C. Espinosa, PLDT chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, Ericsson Head of Market Area South East Asia, Oceania and India Nunzio Mirtillo and Martin Wiktorin, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei, Philippines and Pacific Islands.

Under the MoU, the 5G network will be first deployed in Luzon, the country’s largest and most populous island where about a third of the population work and live.

The 3GPP compliant 5G Trial System that will be deployed in Smart includes Ericsson 5G RAN, Core and Transport solutions. The 5G pilot deployment will allow Smart to explore industry partnership engagements, collaborate with schools and universities, and further develop competence in 5G.

“As 5G opens up more opportunities for new services and solutions to offer to our customers, we are investing in future-proofing our network and making sure that our network is ready for 5G,” said PLDT-Smart chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

“Our partnership with Ericsson is part of our commitment to bring to the country the latest technologies to improve the experience of our customers, as well as boost the digital transformation of enterprises and industries,” he added.

“We are happy to partner with Smart to pioneer 5G in the Philippines. We believe first movers in 5G can reshape the market, grow market share and increase revenue streams. Combining improved capacity and ultra-low latency, 5G will help realize new use cases and business models and capture new revenue opportunities by addressing industry digitalization,” said Martin Wiktorin, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei, Philippines and Pacific Islands.

All set for 5G. Gracing the MoU signing were Ericsson vice president and key account manager Anthony Valdez, PLDT-Smart Chief Technology and Information Advisor Joachim Horn, PLDT Chief Corporate Services Officer Ray C. Espinosa, PLDT chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, Ericsson Head of Market Area South East Asia, Oceania and India Nunzio Mirtillo, PLDT-Smart Chief Revenue Officer Eric Alberto, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei, Philippines and Pacific Islands Martin Wiktorin and PLDT-Smart head of Consumer Business for Customer Development Alex O. Caeg.

Future-proofed network

“To be able to deliver 5G services to its customers in the future, Smart is upgrading its network’s Core and Transport elements. This includes upgrading to fiber the backhaul connecting the network’s cell sites around the country and deploying 5G-ready equipment in the ongoing LTE roll-out,” according to Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Engineering.

“As we continue to ramp up the roll-out of LTE, LTE-Advanced and carrier aggregation technology nationwide, we are also making sure that these are already future-proof and 5G-capable,” Tamayo added.

Under its current upgrades, Smart is installing 5G-compatible radio equipment across its network, which now has over 2,000 5G-ready sites.

Exciting possibilities

With its capability to deliver extremely high speeds coupled with low latency, 5G opens up exciting possibilities for Internet of Things (IoT) applications for Filipinos, particularly in healthcare and smart cities.

Smart has been testing 5G since 2016, when it achieved with technology partner Nokia 5G speeds of 2.5 Gigabits per second (Gbps) using 100 MHz with latency of just 1 millisecond over a ‘live’ network--the first in the Philippines.

Months later, PLDT and Smart announced that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with technology partner Huawei Technologies Phils. “to shape the strategic and commercial development of the 5G ecosystem in the Philippines.” In particular, the two parties were looking to identify and develop the areas of technological innovation needed to deliver 5G, which is expected to provide the foundation for the digital connected society.

In June, Smart launched its 5G TechnoLab, which is the company’s flagship facility for the research and development, standardization, and testing of 5G and is designed to be a sustainable environment for innovative services.

With Huawei, Smart also successfully breached 5G speeds of over 14Gbps in a test held at the 5G TechnoLab using 5G New Radio, in which the second set of global standards have been recently ratified.

Parent company PLDT has committed historic levels of resources for network transformation. For 2018, PLDT capex is expected to reach P58 billion, which includes allocations for the aggressive roll-out of its fiber broadband service, which also supports the stepped-up deployment of the mobile network by providing high-capacity links for cellular base stations.

Converge ICT Gears Up for Nationwide Rollout

Tweet

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. announced today that it has intensified efforts to lay the groundwork for a nationwide rollout, seeking to provide its pure fiber internet connectivity for more households and enterprises.

Premier pure fiber internet provider taps experienced industry partners to fast-track nationwide rollout, eyes exponential growth with the aim to bring better connectivity for the Philippines

In a strategic partnership with several local and foreign companies such as Korea Telecoms, LSI-Fibernet Konstruk Corporation, and TE Connectivity Subcom, Converge ICT Solutions shared its mission to fast-track the completion of its massive, nationwide network rollout to the public. These efforts are sustained as part of an ongoing campaign spearheaded by Converge to provide an advanced and reliable backbone of internet connectivity for more Filipino households and enterprises.

Chosen for their wide-ranging technical expertise and extensive business portfolios in the IT industry, Converge ICT Solutions´ new partners will help build and deploy the infrastructures necessary to provide pure end-to-end fiber internet connectivity at a nationwide scale. With the combined strength of its partners´ industry credentials and financial backings, Converge is taking bold steps ahead of the curve, leading the way towards building and connecting the Filipino people with better and more reliable internet infrastructures.

This vision is something which Converge President and CEO Dennis Uy firmly believes would serve as a catalyst for social and economic progress, helping everyone from ordinary Filipino netizens trying to connect with loved ones from around the world; to small and medium businesses trying to grow their ideas, as well helping accelerate the Philippine government´s ongoing IT projects designed to serve the Filipino people. With this in mind, Converge´s humble efforts seek to help prepare, lift, and further open the Philippines to global competitiveness, leveraging its unique and strategic position in the burgeoning Asian economy.

“We have set our sights to bring the best internet connectivity by starting in Metro Manila and some key provinces in Luzon. By going nationwide, we can do more rollouts and more installations in other islands in the Philippines, helping more people connect with one another through our infrastructure” Uy shared passionately.

According to Mr. Miles Tonn Chua, Chief Operating Officer of MetroWorks ICT Construction, Inc. (a subsidiary of Converge ICT) the total flow of investments is estimated at US$ 2 billion for the next 5 years. The rollout currently being executed has the potential to reach more than 13 million of the 22 million households nationwide, particularly the major islands situated in Visayas and Mindanao. Chua shared that the project is a 5-year plan, and the network backbones are targeted to be completed by 2021 but would be operational through different phases to enable the project to become complete prior to 2021.

The partnerships are slated to implement both Full Turn Key (FTK) and Semi-Turn Key (STK) approaches, according to Chua. FTK entails an end-to-end approach, which includes supply for imported materials and provides services up to acceptance. The STK approach, on the other hand, is where the Converge Group provides owner-supplied materials, an approach that is practical especially for demographics which include National Capital Region. The partnership is currently both in ongoing implementation and final negotiation stages.

“With more projects to be completed, it will certainly contribute to the growth of Converge ICT, which is expected to be exponential,” adds Chua.

Chua also bared that they are looking to enter into more partnerships in the future to further improve its service offerings. “What the public is experiencing now as the best internet service, they can also expect that same kind in the next year or two.” the Converge COO shared.

Lamudi Housing Fair Goes to Cebu

Tweet

Lamudi is bringing together property seekers and sellers in the Queen City of the South with the launch of the Cebu Housing Fair

 Find your dream property at the Lamudi Housing Fair in Cebu

MANILA, 10 August 2018—All roads lead to Cebu as the Lamudi Housing Fair sets up at the Queen City of the South on September 8 and 9, 2018 at Ayala Center in Cebu City. Designed to bring property buyers and sellers together, this open-for-all housing fair will feature some of the biggest property brands of the country.

A first for Lamudi

Cebu’s economy has been displaying massive growth for years, driven mainly by tourism and the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industries. According to the Department of Tourism, Central Visayas saw the arrival of over 6.3 million local and foreign tourists in 2017, with Cebu being the top travel hub of the region. Also, the Cebu IT-BPM Organization estimated that Cebu had between 150,000 and 160,000 IT-BPO workers by the end of last year, and that the Cebu City government is targeting the generation of 200,000 jobs in the industry by next year.

The presence of multiple economic zones, where companies enjoy various business incentives, has been attracting major investors, particularly in the IT-BPM sector. Moreover, the recent opening of the new Mactan-Cebu International Airport is projected to increase tourist arrivals and business investments into the province.

Hence, according to Lamudi CEO and Managing Director Bhavna Suresh, the decision to hold the brand’s next housing fair in the province was an easy one to make. With all past housing fairs being hosted in Metro Manila, the Cebu leg of Lamudi’s housing fair series will be the first provincial event for the leading online property portal.

“The massive growth of Cebu City has prompted real estate developers to catch up and supply the much-needed residential, commercial, and retail spaces for home and business relocators. As we have witnessed so far, many of the most prominent names in the property industry have already made a mark in the province through various projects, from condos and subdivisions to townships and business parks,” Suresh explained.

“Lamudi believes that now is the best time to be the stage upon which buyers and sellers can interact and explore the opportunities presented by the flourishing Cebu real estate landscape,” she added.

Home buyers and property seekers at the Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair last June 30-July 1, 2018 at Glorietta.

What to expect

Aspiring new homeowners and real estate investors can look forward to completed and upcoming projects by Primehomes, Ortigas & Company, RFK Holdings, DMCI Homes, Aboitizland Inc., Primary Homes, Softouch Property Development Corp., Avida Land, Contempo Property Holdings, King Properties, and Priland Development Corporation, among others.

UnionBank and RCBC Savings Bank will also be present for buyers in need of home loan assistance to purchase a property.  Plus, the Land Registration Authority will be on hand to give attendees an update on the recent efforts of the agency in terms of protecting land owners.

Aside from being able to inquire directly about the properties on display, buyers can also take advantage of promos and discounts to be offered during the event.

In addition, real estate brokers attending the event will have the opportunity to market their brand and properties through on-the-spot registration to the website, where they can begin uploading their properties to be viewed by Lamudi’s online visitors. Real estate online sales training sessions will also be offered to brokers who are looking to increase lead generation and sales numbers.

“It is indeed an exciting undertaking for Lamudi, and one that we hope to carry out again in the coming years,” Suresh stated.

Join us for two days of property showcases, real estate auctions, and real estate online sales trainings sessions for real estate sales professionals at the Lamudi Housing Fair Cebu happening at the Ayala Center Cebu Exhibit Center on September 8-9, 2018 from 10AM to 10PM. For more information about one of the most exciting housing events of the year, visit the official website.

Trade show giants PHILBEX Cebu and Cebu Auto Show to unlock the future of Cebu

Tweet

From the recently-inaugurated Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which demonstrated the remarkable genius of Filipino architectural ingenuity, all the way to the pioneering series of construction and transportation projects underway such as the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway and its first-ever LRT subway-elevated system, Cebu is undoubtedly ushering an unprecedented economic mobility in the realm of construction and transportation.

Coinciding perfectly with the heightened spirit of enthusiasm surrounding both trade industries, Worldbex Services International – the country’s leading events and expositions organizer – is proud to present two back-to-back shows that will boost and augment the course of progress being undertaken by the region.

Now on its 16^th year, the Philippine Building and Construction Exposition (PHILBEX) Cebu 2018 is set to happen on September 13 to 16, from 10:00am to 8:00pm at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall. Meanwhile, opening only a day apart is the Cebu Auto Show (CAS) 2018. Running on its 11^th edition, CAS will open its doors to the public on September 14 to 16, from 10:00am to 8:00pm at the SM Seaside Sky Hall.

Unveiling the future of Cebuano living

PHILBEX Cebu may be the last regional leg of the iconic WORLDBEX but it certainly has no intention of holding back as it envisions to deliver an equally impactful and productive show. Taking after the guiding theme for all WORLDBEX 2018 shows, this year’s PHILBEX Cebu concerns itself with “Shaping Innovations Toward Sustainability”.

Following the success of its 2017 show which housed 105 booths across the wide expanse of the Cebu Trade Hall, this year’s PHILBEX Cebu is set to unveil over 120 booths and close to 80 exhibitors composed of both local exhibitors and foreign participants alike from countries such as China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore – all of whom are expected to showcase product and service innovations that are both cutting-edge and efficient.

Aside from presenting an extensive line-up of exhibiting companies, also anticipated to make an impression on this year’s show attendees are PHILBEX Cebu’s event highlights. Among the must-see fixtures include the Architect’s Gallery. A gathering of the region’s top architects and their respective firms, among the participants to present the latest trends and design perspectives from the industry are Abadia Architects and Designers, Archiglobal Inc., Nueast, Arkitecture, Pont Architectural + Design Studio, Philippine Institute of Architects Cebu Chapter, and the United Architects of the Philippines.

Also not to be missed are the Interior Designer’s Gallery which is presented in partnership with the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers – VisMin Chapter, the PHILBEX MiniCons, and the 3^rd Projéto Cebu Furniture Design Competition which the entrants for this year will be tasked to create a design for a studio-type condominium unit that will focus on both the wellbeing and learning efficiency of the student-inhabitants.

As WORLDBEX gears up to usher in its Silver Anniversary, its decided move towards increased awareness and proactive perspectives as evidenced by PHILBEX 2018 affirms its dedication to build a brighter future for the entire nation as a whole.

Redefining leisure and productivity

Recognizing the growing demand among automotive consumers for vehicles that live up to their increasingly active lifestyles as well as their entrepreneurial agenda, this year’s Cebu Auto Show, which is also the final regional leg of MIAS 2108, will drive around the theme of “Work and Play”. 

From vehicles that are especially designed to cater to businesses as well as the rigorous schedules on-the-go professionals to the latest automotive releases that are meant to cater to the most discerning travelers and adventurers, CAS 2018 is guaranteed to cater to a wide variety of consumers and automotive enthusiasts.

Set to showcase a total of 44 booths, this year’s edition of CAS also boasts of an extensive range of product categories as well as an excitable roster of event highlights which include the much-awaited Custom and Classic Car competition, the Diecast car model swap meet, exhibitions from top car brands, and of course, an impressive motor bike display. 

More than just a market place for automotive products, CAS has come to be a pillar of the Cebu automotive industry as it ultimately serves to elevate the means of transportation of the people. In empowering the region’s automotive industry, CAS also contributes significantly in the collective development of the region.

This season, Cebu is expected to witness a dynamic economic convergence that will truly bolster the upward growth of two of its most prominent trade industries. Don’t miss out on the biggest and most anticipated expos of the year – PHILBEX Cebu and CAS 2018! 

For more information, call (02) 656-9239 or email info.worldbex@gmail.com. 

For the latest updates on PHILBEX Cebu and CAS, follow Worldbex Services International on Facebook, @worldbex on Instagram, Cebu Auto Show on Facebook, and @cebuautoshow on Instagram.

Packetworx grand launch to accelerate the adoption of Internet of Things in the Philippines

Tweet

With Packetworx, the Internet of Things (IoT) technology will be easily available for every Filipino. Through its brand campaign, “We Connect Things”, enabling IoT in the Philippines is made easy and possible.

Packetworx, the leading Internet of Things (IoT) company in the Philippines, will be launching its brand with the campaign, ‘We Connect Things’ on August 8, 2018. Its brand campaign, ‘We Connect Things,’ aims to promote Packetworx, as an enabler of IoT in the country with its full suite of end-to-end solution from devices, software applications to network connectivity.

The next Internet revolution: The Internet of Things

Internet of Things is the concept of connecting any device to the Internet and to the other connected devices. It is a network of things that sends, receives and collects information. According to a report of Software.org, a global research organization, in 2020 there will be about 50 billion devices connected to the internet. Packetworx aims to enable and equip the Philippines for this next internet revolution.

Packetworx as a driver of IoT in the country

Packetworx’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of IoT in the country. It aims to equip and enable Filipino innovators and IoT enthusiasts to create IoT devices, applications and solutions. The IoT network is free for individuals and for non-commercial use. Packetworx uses leading LoRaWAN enabled solutions that provide long range sensors and control capable devices which allow wide range of IoT applications and total cost of ownership.

Packetworx, a social enterprise for creating smart communities

To achieve its goal to an IoT-ready Philippines, Packetworx’s as a social enterprise, has three (3) major initiatives which anyone can be a part of (1) the IoT Technology Hub, the first free access co-working space dedicated IoT. It makes available computer, soldering stations, test equipment, pick and place and even reflow oven. It will enable IoT enthusiasts to develop devices, applications and solutions (2) free IoT hardware kits and free LoRa Academy curriculum for 100 schools and, (3) Free device sensors and network connectivity to 60 local government units for disaster-preparedness, air quality monitoring and safety.

Packetworx will be covering 80% of Greater Metro Manila by August 2018 and 90% of the Philippines by the end of the year. In the IoT Technology Hub there will be a series of IoT Tech talks featuring IoT experts, hackathons and seminars.

For more information on Packetworx and its products and solutions, visit www.packetworx.com.

About Packetworx

Packetworx is a technology social enterprise which focuses on enabling IoT in the Philippines. It is a member of the LoRa Alliance, a world-wide alliance of over 500-member companies that support the standardization of LPWAN with the LoRaWAN specification and has created a certification and compliance program to ensure interoperability among its members.

It is the official host of the regional LoRaWAN network for Philippines and Southeast Asia through its partnership with The Things Network (TTN), the largest community of startups, businesses and developers globally building a public IoT data network,