In tech we trust

LAST week, the GSMA hosted the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Shanghai, one of the first in-person technology trade shows since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. More than 200 companies and about 20,000 people attended the three-day “hybrid” event combining unique in-person and virtual elements— something that could become the norm for future conventions.

This year’s theme was “Connected Impact,” and the agenda showcased how the digital ecosystem supports global recovery and transforms lives. 5G technology once again took center stage, highlighting the benefits of a connected industry, AI and start-up innovations.

During one of the forums, Huawei said countries should address the politicization of technological advancements.

“We must reach a global consensus on this issue and believe in the power of technology to leverage it for the benefit of the society,” Catherine Chen, Huawei senior vice president and board member, said in her keynote speech at the Connected for Shared Prosperity Forum.

“Looking back over history, we’ve seen how large social changes happen in lockstep with breakthroughs in science and technology. But today, technological advancements are hyped and politicized, sometimes demonized. Many have stopped believing in the power of technology because of fear and distrust. Some are going to great lengths to hinder the development of technology,” she noted.

“I recently read a report which said that any important digital platform that is dominated by China will be highly dangerous to the US if not effectively contained, and that 5G was one such platform.”

5G is a standardized technology defined by its high bandwidth, low latency and broad connectivity. It helps traditional industries transform and can benefit all. Wide-scale 5G deployment can already be seen in multiple industries around the world.

“If we claim that technology is critically important but its development is ideologically wrong, this will only result in division, confusion and regression.”

Chen urged we must reach a global consensus on this issue and believe in the power of technology to leverage it for the benefit of the society.

Officials of the EU Parliament and several European countries likewise opposed the politicization of technology and praised the contribution of Chinese firms. “It is important to note that 5G is turning into something of a political battleground,” said EU Parliament member Frances Fitzgerald adding the development of 5G should be a global enterprise, and no arbitrary borders should impede it. “In the years ahead, as we look to the rollout of 5G and the development of 6G, it is critical that political leaders ensure there are no artificial divisions,” she noted.

In the Philippines, both PLDT Inc. and Smart. have partnered with Huawei for their 5G networks. PLDT inked an agreement with Huawei in 2017 for the development of its 5G network, which involves the establishment of an innovation laboratory and showcase network. The two also signed a $28.5-million deal to overhaul PLDT’S wireless service delivery platforms.

Last December, Smart and its technology partners successfully tested 5G Carrier Aggregation (CA), making it one of the first mobile operators in Asia Pacific to test CA in the live 5G network. Smart also successfully tested 5G CA on the 5G low-band 700MHZ (n28) and the 5G mid-band 3.5GHZ band (n78), with Huawei’s Mate 40 Pro 5G smartphone.

This combination of frequency enables greater flexibility, where the low band provides wider coverage, and the mid-band provides higher capacity where required, like in sports arenas and open-air event venues, for example.

FROM ‘POSSIBLE’ TO ‘INEVITABLE’

SINCE 2016, 5G has been embedded in Smart’s network planning and its initiatives form a large part of the PLDT Group’s sustained investments in their network, which totaled some P260 billion from 2015 to 2019. With the surge in demand for data, PLDT and Smart are prepared to invest between P88 billion and P92 billion in 2021 to meet the requirements of mobile and fixed line customers.

All throughout the pandemic, technology served as a lifeline for both business and consumers. Without fast and reliable connectivity, the shift to digital would have been more difficult for business and work-from-home arrangements wouldn’t have been possible.

We might have been forced to be physically distant, but thanks to the Internet we were able to maintain our social connections, hold virtual parties and even reconnect with long lost family members.

And while we were stuck indoors, all we needed was a few taps on our smartphones to keep ourselves sane and entertained with Youtube, Tiktok, Viu and Netflix.

It was almost the same time last year when Crash Landing on You became our national K-drama of sorts as Pinoys avidly followed the love story of Captain Ri and Yon Seri, providing a reprieve from the problems brought about by the pandemic.

Who would have thought that just a few months after the series ended, Capt Ri himself, Hyun Bin, would become Smart’s ambassador for its 5G campaign. In August, it was Son Ye-jin’s turn to join the Smart family for its new 5G Signature plans. So from something that seemed “possible” it soon became “inevitable” as the reel-turned-real couple appeared in a their first TVC together sending our hearts aflutter in time for Valentines.

Smart said it was a lot of hard work to have the K-drama power couple reunite on screen but they weren’t going to disappoint the fans who came up with the #Insmartwetrust hashtag.

The TVC even got international attention appearing in various Korean entertainment news outlets and thrilling local and foreign fans. After all, it was the first time to see them together following their January 1 confirmation of their romance.

The two TVCS also shared the spotlight with folk pop OPM band Ben&ben which composed and performed the song “Inevitable,” as the two searched and found each other in a crowded city with the help of Smart’s 5G technology. Last February 28, more than 200,000 watched “The Inevitable Drone Show,” a oneof-a-kind musical display with Ben&ben performing as Smart released the second Binjin TVC.

As we were writing this column, there was a teaser that Smart’s next endorser would be a big Hollywood name. The campaign is said to be one of the biggest initiatives produced by Smart and the first-ever Hollywood A-list brand ambassador is the lead star of the highest-grossing film of all time—and a film franchise which has grossed more than US $10-billion worldwide.

Now, that could mean several guys from Marvel’s Avengers series, as Avengers: Endgame is the highest grossing movie, but the next clue (“To infinity and beyond”) might just be the giveaway that it could be Chris Evans, as he will be playing the role of the Buzz Lightyear in the upcoming movie Lightyear, although that clue could still be a swerve.

Could it also be a sign that we might finally get Disney+ in time for Falcon and The Winter Soldier? I’m keeping my fingers crossed. ■