Smart taps Nokia to deploy 5G to schools

SMART Communications Inc. has tapped Finnish multinational tech company Nokia for the deployment of 5G wireless broadband equipment and services in educational institutions to allow schools to leverage on the growing popularity of solutions for the socalled Internet of Things (IoT).

The two companies, under a memorandum of agreement signed on Tuesday, will jointly identify realworld and enterprise-led 5G standalone (5G SA) solutions which means that data transmission will be solely reliant on 5G connections.

This new technology will allow educational institutions to develop their facilities for artificial intelligence, drones and other IoT solutions.

“We are happy to partner with Nokia to help develop intelligent solutions and technologies for the benefit of the Philippine education sector,” Smart Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

The deal between the two companies also calls for the deployment of 5G SA technologies, such as handsets and applications. 5G is seen to offer massive Internet speeds, but mobile use of 5G has yet to be available as industry standards are yet to be set.

“By working with partners like Nokia in unlocking the full potential of 5G for Filipino enterprises and customers, we are putting the Philippines at par with the rest of the world in preparing for the deployment and adoption of 5G,” Smart Chief Technology and Information Advisor Joachim Horn said. Jae Won, who heads Nokia Asia Pacific, added that this agreement goes beyond the Internet speeds that 5G can offer.

“5G SA enables introduction of services like real-time remote control of robotics and autonomous driving of transport vehicles in the areas of Industrial Revolution 4.0 with new technologies, like Network Slicing and Ultra Reliable and Low Latency Communications,” he said. Lorenz S. Marasigan