PLDT in talks with Huawei, ZTE, Ericsson, Nokia, Cisco for 5G equipment

PLDT Inc said it expects to finalize suppliers of its 5G network equipment by the end of the year as it aims to launch the advanced network in the fourth quarter of this year.

       PLDT Chairman, President and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan told reporters last week that the company is currently discussing with five international technology providers as possible 5G equipment suppliers.

These companies include China's Huawei and ZTE, Sweden's Ericsson, Finland's Nokia and the United States' Cisco.

“We are testing these plants on a pilot basis in several regions where they are being installed,” he said.

    "Hopefully by the fourth quarter we can have 5G wireless technology available for homes and businesses," he added.

Last year, PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. activated two 5G cell towers in the Makati central business district and the Clark Freeport zone, where the company said it could record speeds of up to 700 megabits per second (Mbps).

       Technology partner Huawei in Makati and partner Ericsson in Clark provided the 5G radio as well as core equipment for the sites.

       Mr Pangilinan said the company may eventually reach agreements with about two dozen technology suppliers to commercialise 5G.

       Mr. Pangilinan also noted that PLDT remained in touch with Huawei after the U.S. government blacklisted the company on national security grounds.

     "We have been in constant contact with them. They are our supplier for the 4G network and the fixed network. Of course, we raised the security concerns with them and they promised to cooperate," Mr Pangilinan said.