Telcos need to do a lot more in monetizing 5G, which is a service-based, customizable end-to-end network, according to Arvin L. Siena, PLDT Head of Technology Strategy and Transformation Office.
But unlike Long Term Evolution and 4G, with their "one-size-fits-all approach", 5G lends itself better for the purpose.
For this reason, PLDT partnered with Cisco to "enhance our capability in developing and testing new innovative services at the 5G TechnoLab", he reasoned.
"We are continuously on the lookout for 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions that address our customers unique needs and help them grow their business, as part of the broader PLDT commitment to elevate the quality of customer experience,” Siena elaborated.
Cisco is installing 5G Stand Alone (SA) Core and 5G Access Nodes, in PLDT’s 5G TechnoLab in Makati.
The lab will feature virtualized 5G routing in the cloud, fronthaul and backhaul transport, segment routing, transport slicing, automation and more.
The ultimate goal is to expand and co-develop other horizontal and vertical 5G-enabled use cases with 3rd party ecosystem partners to monetize PLDT’s 5G business in the Philippine market.
The open and secure network also enables PLDT to address pressing challenges, like the sudden and permanent shift towards hybrid work and the need to energize industries on critical network infrastructure.
As part of the engagement, Cisco will also share its global 5G experience in different industry verticals, including Industry Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) digital transformation (DX), and deploying 5G-Enabled Manufacturing.
PLDT will continue to help its customers’ trials and lead in Robotics Process Automation (RPA) and Precision Control, autonomous Automated Guided Vehicles (aAGV) with seamless mobility.
It will have the added advantages of integrating TechnoLab’s existing Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) capabilities.
The addition of 5G Network Slicing enables the industrial applications to be allocated with the right bandwidth and service quality, per application, on demand.
The enterprise grade 5G features include security, multi-cloud compliance, service management with self-service capabilities and Machine Learning (ML)-enabled Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“Cisco brings together technologies like 5G, Wi-Fi6 and IoT integrated with enterprise IT policy and security frameworks," says Sanjay Kaul, President, APJ Service Provider.
For hybrid work, connected remote workers with experts on demand, allow enhanced collaboration with WebEx.
This allows enterprises to leverage 5G for remote asset connection with SD-WAN, while at the same time, protecting critical infrastructure with Cisco Meraki cameras and IoT sensors connected to video AI solutions over 5G.