Smart Communications and PLDT Enterprise are joining forces with Ericsson to explore and deploy Mobile Private Networks (MPN) tailored for the manufacturing sector, aiming to boost efficiency and automation.
In a statement, the companies detailed the partnership, saying the goal of leveraging Ericsson's private 5G expertise to empower manufacturers with cutting-edge connectivity solutions.
"Our collaboration with Ericsson on Mobile Private Networks signifies a major step forward in supporting the manufacturing sector’s journey towards digital transformation," Mitch Locsin, first vice president and head of Enterprise and International Core Business at PLDT and Smart, said.
"With Ericsson’s global expertise in private 5G and our deep understanding of local industry needs, we are poised to empower our enterprise clients with the technology they need to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market,” she added.
The partnership seeks to accelerate the adoption of MPN within the local manufacturing industry. By establishing dedicated wireless networks, manufacturers gain enhanced control over production lines, leading to improved output and minimized waste.
This is achieved through more reliable real-time data exchange and seamless automation, key features of private 5G networks.
"Private 5G networks provide reliable, scalable, secure, and agile connectivity to handle the high-performance demands of modern smart facilities," added Daniel Ode, head of Ericsson Singapore, Philippines, and Brunei.
"Ericsson, Smart, and PLDT Enterprise will promote the value proposition and capabilities offered by MPN technology towards the manufacturing industry and enhance productivity and efficiency,” he said.
The collaboration will focus on key use cases like connected machinery, enabling manufacturers to optimize processes, reduce downtime, and implement real-time monitoring. Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technologies further enhances production flexibility and scalability.
To showcase the potential of MPN, Smart and PLDT Enterprise will utilize their Innovation Laboratory, PLDT Innolab, to conduct demonstrations for manufacturing clients. These sessions will highlight how MPN can address critical challenges in areas like predictive maintenance, remote monitoring, and smart factory automation.
Through these activities, the PLDT group aims to gather valuable insights into global MPN best practices, accelerating the adoption of private 5G networks in the Philippines. This initiative positions PLDT Enterprise as a frontrunner in delivering customized, managed IT solutions for businesses.
As part of their commitment to digital transformation, Smart and PLDT Enterprise will continue to offer innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs of their clients.
By partnering with global technology leaders like Ericsson, they are empowering industries in the Philippines to become smarter, more efficient, and future-ready, contributing to sustainable growth and innovation in smart manufacturing, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.