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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider PLDT eyes AI, 5G synergy for regional growth

PLDT eyes AI, 5G synergy for regional growth

Published Jul 1, 2025 10:23 am
Pangilinan-led telecommunications giant PLDT Inc. is setting its sight on the combined potential of 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) to lead its future growth domestically and potentially across the Asia-Pacific region.
PLDT, the country’s largest integrated telco, said it is now charting its path to become “more than just a national player.”
“PLDT is now positioning itself as a regional innovator, ready to bring Philippine-grown solutions to the global stage,” it said.
Speaking at the 2025 Mobile World Congress in Shanghai, China last week, PLDT Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr. said the company is betting big on the synergy between AI and 5G.
Jimenez said this powerful duo will be a major force in transforming PLDT from a traditional connectivity provider into a future leader for solutions across industries.
“Telcos have the unique DNA to deliver both, and that’s why we believe the future of the industry depends on how we harness these two forces together,” he said.
This convergence strategy aligns with the vision of PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan to build a “mega utility” comprising power, water, highways, agriculture, media, and telco.
Jimenez said this long-term goal is now taking shape, with PLDT at the forefront of digital transformation through AI platforms and 5G-powered infrastructure.
“If we stopped at just providing connectivity, our revenues and relevance would eventually plateau. We had to invest forward, and we did,” he added.
PLDT is planning to pursue a strong synergy between 5G and AI by building smarter infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and rigorous upskilling among its workforce.
“If our people don’t embrace AI, there’s no way we can lead with it. We must believe in it ourselves before we can deliver it to our customers,” said Jimenez.
He stated that nurturing intelligent and integrated ecosystems will enable PLDT to lead the 5G and AI revolution for the Philippines and beyond.
Alongside these developments, PLDT currently operates the country’s largest data center network and is the only provider currently capable of offering services essential for AI processing.
The company expects these assets to meet the increasing demand from enterprises and conglomerates for scalable AI solutions.
Last April, Pangilinan said PLDT is planning to expand its data center capacity to 500 megawatts (MW), meeting the demands of tech giants seeking data storage.

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