PLDT receives $1 million grant

MANILA,Philippines — Leading telco and digital services provider PLDT recently received a $1 million grant from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for a training program that will support the firm’s fiber and 5G rollout initiatives.

In a statement, PLDT said the grant would fund a fiber optic network and transmission infrastructure modernization training program under US-based IT and networking leader Cisco.

It added that the grant would further equip the company with certified professionals in its preparation to roll out and manage a modernized network for 5G and other advanced systems.

“This landmark grant agreement between PLDT and the US Trade and Development Agency for training purposes will enable PLDT to utilize fully the cutting-edge technologies that Cisco will deploy to transform our fiber transmission network into a 5G-ready infrastructure,“ PLDT chairman and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

“This will definitely benefit the Philippines, and raise its efforts in adopting and deploying technologies in the next wave of digital innovation,” he added.

PLDT has been investing in fiber optic network expansion across the country to deliver ICT and fast connectivity to businesses and homes both for fixed and wireless.

The company has been implementing multiple modernization projects with several carrier-partners to ready the network for the advent of 5G technology.

Last year, it launched a 5G-capable network at the PLDT headquarters in Makati as well as in Clark, Pampanga.

It also announced recent agreements with institutions like the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and Clark Development Corp. (CDC), to develop and study possible uses of 5G technology.

“5G is a new technology that is opening exciting new opportunities for digital services,“ PLDT senior vice president and head of network services Mario Tamayo said.

“This training program will help us deliver the new skills and capabilities needed to take full advantage of these opportunities,” he added.

PLDT earlier eyed to launch 5G services for home broadband and enterprise customers by the fourth quarter this year, but deferred it to next year to have a clearer view of the new technology.