Smart ties up with China Mobile for 5G roaming

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT Inc.’s wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. has teamed up with China Mobile for 5G roaming services, expanding the mobile service provider’s extensive 5G roaming coverage in key markets worldwide.

Under the agreement, roaming subscribers of Smart and China Mobile will be able to experience 5G roaming speeds when they visit China and the Philippines.

“We want to enable our customers to follow their passion and achieve their purpose through our services. Smart prepaid and postpaid subscribers will be able to enjoy 5G roaming speeds for seamless data connectivity for work-productivity apps, especially for business travelers,” said Alice Ramos, Smart vice president for international roaming and consumer business.

Smart is China Mobile’s exclusive Philippine partner for its Hand-in-Hand Program, a global partnership with telco industry organizations worldwide.

China Mobile is currently the world’s largest mobile operator in terms of subscribers, serving almost one billion customers.

Smart 5G roamers in China can subscribe to GigaRoam China for P999/10 days, which includes 3GB data allowance with open access for web surfing, video streaming and social media.

Smart’s 5G roaming service allows a subscriber to enjoy 5G service even while abroad through its 5G roaming partners.

The launch of Smart’s 5G roaming service in China follows a series of recent 5G partnerships with various operators worldwide.

Smart currently provides the widest 5G roaming coverage in the Middle East with its collaborations with Zain in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia and with Etisalat and du in the United Arab Emirates.

Smart has also teamed up with Taiwan’s FarEasTone, and South Korea’s KT Corp.

“This series of superior 5G roaming partnerships with the world’s top operators is a testament to Smart’s commitment to provide world-class roaming services to its travelers as travel restrictions are anticipated to relax with mass vaccinations,” Smart said.

In line with its 5G push, Smart is also introducing the country’s first 5G pocket WiFi called Rocket WiFi.

Rocket WiFi enables subscribers to enjoy next-level digital experiences at home or on the go.

Specially designed for sharing and multitasking, Rocket WiFi can connect up to 15 WiFi-capable smartphones, tablets, or laptops.

Rocket WiFi also enables users to enjoy all-day connectivity with its heavy-duty 5,000mAh battery.

“We’re very proud to launch the Rocket WiFi, the country’s first-ever 5G-powered Pocket WiFi, as part of our thrust to simply bring the latest technology and cutting-edge innovations in the hands of Filipinos,” said Jane Basas, SVP and head of consumer wireless business at Smart.

“With the Rocket WiFi, our subscribers have front-row seats to new and exciting digital experiences that can only be made possible by Smart 5G, the most extensive 5G network in the Philippines,” she said.