PLDT, Smart lead PH foray into disruptive tech

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. are batting for new and disruptive technologies such as Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN).

The technology allows Smart to mix and match hardware and software from any vendor by allowing different components of the radio network to be disaggregated using open-source software and general-purpose hardware.

Earlier this year, the telco was the first in the Philippines to successfully demo Open RAN, according to Arvin L. Siena, PLDT and Smart VP and Head for Network Strategy and Planning.

“We are now among the leaders in Asia-Pacific in testing and exploring new technologies, particularly for telco networks,” he pointed out.

Open RAN helps telcos save on cost, enabling operators to be more flexible and agile, and making their network more intelligent and efficient.

In turn, this paves the way for the best customer experience and more innovative services.

The telcos hope more people will be involved in developing platforms, services, and applications for this technology, Siena noted.

“As Open RAN presents many opportunities, innovation will be key. It is best to start early to overcome the challenges ahead,” he added.

The ultimate goal is to create an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet and digital ecosystem.

“Our systems and processes are based on technology we have been using for many years, and this requires many changes in the way we design and organize our infrastructure, the way we set up our organizations, and the knowledge, skill set, and competencies of our people to evolve the network into a future-proof architecture,” he explained.

Open RAN also presents opportunities for local developer communities.

“The Philippines has not been focusing on developing applications for telcos, so the software we are using today in serving and enabling call flow and data flow are developed in other countries,” according to the official.

“Just imagine if developers in the Philippines work on applications for local mobile networks to run on local infrastructure. The opportunity for us is huge,” said Siena.