Smart’s List of Global Partners for 5G Grows with NTT Docomo

Smart Communications Inc., PLDT Inc’s wireless unit, continues to add to its list of global partners for its 5G roaming rollout with the recent inclusion of Japan’s NTT Docomo.

Smart has partnered up with NTT Docomo to launch 5G roaming services, which will allow Smart customers to enjoy 5G roaming data speeds in Japan with their Smart 5G-capable SIM and 5G device.

NTT Docomo is one of the 5G pioneers in Asia and Japan’s biggest mobile operator exceeding 80 million subscriptions.

“This partnership with NTT Docomo helps us provide an unmatched 5G roaming experience for Smart customers in Japan,” said Alice Ramos, Smart vice president and head of roaming and consumer business.

“This is consistent with Smart’s collective goal to bring world-class services to the Filipino people,” Ramos added.

NTT Docomo and Smart are both members of the CONEXUS Mobile Alliance, which consists of nine member-telcos across Asia that are leaders in the delivery of cutting-edge services to customers who frequently travel for business.

Smart and CONEXUS continue to roaming services for international travelers despite this division being the worst hit by the pandemic within the telecom industry.

Smart plans to team up with more international telcos to provide world-class 5G roaming services to its customers this year, especially as travel restrictions are expected to ease up in light of the worldwide vaccination rollout.

The telco’s partnership with NTT Docomo follows various successful activations in Australia, China, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Smart also offers full 5G roaming coverage in Taiwan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.

Smart was the first to roll out its 5G service nationwide when it launched its commercial 5G services in July last year. The company also has the most extensive 5G network in the country with over 2,300 sites nationwide.

5G is the next generation of wireless technology enabling seamless HD video streaming, eliminating lag for mobile games, clearer video calls without buffering, and instantly uploading or downloading heavy files.

Source: PhilStar