PT&T eyes 5G broadband rollout

Listed telecommunications firm Philippine Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (PT&T) is set to offer fifth-generation (5G) broadband services, after securing a high band spectrum from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

In an emailed statement, PT&T said it will be testing 5G fixed wireless broadband "on a proof of concept" basis "soon", as part of its strategy to join the 5G bandwagon.

"This is in line with the company's initiative to get into 5G broadband services in the near future," the statement read.

This comes as the company said it was allocated 200 MHZ of high band spectrum by the NTC, and will be undergoing proof of concept on 5G fixed wireless access use cases.

PT&T reported a 23% revenue growth year-on-year during the first half of the year, with its core EBITDA posting a 209% growth.

"We are now benefiting from having spent the past two years transforming both PT&T's operations and product offerings to be relevant in the digital age," said PT&T president and chief executive officer James Velasquez.

"This makes us even more resilient during these times as the requirement for high speed internet and digital services becomes a priority," he added.

At present, PT&T has a network reach of 13,500 fiber kilometers in key areas, covering almost 40% of the total Philippine population.

A study commissioned by global technology firm Cisco found that Philippine telecommunications companies stand to increase revenues by as much as $650 million from the rollout of 5G services starting 2025.

According to the study conducted by management consultancy firm Kearney, increased revenues will be driven by the expected 15% penetration rate for 5G in the Philippines by 2025.

Incumbent telecommunications firms Globe Telecom Inc. and PLDT Inc., as well as its mobile subsidiary Smart Communications Inc., have already rolled out 5G services.

NOW Telecom Co. Inc., also earlier expressed its intent to roll out mobile 5G services.—AOL, GMA News