PLDT’s wireless arm Smart Communications says it is banking on affordable 5G devices as a key part of its strategy to drive growth in its 5G business in the Philippines as it plans on stronger rollout of its 4G and 5G networks for the rest of 2024.
In a statement Friday, Smart said that data traffic growth is being driven in part by the number of unique 5G devices in the market, which Smart expects to continue as the price of 5G devices drops.
Meanwhile, PLDT has cited 5G adoption as one of the emerging growth streams of their Individual Business, which posted revenues of PHP41.9 billion (around US$745.8 million) in the first half of 2024. Mobile data revenues now account for 89% of PLDT’s total Individual Wireless revenues.
Alex O. Caeg, head of Smart’s consumer wireless business, said that data users, particularly gamers, are beginning to appreciate the power of 5G.
“Moving forward, 5G will definitely play an important role as compatible smartphones become more affordable,” he said in a statement.
Last Thursday, the operator launched what it says its “most affordable 5G device”: the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G, which retails at PHP5,450 (a little under US$100). Under the current offer, subscribers can buy the smartphone in six monthly instalments at 0% interest.
Smart is also selling the ZTE Blade A75 5G with package bundles for its prepaid and postpaid 5G services.
Smart added it has also been offering device financing for 5G phones through various bank partners.
Apart from device affordability, Caeg said that for Smart to accelerate 5G growth momentum, we must leverage on our site rollouts and capacity enhancements, continue to offer the best value-for-money packages, and deliver excellent customer service to delight our subscribers.”
“We [also] see the potential of premium subscriber benefits for those using the 5G network," said Kristine A. Go, SVP for Smart’s consumer wireless business.
