PLDT, Smart pick Clark as first Smart 5G city in PH

Executives of PLDT, Smart, Ericsson, Bases Conversion and Development Authority and Clark Development Corp. do the ceremonial lighting for piloting ultra-high speed 5G at the Clark Freeport in Pampanga on Monday, Nov. 5. PHOTO BY TONETTE T. OREJAS

CLARK FREEPORT – This economic hub is being readied as the first Smart 5G City with ultra high-speed on December 2018 by the PLDT (Pilipino Long Distance Co.) and Smart Communications Inc.

These telecommunication giants signed a memorandum of understanding with the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) to execute the plan. CDC is the state agency overseeing the conversion of this former military base to civilian use.

The technology partner of PLDT and Smart in the Clark project is Ericsson.

“We are happy to be working with CDC in building the city of the future, equipped with smart services and powered by 5G infrastructure, right here in Pampanga. This will benefit not only Clark but the country as well by demonstrating that we are in step with the rest of the world in adopting advanced intelligent technologies,” said PLDT and Smart Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan in a statement released ahead of the signing.

The Clark Freeport spans 4,400 hectares, half of which is occupied by the Clark Aviation Complex and the Clark International Airport.

At least 949 companies are operating in the Freeport, employing nearly 120,000 workers.

PLDT has been operating in Clark since 1995.