The trial, led by PLDT’s Network Strategy and Architecture team, uses point-to-multipoint technology, where a single base node connects wirelessly to multiple radios installed at customer homes or buildings to deliver “fiber-like” internet speeds.
In recent tests, PLDT reached download speeds of 945 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of 929 Mbps, while successfully streaming videos and running apps like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.
Management’s view
“At PLDT and Smart, we believe that fast, reliable connectivity is a key driver of national progress. To help bridge the digital divide and ensure no Filipino is left offline, especially in underserved and geographically isolated communities (GIDAs), we must stay at the forefront of innovation,” said Menardo G. Jimenez, network head at PLDT and Smart.
“We explore and test next-generation technologies like Fixed Wireless Access not for novelty, but to meaningfully improve the customer experience and support the country’s broader digitalization goals. This is how we contribute to inclusive, future-ready nation-building,” he added.
Faster deployment
Radisys FWA has already been deployed in markets like India, and PLDT sees strong potential to adapt it locally.
The technology promises faster deployment and fewer civil works, making it ideal for underserved or geographically challenging locations.
PLDT’s adoption of FWA aligns with its commitment to elevate customer experience and lead in digital inclusion. As of March 2025, PLDT operates the country’s largest fiber infrastructure at over 1.2 million cable kilometers. This backbone also supports Smart’s mobile network, which now covers 97 percent of the Philippine population.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
