For PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, the word ‘digital’ is already old-school.
“There were two young fish swimming along and they happen to meet an older fish—probably myself—who greets them with this salutation, “Good morning boys! How is the water?” The two young fish swim a little further, and eventually, one of them asks the other, ‘What the hell is water?’” said Pangilinan, using a story recounted by author David Foster Wallace to illustrate his point.
In a world where digital is already the default, Pangilinan noted that perhaps it is time to retire the use of the word “digital” altogether.
“Nowadays, if you use the word or adjective ‘digital,’ you’re probably ten years behind the times,” added Pangilinan in his keynote address for PLDT group technology partner Ericsson’s Imagine Live 2024, which gathered the wireless and network executives of PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) to discuss global trends and uncover opportunities in 5G, artificial intelligence, and beyond.
“We have done quite a bit of work to expand our 5G network but there is still so much opportunity ahead,” Pangilinan said, citing ‘green shoots’ in terms of 5G use cases and adoption in the Philippines. “We are seeing the prices of 5G devices coming down. That’s an important development for us.”
Recently, Smart launched the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G, its most affordable 5G device, reinforcing its push for ‘5G for All’ and enabling more Filipinos to enjoy the benefits of 5G.
“Our Network team is very keen to see how we can expand our network and make it more efficient in delivering the kinds of services that we see our customers want, such as livestreamed sports matches or concerts,” he added.
Pangilinan underscored the importance of staying attuned with the times in order to deliver the level of service required by customers.
“We need to stay current, to be attuned with the times. We need to challenge the wisdom we have accumulated over the years,” he said. “In this era, telco is not just technology for us, it’s a lifeline. Our customers expect their connections to be instantaneous, seamless, reliable, and extensive. Whether it’s a student taking an online class, a doctor doing teleconsultation, or a couple on their honeymoon trying to navigate a new city as they travel—they all need connectivity that works every time and everywhere.”
Pangilinan likewise cautioned against getting stuck in the details and losing sight of what truly matters. “The problem is we are all fish too who sometimes do not notice that we are swimming in the water and tend to get bogged down by conversations about specs and features and use cases, while forgetting to rack our brains and imagine a little more,” he said.
“Imagine what our networks can become when they are fully integrated with AI, when connections aren’t just about speed but about intelligence, adaptability and personalization. Imagine a world where our networks become a platform for innovation, not just conduits for data but ecosystems that enable new industries, new products, new services and new ways of life,” Pangilinan added.
Ericsson’s Imagine Live 2024 also featured speeches from Ericsson executives Daniel Ode, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Philippines and Brunei; Andres Vicente, Head of Market Area Southeast Asia, Oceania and India, Ericsson; and Dr Magnus Ewerbring, CTO Asia Pacific, Ericsson.
Jojo Gendrano, PLDT SVP and Head of Enterprise and International Business, joined a panel discussion with representatives from Ericsson, Novare, and Amkor on driving digital transformation through ecosystem collaboration, while Kristine A. Go, Senior Vice President for Smart Consumer Wireless Business, and Eric Santiago, PLDT First Vice President and Deputy Network Head, joined Ericsson experts onstage in seminars discussing 5G monetization opportunities in the Philippines and delivering enhanced connectivity with 5G and unlocking next generation use cases, respectively.
Anastacio “Boy” Martirez, Smart Chief Operating Officer, ended the sessions with a clear call for Smart to reinforce leadership in his closing remarks.
Pangilinan and PLDT and Smart leaders and executives were also able to visit a demonstration and exhibit area featuring Ericsson’s advanced technology solutions and 5G use cases that are relevant for the Philippines.
The PLDT Group’s continued investments in enhancing its integrated network and in innovating its products and services are aligned with the group’s commitment to democratize access to the latest technologies like 5G, enable 5G for all, and deliver leveled-up customer experience across the country.
These also contribute to the PLDT Group’s endeavors to narrow the digital divide, provide connectivity to all, and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) particularly SDG 9—Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. These also reinforce the Group’s support for the Government’s overall digitalization thrust.
