KIANEWS NOW Telecom receives P188-M grant from the United States to conduct a 5G feasibility study
20. 01. 2023 Friday / By: Robert Denes / Industrial / Exact time: BST / Print this page
NOW Telecom has selected New Jersey-based Nokia Bell Labs, Nokia's research arm, to conduct a feasibility study on its proposed 5G network.
MANILA, Philippines - NOW Telecom has received a P188 million grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to fund a feasibility study on the potential development of 5G mobile and broadband networks in the Philippines.The grant agreement formalizing the agreement was signed by NOW Telecom President and CEO Mel Velarde and Nokia Bell Labs Managing Partner Stefan Wilhem during the 10th Philippines-US Bilateral Strategic Dialogue held on Friday, January 20 held in Manila.
The agreement — a follow-up to an earlier announcement by the Philippines and the United States of a 5G network partnership during US Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to the Southeast Asian country — brings the company one step closer to building its own 5G network. the country.
USTDA previously identified 5G network design as the first of the three components it would assist in providing technical assistance, followed by the design and testing of such networks in the country.
NOW Telecom has selected New Jersey-based Nokia Bell Labs, Nokia's research arm, to conduct a feasibility study of the proposed 5G network, according to a statement from the US Embassy.
At the signing of the grant agreement, US Deputy Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink also highlighted how the company intends to provide safer online access to the Philippines.
At the signing of the grant agreement,US Deputy Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink also highlighted how the company intends to provide safer online access to the Philippines.
“Filipinos can and should be safe online. Defending against malicious cyber activity is difficult even in the best of times, but it is infinitely more difficult when the risk lies with the entity that builds and maintains access to the telecommunications network,” he said. "This 5G grant demonstrates the United States' commitment to developing quality digital infrastructure and increasing access to affordable connectivity in the Philippines," Kritenbrink added.
In early 2019, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned the Philippines of the "security risks" of Chinese communications equipment supplier Huawei Technologies, which has partnered with the Philippines' two telecom players, PLDT and Globe Telecom, to develop 5G in building their networks.
Based on a feasibility study, NOW Telecom is expected to receive "the necessary analysis designs and plans" to implement its 5G initiative.
"This includes the establishment of a 5G pilot network in several locations in the city of Manila to monitor network performance, test 5G use cases, and provide data for larger-scale deployment," the US embassy said.
NOW Telecom was among the companies that wanted to become the third major telecommunications player in the Philippines, but backed out on the day of the bid. Dito Telecommunity, a joint venture between Dennis Uy and Beijing-backed China Telecom, won this tender.
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