PLDT, Nokia to introduce 1st IoT for enterprises

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT Inc. and Nokia are joining forces to bring next generation Internet of Things (IoT) services to local enterprises for the first time.

PLDT wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. and Nokia plan to build and introduce the Smart IoT platform, which will be the first of its kind for enterprises in the Philippines.

The platform aims to help businesses easily deploy IoT services and solutions to manage their connected devices for growth opportunities.

“Not only will the platform enpower key industries, it is also going to be the Philippines’ first IoT offer,” ePLDT president and CEO, PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Group SVP and head Jovy Hernandez said.

“IoT is a technological revolution with immense potential in improving the way we do things, and we are finalizing a partnership with Nokia to fortify our initiatives in this space. With Smart’s proven robust network and Nokia’s Global IoT ecosystem, this strategic partnership aims to simplify IoT deployment at scale,” Hernandez said.

The Smart IoT platform is targeted to be introduced during the PLDT group’s upcoming Philippine Digital Convention 2020 scheduled by the end of the month.

The platform will be powered by Nokia’s Worldwide IoT Network Grid (WING).

“We recognize the great value potential of IoT. With Nokia WING, we will continue to drive the adoption of next-generation technologies, providing our customers with not only connectivity but solutions to maximize their IoT potential,” Nokia Philippines country manager Andrew Cope said.

The PLDT group is eyeing the public sector, as well as the transport and logistics, manufacturing, utilities, and retail industries, to be among the principal beneficiaries of the platform.

PLDT said the IoT solutions would be fully ready by 2021 but the company is already in discussions with enterprise clients that intend to utilize IoT technology for their operations.

“I look forward to seeing our Enterprise customers utilizing this platform to expand their deployment of IoT solutions and services, easily, on our LTE and 5G networks.This will also be a catalyst for the Philippines manufacturing industry, to embrace IR4.0,” PLDT Group chief technology advisor Joachim Horn said.