Nokia’s Bell Labs Consulting has been tapped by NOW Telecom to implement a pilot 5G network at multiple sites in Metro Manila. It will also create a nationwide network design for 5G Standalone (SA), as well as design and planning for a national broadband network.

The network planning and design by Nokia will help NOW Telecom acquire investment to deploy the country’s first 5G Standalone (SA) network and provide differentiated services. Facilitated by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the consulting work is set to start next month. 

NOW Telecom provides broadband and fiber-optic communication services under the NOW Fiber Air brand in select areas in Metro Manila.

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“A robust and reliable 5G network will play a crucial role in promoting social and financial mobility and spurring the economic growth of the country,” said Mel Velasco Velarde, chair and CEO of NOW Telecom.

With Nokia’s support in network designing and planning, as well as its automation software to manage the operation of the network, NOW Telecom will be able to address the growing demand for reliable and secure digital services from both household and enterprise customers. NOW Telecom plans to offer Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) 5G services to connect the unconnected and provide superior network speed and latency improvement. 

“This project will expand opportunities for US companies and trusted technology partners to deliver next-generation network solutions in one of the region’s fastest-growing telecommunications markets,” said Enoh Ebong, director of USTDA.