Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), the wireless subsidiary of PLDT Inc. (PLDT), has successfully tested a new roaming technology that could make mobile data faster and more responsive for Filipinos traveling abroad.
The live demonstration, conducted with Nokia during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona earlier this year, used Nokia’s Core SaaS Edge for Roaming technology to process mobile data closer to where customers were located instead of sending it back to the Philippines first.
“Solutions like Core SaaS Edge are advancing connectivity by unlocking better roaming experiences for people worldwide. Working with telecommunication service providers like Smart — innovators that are willing to push the boundaries of tomorrow — helps us take important steps to a brighter future,” said Henrique Vale, vice president, Asia-Pacific region, Core Software at Nokia.
The approach, known as local breakout (LBO), reduced the time it takes for data to travel across networks. As a result, users experienced faster web browsing, quicker app response times, and smoother mobile data performance while roaming in Europe.
According to Smart, the trial is the first live demonstration of its kind by a telecommunications operator in Southeast Asia. The technology allows operators to keep customer management, billing, and network policies in their home network while delivering data through a nearby regional point of presence.
For travelers, this means mobile apps, maps, messaging, and other online services can feel more like they are using a local mobile network even while connected through a Philippine SIM card.
“Smart’s continuous investments in exploring innovations such as this local breakout technology is part of our broader commitment to always deliver exceptional services to our customers, wherever they may be — not just in the Philippines, but across the world,” said Menardo Jimenez Jr., chief operating officer of PLDT, and head of Network at PLDT and Smart, adding that the successful demonstration illustrates the real potential of this technology to enable Smart subscribers to roam as if they are on a local network, while still using their Smart SIMs.
For Smart, the technology could improve the experience of millions of Filipinos who travel overseas each year for work, business, or leisure. Faster roaming services may also help the company differentiate its mobile offerings as demand for seamless international connectivity continues to grow.