The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awards digital services provider PLDT $1 million grant to fund a fiber-optic network and transmission infrastructure modernization training program under US-based IT and networking company Cisco.

Through the training program, PLDT will be able to employ certified professionals that have a deeper understanding of the 5G and other advanced systems.

“This landmark grant agreement between PLDT and the US Trade and Development Agency for training purposes will enable PLDT to utilize fully the cutting-edge technologies that Cisco will deploy to transform our fiber transmission network into a 5G-ready infrastructure,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan chair and CEO, PLDT. “This will definitely benefit the Philippines, and raise its efforts in adopting and deploying technologies in the next wave of digital innovation.”

Have you read “PLDT partners with Cisco to build 5G-ready IP transport network”?

PLDT has been investing in its fiber-optic network expansion across the country to deliver ICT and fast connectivity to businesses and homes in both for fixed and wireless.

Recently, PLDT has been implementing multiple modernization projects with several carrier partners to ready the network in the advent of 5G technology. Last year, it launched a 5G-capable network at the PLDT headquarters in Makati as well as in Clark, Pampanga.

It also announced recent agreements with institutions like the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC), to develop and study possible used cases of 5G technology.

“5G is a new technology that is opening exciting new opportunities for digital services. This training program will help us deliver the new skills and capabilities needed to take full advantage of these opportunities,” said Mario G. Tamayo, senior vice president and head of Network Services, PLDT.