Smart expands 5G roaming

MANILA, Philippines — PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. continues to widen the reach of its 5G roaming services, which is now available in 50 countries.

Smart’s global 5G roaming rollout is made possible through 80 international partners.

Smart said 5G roaming subscribers in Estonia, Slovakia, Netherlands, Iceland, and Latvia can benefit from the service using their 5G-capable SIM and devices through global telco partners Telia Estonia, Orange Slovakia, KPN, Siminn HF, and Tele2 Latvia, respectively.

Smart also increased its 5G roaming coverage by adding new partners in Vietnam (Vinaphone), Qatar (Ooredoo), Greece (Wind Hellas), Finland (Elisa), France (Orange France), Czech Republic (T-Mobile) and Bulgaria (Yettel Bulgaria/Telenor).

Since last year, the company has been doubling its efforts to serve the 5G roaming needs of its customers.

“With customer-centricity as our guiding principle, we are giving our global customers access to fast data speeds through these partnerships with international telco firms in key markets. This will empower them to pursue their passions and fulfill their purpose, as COVID-19 restrictions ease across borders – reviving international travel and tourism as more people get vaccinated and adapt to the new normal,” Smart vice president for wireless core and international business group Chet Alviz said.

Smart 5G roaming subscribers in the 50 countries where the service is available can subscribe to Smart’s GigaRoam 1GB roaming plan for P999 valid for five days.

5G customers in the Philippines, meanwhile, can also enjoy the fast and reliable 5G network of Smart with the company’s accelerated deployment.

Smart has 7,200 5G base stations in the country as of end -2021.