UP seals ICT partnership with PLDT Group

MANILA, Philippines - The PLDT Group has firmed up its partnership with the University of the Philippines to support the national university’s program to upgrade its information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and services.

Officials of ePLDT, PLDT, wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and the university signed two agreements under which the university’s internal information systems will be modernized and its various campuses will be provided carrier grade WiFi internet connectivity.

ePLDT won the contract to provide the core programs needed to run the digitalization of the UP system, also known as the eUP Project. ePLDT will use different Oracle suites for every management system although some parts of the software will be developed by UP itself.

The ICT system features online access and processing of the whole student life cycle from enrolment to graduation and beyond.

Under a separate MOU, Smart has committed to provide wireless connectivity in the various UP campuses; the Smart Infoboard, an SMS broadcast facility that the school could use for faster and timely dissemination of information; as well as mobile laboratory to inspire application development among students and faculty.

It also aims to collaborate with UP in developing ICT courses that would equip students with the technical know-how so they are able to compete head-on with other applicants in the job market both here and abroad.

“We want to see UP as a connected university. Pardon the pun but we want to see UP as a “smart” university. In terms of infrastructure, we’re building cell sites equipped with industrial strength WiFi technology, while some will be upgraded to the most modern wireless technology, which is LTE,” said Smart chief wireless advisor Orlando Vea.

“In all its initiatives, the PLDT group has been driven by the guiding principle of how it can be the driving force to building the nation. One way of doing this is through eUP,” said ePLDT president and CEO Beth Lui.

PLDT Alpha Enterprise has also given its commitment to provide end-to-end solutions to support the eUP project.

“We are enabling technology to advance the country’s growth and encouraging academic excellence. PLDT is proud to be a partner of UP to attain higher levels of efficiency,” said Eric Alberto, PLDT executive vice president, head of enterprise and international carrier business for PLDT and Smart.

Smart has pioneered in the country the multi-band LTE, the fastest fourth generation mobile technology that is capable of delivering speeds not seen before in 3G.

The mobile phone operator will also provide “safe zones” or free-of-charge web sites that are most relevant to students and faculty.

“UP has a strategic importance for Smart as it is the country’s national university,” said Earl Martin Valencia, Smart’s corporate development and innovation head.

“Today’s signing between Smart and UP is a major step leading to the implementation of eUP, which would facilitate seamless processes for higher levels of productivity. With Smart and ePLDT as our partners, we expect eUP to go on full speed,” said UP president Alfredo Pascual.