Ericsson has launched its Ericsson Imagine Live 2024 roadshow in the Philippines, showcasing innovative technology solutions and practical 5G use cases aimed at facilitating the country’s shift to a digital economy. The event, held in Makati City, emphasizes the critical role that 5G infrastructure will play in enhancing economic growth and digitalization across various sectors.
In his keynote address at the inaugural session, Andres Vicente, Head of Ericsson Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India, underscored the transformative potential of 5G. “5G is an innovation platform for driving digital transformation of businesses and society. Ericsson research shows that on average, a 10% increase in mobile broadband adoption can increase economic growth (GDP) by up to 0.8%,” he stated. Vicente expressed eagerness to collaborate with the Philippine government on digitalization initiatives, emphasizing the need for robust digital infrastructure powered by 5G.
The adoption of 5G technology is expected to unlock numerous opportunities for both consumers and enterprises. By enabling advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud computing to operate seamlessly on reliable 5G networks, businesses can create new value, gain competitive advantages, and reduce costs. For consumers, the benefits of 5G include faster download speeds, smoother streaming experiences, and enhanced gaming interactions. Improved connectivity promises advancements in telemedicine, remote education, and overall quality of life.
Daniel Ode, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Philippines, and Brunei, noted that “more affordable 5G smartphones, a maturing 5G ecosystem, coupled with accelerated 5G deployments will serve to boost 5G adoption in the Philippines.” As investments in 5G infrastructure continue, it is projected that over 40% of total mobile subscriptions in the Philippines will be on 5G by 2030.
According to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report, 5G is experiencing significant global growth, with subscriptions reaching 1.9 billion by the end of Q2 2024. This number is expected to climb to nearly 5.6 billion by 2029, representing 60% of all mobile subscriptions. Currently, 5G subscriptions in the Philippines account for approximately 9% of the total mobile market.
The Philippines’ unique geography poses challenges for traditional broadband deployment, but the potential for Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) using 5G is promising. An Ericsson Consumer Lab study revealed that one in three households in the Philippines rely on mobile connectivity at home, indicating a strong demand for FWA solutions.
“The time to make investments in the 5G networks in the Philippines is now. 5G will serve as the critical infrastructure that will accelerate the digitalization of enterprises, transform consumer experiences, and provide the country with a competitive edge when it comes to attracting foreign investments in the country,” Vicente reiterated.
With over 36 years of presence in the Philippines, Ericsson is well-positioned to support local communication service providers in the transition to 5G. The company has successfully powered 166 live 5G networks across five continents, reaffirming its leadership in the global 5G landscape.
During the Imagine Live event, demonstrations were organized into four zones: ‘Capture the Value of 5G for Consumers,’ ‘Capture the Value of 5G for Enterprises,’ ‘Shape Our Future Together,’ and ‘Programmable Networks.’ These interactive zones provided attendees with firsthand experience of the capabilities and benefits of 5G technology.
For instance, the ‘Capture the Value of 5G for Consumers’ zone featured the Immersive Sports Fan experience demo, allowing sports clubs to engage directly with fans through a feature-rich app that creates new revenue opportunities. In addition, the ‘Programmable Networks’ zone showcased how Ericsson is transforming the mobile network landscape by providing premium 5G experiences with service-level agreement assurance.
As the Philippines embarks on its digital transformation journey, Ericsson’s ongoing commitment to supporting the government’s digital agenda and enhancing the capabilities of local communication service providers will be vital in realizing the full potential of 5G technology.