Smart Pilots Ericsson On-Demand Roaming Breakout Service, Bringing ‘Local-Like’ Roaming Experience Overseas

PLDT’s wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and technology partner Ericsson have successfully completed a live demo of Ericsson On-Demand's Roaming Breakout (RBO) service, taking a step further in efforts to enhance the data roaming experience for Filipino travelers around the world.

The tests, carried out simultaneously in the United States and the Philippines, covered a range of services commonly used by travelers, including video streaming and video calling. It involved routing subscriber data traffic through a Google point-of-presence in Virginia, United States, rather than returning traffic all the way to the Philippines, resulting in better latency, faster browsing and streaming, and an overall smoother data roaming experience.

Use cases tested during the pilot included video calls via Messenger between users in the US and the Philippines and US and Sweden, with the LBO technology-enabled smartphone facilitating a smoother call experience compared to the home-routed one.

Speed tests done on both demo smartphones also showcased as much as 5x faster download speeds, significantly lower latency, and smoother 4K video streaming via LBO, enabling a ‘local-like’ overseas mobile experience, closer to what customers may expect from a local SIM or travel eSIM.

“As customer expectations evolve, we continue to actively explore technologies that can transform how our subscribers stay connected while traveling abroad. This successful pilot with Ericsson gives us valuable insights into how next-generation roaming capabilities can help deliver a leveled-up experience for Filipinos wherever their journeys may take them,” said Roderick S. Santiago, Head of Network Strategy and Architecture at PLDT and Smart. “By enabling a better roaming experience, LBO can also help us uphold the network quality and reliability that Smart subscribers have come to expect, not only in the Philippines but even when they are overseas."

Bipin Melvin, VP & Head of Cloud Software and Services, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines and the Pacific Islands, Ericsson, says: “This successful pilot demonstrates how our SaaS Core built for Google Cloud, with its ease of creating core networks anywhere in the world, can help transform the roaming experience for mobile subscribers. By enabling data traffic to break out closer to where travelers are located, Ericsson On-Demand's Roaming Breakout service can significantly reduce latency and improve performance. Together with Smart, we have shown how innovation in roaming can help deliver a more seamless, local-like experience for customers wherever they travel.”

PLDT and Smart’s push to lead in next-generation technologies reflects the PLDT Group’s broader commitment to deliver a leveled-up, world-class customer experience to Filipinos here and abroad. These efforts support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and advance the Group’s contribution to the government’s overall digitalization thrust.

Taiwan Expo 2026 Brings AI, Cybersecurity and Smart Automation to Philippines as Digital Economy Expands

MANILA, Philippines - As artificial intelligence, automation, and digital services take on a greater role in the Philippine economy, Taiwanese technology companies are bringing enterprise AI, cybersecurity, and smart manufacturing solutions to Manila through Taiwan Expo 2026 in the Philippines.

The technologies arrive as the Philippine digital economy continues to grow. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country's digital economy reached PHP2.74 trillion in 2025, equivalent to 9.8 percent of gross domestic product, representing 5.4 percent year-on-year growth.

As more businesses move operations and services online, cybersecurity risks are also becoming more sophisticated. In July 2026, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas urged banks and other regulated institutions to strengthen cybersecurity measures in response to risks associated with advances in artificial intelligence, including the possibility of cybercriminals using AI to identify vulnerabilities and automate attacks at greater scale.

Against this backdrop, the Intelligent Technology Pavilion will showcase Taiwanese solutions spanning Artificial Intelligence of Things, edge computing, smart automation, advanced ICT, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.

Among the technologies being presented are AI-powered person tracking and facial recognition security systems, collaborative robots designed for manufacturing environments, forklift safety technologies for warehouse and logistics operations, and zero-trust cybersecurity frameworks for enterprises.

For Philippine manufacturers and logistics operators, these technologies offer potential applications in productivity, workplace safety and automation. For banks, corporations and other increasingly digital businesses, the cybersecurity technologies provide another layer of solutions for protecting systems, data and connected infrastructure.

The Expo is also building on a proven commercial platform. Taiwan Expo 2025 attracted more than 10,000 visitors and buyers and generated approximately US$53.4 million in business opportunities.

Philippine technology buyers, system integrators, manufacturers, distributors and corporate decision-makers will again have opportunities to meet participating Taiwanese companies directly through the Expo's enhanced Business Matching Program.

Taiwan Expo 2026 brings together more than 125 Taiwanese enterprises at the SMX Convention Center Manila from September 17 to 19.

LG Philippines Sees Stronger Demand for Dehumidifiers as Monsoon Season Drives Indoor Moisture Concerns

As the Philippines enters the monsoon season, managing humidity indoors is becoming an increasingly important concern for households looking to maintain a more comfortable living environment. LG Philippines says sales of its dehumidifiers are on track for significant growth during the rainy season, reflecting stronger consumer interest in effective indoor moisture management.

The prolonged rains associated with the monsoon can contribute to elevated indoor humidity, making rooms feel damp and potentially creating conditions that are less comfortable for occupants. For many households, a dedicated dehumidifier can provide a practical way to regulate excess moisture, particularly in bedrooms, living areas, storage spaces, and other enclosed environments.

LG’s PuriCare Dehumidifier lineup is designed to address different space requirements, with select models capable of removing up to 40 liters of moisture per day and covering areas of up to 120 square meters. This makes the lineup suitable for both smaller rooms and larger residential spaces where humidity control is needed.

One of the key technologies featured in the range is LG’s Dual Inverter Compressor, which is designed to provide efficient operation while maintaining consistent dehumidification performance. Energy efficiency can be particularly relevant for consumers who expect to operate a dehumidifier regularly throughout the rainy season.

The PuriCare lineup also incorporates features focused on cleanliness and convenience. A washable pre-filter helps capture larger particles before air passes through the system, while UVnano technology is designed to help maintain hygiene within the appliance.

For connected-home users, LG ThinQ provides additional convenience by enabling compatible appliances to be managed through a smart device. Meanwhile, dedicated drying hoses and continuous drainage options can reduce the need for frequent manual emptying of collected water, making extended operation more convenient.

As weather patterns continue to bring periods of high humidity across the Philippines, demand for technologies that improve indoor comfort is likely to remain strong. LG’s growing dehumidifier sales highlight how Filipino consumers are increasingly looking beyond cooling alone and toward more comprehensive indoor air and moisture management.

Globe Employees Use AI Solutions to Drive Real Business Impact

Artificial intelligence delivers its greatest value when it moves beyond concepts and into everyday use. At Globe, employees are building and deploying AI solutions that are already being used to improve customer experience, strengthen operations, and simplify the way work gets done. The company highlighted this culture of innovation through the Globe AI Showcase, recognizing standout AI solutions from more than 50 employee-developed AI use cases that are already addressing real business needs across the organization.

The showcase reflects Globe's commitment to empowering employees to develop AI solutions that address real business challenges. These are not theoretical AI concepts but working solutions that are already delivering tangible business value. The use cases span customer experience, network reliability, broadband growth, finance, and other business functions, demonstrating how AI is a powerful tool for improving the way Globe works and serves its customers.

"The most impactful AI solutions aren't always the most complex or most resource-intensive. They're the ones that solve real problems for our customers, our employees, and our business," said Anton Bonifacio, Chief Intelligence and Trust Officer at Globe. "The Globe AI Showcase reflects the culture we're building, where innovation can come from anyone. As we continue scaling AI across Globe, our focus remains on building trusted, human-centered solutions that create better experiences for every Filipino."

Selected by Globe's leadership team for their business value, scalability, and practical impact, the solutions are already being applied to real Globe operations, from customer care and collections to broadband growth and network reliability. Together, they show how AI is creating measurable value across the organization while improving the way Globe serves its customers.

One tool that is currently being used by Globe’s collections teams is the Collections Intelligence Platform, which transforms complex account reconciliation and customer collection touchpoints that once required hours of manual work into intelligent, automated workflows. By improving accuracy, visibility, and productivity, it allows the company’s collection analysts to focus on higher-value work while strengthening operational efficiency.

In customer care, the Globe AT HOME Social Care Bot provides customers with faster, 24/7 assistance for routine inquiries, including late hours when immediate support may otherwise be limited. This allows employees to resolve complex concerns faster and provide better care to customers. Early customer feedback has highlighted the value of receiving timely assistance, demonstrating how AI can complement human support to improve the customer experience.

For Globe AT HOME, the One Outcomes Platform enables more personalized recommendations and better customer engagement while supporting more informed planning and business decisions. It combines AI, customer insights, geospatial intelligence, and advanced analytics to recommend the most suitable home internet product for each customer.

As Globe continues to scale AI across the company, these employee-led innovations show that the greatest value of AI lies not in the technology itself, but in how people use it to solve real challenges. The Globe AI Showcase reflects how that thinking is taking shape across the organization, with employees turning AI into practical solutions that improve the way Globe works and serves its customers.

Bigger Prizes, More Chances to Win: Globe’s G Raffle Rush Returns for 917 GDay 2026

Globe is turning up the rewards this 917 GDay 2026 with the return of G Raffle Rush, giving customers chances to win everything from everyday treats and household essentials to travel experiences, a brand-new car, and a new home. The wide range of prizes brings JUST FOR YOU to life, with rewards that can add joy to the everyday, ease household expenses, or even make a lasting difference in customers’ lives.

“GDay has always been our way of thanking customers for choosing and staying with Globe. This year, we want that appreciation to be felt in many different ways, whether it’s something they can enjoy today, something that makes everyday expenses lighter, or even a reward that can change what comes next for them,” said KD Dizon, Globe Chief Marketing Officer.

Customers can look forward to prizes that make everyday life a little lighter and more enjoyable, including P20,000 food and shopping vouchers, movie tickets every month for a year, and P50,000 worth of electricity, fuel, and grocery vouchers. Other prizes include P50,000 in GCash credits, 5G devices, shopping and grocery rewards, Mabuhay Miles, smart home appliances, and other brand-exclusive rewards.

G Raffle Rush also gives customers the chance to turn their travel goals into reality with international and local vacation packages for two. And for the biggest prizes, three major wins are up for grabs: a BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium, an Avida house and lot, and a one-bedroom Avida condo unit.

Customers can join G Raffle Rush conveniently through the GlobeOne app using their rewards points. The more points they redeem for raffle entries, the more chances they have to win.

G Raffle Rush is among the experiences Globe is bringing to customers for GDay 2026 as Love Overload turns the annual celebration into more rewarding moments made for the people who continue to choose Globe. Through GDay, Globe is finding more ways to make customers feel valued and appreciated, from everyday rewards to experiences and opportunities that can make a meaningful difference in their lives.