Smart Eyes Leveled-up Data Roaming Experience With Live Demo of Nokia’s Core SasS Edge Technology

Philippines' leading mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), wireless subsidiary of PLDT Inc (PLDT), has marked a major milestone in improving the outbound data roaming experience of Filipino travelers with its successful completion of a live demo test with technology partner Nokia.

The trial, completed earlier this year at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, routed subscriber data traffic through the nearest point-of-presence in Europe, rather than returning traffic all the way to the Philippines. This process, known as local breakout (LBO), resulted in significantly lower latency, faster browsing and app responsiveness, and an overall smoother data roaming experience for customers. A first for a telco operator in Southeast Asia, the live test utilized Nokia’s Core SaaS Edge for Roaming solution, which enables operators to deliver a local-quality roaming experience while retaining full control of policy, charging and subscriber services from their home network.

“Smart’s continuous investments in exploring innovations such as this local breakout technology is part of our broader commitment to always deliver exceptional services to our customers, wherever they may be—not just in the Philippines, but across the world,” said Menardo G. Jimenez Jr., PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Head of Network at PLDT and Smart, adding that the successful demonstration illustrates the real potential of this technology to enable Smart subscribers to roam as if they are on a local network, while still using their Smart SIMs.

“Solutions like Core SaaS Edge are advancing connectivity by unlocking better roaming experiences for people worldwide. Working with telecommunication service providers like Smart — innovators that are willing to push the boundaries of tomorrow — helps us take important steps to a brighter future,” said Henrique Vale, Vice President, Asia-Pacific region, Core Software at Nokia.

PLDT and Smart’s push to lead in next-generation technologies reflects the PLDT Group’s broader commitment to deliver a levelled-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.