TECHNOLOGY
5G in PH rising, says connectivity insights provider Ookla
Fifth generation (5G) mobile networks are making significant advances in the Philippines, according to the global leader in network intelligence and connectivity insights provider, Ookla.
Most Philippine operators, according to a report by Ookla, launched 5G mobile networks in 2020 shortly after Thai operators did.
Smart, one of the major Philippine telecommunications service providers, launched 5G technology in June 2019 for fixed wireless units and launched the same for mobile subscribers in February 2020 in Metro Manila.
Globe, another major service provider in the Philippines launched 5G in July 2020, originally targeting subscribers in Metro Manila who had 5G-capable devices.
Both operators used spectrum in the 3,500 megahertz band, which is considered as the “sweet spot” in terms of 5G network capacity and coverage.
Ookla data showed that Smart recorded a median download speed of 200.43 mbps and 19.67 mbps upload speed in the first quarter of 2022. These were way ahead of Globe which registered median download speeds of 121.29 mbps and upload speeds of 9.93 mbps.
Availability of 5G nationwide, Ookla said, nearly doubled in just one year—from 9.4 percent coverage in the first quarter of 2021 to 18.1 percent in the first quarter of 2022.
“Part of this is related to the easing of right-of-way (ROW) rules,” said Ookla.
New ROW rules, enforced by the Department of Public Works and Highways in March 2021, lifted the ban on construction of critical infrastructure, particularly cell sites, along national roads.
Another reason for improvements in both 4G and 5G developments was the active involvement of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in allowing more telcos to enter the playing field.
“A third player was introduced to the market to add competition, improve network performance and reduce prices in the market,” said Ookla in its report.
The way was paved for the entry of the third player by the NTC and Department of Information and Communications Technology which declared Dito (then Mislatel) as the new major telco player.
According to Ookla, the Philippines was not the only country to benefit from ROW reforms. India made the same move in October 2021, or eight months after the Philippines did.
In the Philippines, Smart reached 25.5 percent 5G coverage in the first quarter of 2022 Globe reached 15.3 percent coverage. Ookla attributed this to “spectrum deployment strategies” of each company.
Smart had 1.6 million connected 5G devices to its network in the first quarter of 2022, or more than triple its level—376,000—in the first quarter of 2021. Globe, by end of March 2022, had more than 2 million devices connected to 5G.
Ookla noted that plans of both telcos to further invest in 5G bodes well for the spread of the technology, which delivers faster connection to the internet.
Smart is investing up to P85 billion in 5G rollout nationwide which started in December 2021. Smart’s mobile data traffic grew 30 percent year-on-year to 1,010 petabytes while the number of 5G base stations rose to 7,300 in February 2022 from just 5,000 in 2020, corresponding to a 5G population of 66 percent.
Globe added 390 sites in just the first three months of 2022, extending 5G network reach to 95 percent of the National Capital Region and 85 percent of key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Globe spent at least P92.8 billion to build 2,000 outdoor 5G sites and in-building solutions, 1,407 new cell sites and 1.4 million fiber lines.
Dito, the third Philippine telco, has partnered with hardware supplier Nokia to deploy 5G services in Mindanao in May 2021. In March 2022, this telco rolled out 5G home wi-fi services with 145 Metro Manila villages as pilot areas.
Villages in the cities of Manila, Caloocan and Quezon would be the first to benefit from 500 mbps of download speeds. Tests involving 5G in Caloocan showed download speeds of 512.66 mbps in the first quarter of this year.
TECHNOLOGY
AI can do that?! 5 ways AI is changing the game for communicators
12:30 p.m. March 8, 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undeniably here, transforming how communication professionals create content, engage audiences, and predict trends.
But while AI can do a lot, it’s not here to replace human creativity, strategy, and judgment. The real advantage lies in knowing how to use AI as a tool to work smarter and more efficiently.
Whether you’re in PR, marketing, media, or even a student, here are practical ways how AI can enhance your output and make you more effective.
1. Next-Level Personalization
A social media team for a fashion brand uses AI to analyze customer data and segment audiences based on their style preferences. The result? Hyper-personalized email campaigns that suggest products each customer is actually interested in.
2. Real-Time Brand Sentiment Tracking
A crisis communication team at a telecom company notices a sudden spike in negative tweets about a network outage. Thanks to AI-powered sentiment analysis, they react in minutes — crafting a strategic response before things further escalate.
3. Trend Prediction Like a Pro
A political campaign team taps AI to analyze past election data and social media conversations. They predict the key issues voters will care about and fine-tune their messaging before the conversation even starts.
4. AI Ethics 101: Sticking to Facts
A news agency integrates AI-driven fact-checking tools to ensure their reports stay credible and unbiased. They also train their team to detect AI-generated misinformation—because integrity still matters.
5. Instant VO with Zero Studio Time
A content creator needs a last-minute voiceover for a campaign video but has no time for a studio session. AI-generated voiceovers save the day—delivering pro-level narration from the comforts of their own home.
These are just some of the ways AI is transforming the way we communicate, market, and engage with audiences. As AI continues to evolve, everyone needs to upgrade their skills—learning how to adapt, think critically, and integrate AI tools strategically to stay ahead in an increasingly tech-driven world.
If you want to future-proof your skills, don’t miss the AI Centre of Excellence (ACE) Workshop: Power of AI for Communications & Beyond, led by AI expert and India’s Director and CEO of the School of Communications & Reputation, Hemant Gaule.
Happening on March 21, 2025, 1:00 to 5:00 PM, at the Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, this workshop will give you valuable insights into leveraging AI tools to boost efficiency, engagement, and results.
Limited slots available — secure yours now at www.centreofexcellence.ai.
TECHNOLOGY
Say hello to Whisk, Google’s innovative answer to generative AI image creation
1:12 p.m. February 20, 2025
Generative AI opens up a world of creative possibilities with its ability to make unique content. Following the success of Google’s AI tools, it’s taking another significant step with Whisk, the newest experiment that explores the capabilities of gen AI.
Whisk is a fun and engaging tool that makes AI image generation more accessible, especially to those without prior AI knowledge. Instead of typing out long, detailed text prompts, it allows people to use image prompts. They simply drag images and start creating.
Generative AI utilizes deep-learning models to make high-quality content based on existing data. Sometimes, certain design elements get lost in text prompts. But with Whisk, anyone can easily customize how the image will come out. It allows specific image inputs for the main subject, the scene, and preferred art styles.
Behind the scenes, the Gemini model automatically writes a detailed caption of chosen images. It then feeds those descriptions into Google’s latest image generation model, Imagen 3. This process captures the subject’s essence, and doesn’t create an exact replica. This further allows people to remix their subjects, scenes, and styles in novel ways to create something that is uniquely theirs, from character concepts to enamel pin designs.
It’s also important to highlight that Whisk extracts only a few key characters from images, so generated content may differ from one’s expectations. Fortunately, it allows users to view and edit underlying prompts at any time to get the output they want.
Play with Whisk here: https://labs.google/fx/tools/whisk.
TECHNOLOGY
Love begins at home with Beko
5:22 p.m. February 17, 2025
As we finally embrace the love month, the pressure to find the perfect gift can often feel overwhelming. However, there’s no need to break the bank just to express your feelings. After all, it’s the thought that counts!
This love month, create lasting memories in the place you cherish most—your home. Beko, Europe’s number 1 home appliance brand, is here to help you make the perfect Valentine’s plan through meaningful, practical gifts that enhance everyday life.
Show your love in a cup
There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of coffee in the morning to express love. When it’s made by someone special, it means even more. Start your day with a delightful breakfast by pairing your coffee with a hearty meal. Experiment with different coffee blends and recipes for future breakfast dates!
Feel like a barista at home with the Beko espresso machine. The Beko CaffeExperto® Espresso Machine features an integrated milk frother, allowing you to create delicious cappuccinos and lattes right at home. Its user-friendly touchscreen interface lets you make coffee with just a tap, while the easy-to-clean design simplifies maintenance.
Acts of Service
Sometimes, it’s the simplest acts that have the biggest impact in showing how much you care, such as helping your loved ones with household tasks to create a more harmonious home. Lend a hand by volunteering to clean surfaces, wash the dishes, or do the laundry. Your loved ones will truly appreciate the effort!
Make laundry easier with Beko’s line of washers and dryers. These powerful appliances provide the gentle care your clothes need. One of Beko’s top washer-dryers has an Xpress Super Short 14-Minute Program that allows you to wash up to 2 kg of laundry in just 14 minutes. While 2 kg might not sound like a lot, it’s enough to wash around 20 T-shirts! That means more quality bonding time with your loved ones.
Cook Up Some Romance
Cooking is a way to someone’s heart, especially when it’s made with love. Instead of waiting in long reservation lines at a restaurant, consider having a simple yet intimate dinner date at home. Elevate the experience by setting up the table beautifully and creating a personalized menu that features your loved one’s favorite dishes.
Unleash your cooking prowess in the kitchen with Beko refrigerators featuring the innovative NutriFreeze technology. Imagine preparing for steak night or dishes with delicate fish—now you can keep your meats fresh, without deep freezing!
This unique feature freezes fresh foods like meat, shrimp, and fish at a precise temperature of -3°C, which helps to keep the natural texture and taste intact while slowing down bacterial growth. With NutriFreeze, you can reduce nutrient loss and extend the shelf life of your meats, making it easier to store food and enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home.
This Valentine’s season, show your loved ones how much they mean to you with Beko’s high-quality European appliances. Transform your home into a more love-filled space. Visit your nearest leading appliance store, or shop online at Beko Philippines’ official stores on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.
For more details, visit our official website at www.beko.com/ph-en and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @bekoph.
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