PLDT, Smart Sign $28.5m Deal with Huawei

Philippine incumbent PLDT and its mobile unit Smart Communications have inked a $28.5 million deal with Huawei Technologies as part of a record 50 billion pesos ($1 billion) spending plan this year to overhaul the group’s fixed and wireless networks infrastructure and IT systems.

Huawei will provide its revenue management software solutions to “improve” Smart’s online charging platforms and electronic loading for prepaid subscribers under the 15-month agreement, said PLDT Group chief corporate services officer Ray Espinosa.

This involves consolidating similar applications for different brands under one system and streamlining business processes through a unified platform and simplified processes, Espinosa added.

"This partnership will enable PLDT Group's wireless services under the brands PLDT, Smart, Sun and TNT to become much more agile, efficient and resilient in developing and delivering a growing array of digital services,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

With the partnership, these brands will be able to offer more personalized services and rewards for their customers. PLDT’s wireless services will also be able to offer bundled services more quickly and efficiently, significantly improving customer experience for the end users.