Now Telecom chose Nokia as its equipment supplier to deploy standalone 5G network, as the Philippines operator progresses plans to launch nationwide fixed wireless access and mobile services.
Telegeography’s CommsUpdate reported, Now Telecom chief executive Mel Velarde, told local press parent company Now Corp had entered an MoU with the Finnish vendor as part of its strategy “to expand a current guaranteed service to high-end markets using 5G FWA and extend the customer experience to consumers through mobile”.
He added the with no legacy networks the company will “rise above the competition” with its standalone network.
Now Telecom confirmed intentions to compete against established rivals Smart and Glove in July 2019.
It also recently sought advice for a potential IPO via a Listing by Way of Introduction.
CommsUpdate reported in September Now Telecom gained an extension to its provisional authority (PA) to install, operate, and maintain a nationwide mobile telecommunications system, from the National Telecommunications Commission.
The company committed to invest PHP6.3 billion ($131 million) on a nationwide network over two years, as per conditions laid by the regulator.
