Smart 5G Standalone Technology (SA) was successfully showcased during j-hope’s “Hope on the Stage” concert at MOA Arena, delivering a next-level mobile experience for subscribers.
Even as Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) amplified the excitement for j-hope’s much-awaited “Hope on the Stage” concert at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena last April 12 and 13, the mobile services provider also marked a technological milestone by successfully showcasing its cutting-edge 5G Standalone (SA) technology – a next-level and differentiated mobile network experience for Smart subscribers so they can maximize 5G technology.
5G SA allows for “network slicing” to optimize its network infrastructure for specific uses and applications, such as offering a prioritized network experience for customers in a jampacked concert or a peak usage scenario.
Using 5G-SA-capable handsets at the venue, Smart successfully showcased its 5G SA network slicing capabilities to random concertgoers, achieving impressive download user experience even amidst thousands of fellow concertgoers.
To further signify the power of this leveled-up mobile internet technology, Smart also aptly changed the network ID of its SA-enabled devices with “J-Hope Concert,” displayed on the upper left part of the screen.
Towards a world-class customer experience with Smart 5G SA technology
“Our groundbreaking Smart 5G SA technology showcase marks a significant leap forward in our commitment to providing Filipinos with a world-class customer experience. This also unlocks a wealth of amazing possibilities and immersive digital experiences meant to enrich the lives of subscribers,” said Debbie Hu, Smart Head for Network Operations.
The Smart 5G SA technology showcase builds on the back-to-back launches of Smart 5G Max and TNT ‘5G Max’ in Taguig City last December, to offer a more seamless mobile experience to customers. In addition to 5G Max, TNT also launched Max Saya 30, the first prepaid data pack with prioritized network experience.
“Driven by a deep understanding of our customers’ evolving needs, all these efforts are geared towards optimizing our powerful 5G network and bringing the transformative benefits of 5G technology to the fingertips of more Filipinos,” said Lloyd Manaloto, Head of Smart Prepaid and Postpaid Marketing.
Powered by Smart 5G Max
From the verification process and strapping to the lining up and up to the concert proper, the power of Smart 5G Max came in handy for subscribers.
“My parents wanted me to update them every hour because this was the first time for me to attend a K-pop concert,” said Elaine, a university student. “My Smart 5G line made sure I could message them via SMS or Viber.”
Elaine was also able to post short videos on the social media platforms TikTok and Instagram so she could tell her friends what was happening in real time.
“We also had the chance to see the demo of Smart’s 5G SA, and it clearly showed boosted internet compared to a device that did not have SA. Throughout the concert, there were no lags, and I was posting the whole time during and after the show,” she said.
Nic, a young professional who attended Day 2 of the concert, is thankful that his Smart phone’s signal did not waver. “I have attended concerts where the signal was bad, and it made me anxious because what if no one could reach me and something important was happening? This time with Smart, I was reassured that my family could contact me anytime.”
With their phone signal strong and consistent, concertgoers got to enjoy singer-songwriter, rapper, and main dancer j-hope, who performed his own hits “Mona Lisa,” “Sweet Dreams,” “More,” “On the Street,” and many others. Known to his fans as Hobi, j-hope also did BTS hits like “Mic Drop,” “Airplane,” “Ego,” “Silver Spoon,” “Trivia: Just Dance,” and “Dis-ease.”
Amazing concert moments
Beyond delivering the best mobile network experience, Smart also made sure to delight ARMY with amazing concert moments.
Months ahead of the concert, Smart hosted its exclusive presale event for prepaid and postpaid subscribers, giving them a better chance to score tickets before the general sale. Smart also raffled off tickets in a ticket giveaway promo exclusive to subscribers, giving hope to those who were not able to snag passes during the general sale.
At the concert, fans got to pose and take pictures in the Smart 5G Max booth, which was inspired by the Sweet Dreams pop-up in New York.
For more amazing Smart 5G Max-powered concerts, follow Smart on its official accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
