Iloilo City just became the first in the country to experience Smart’s new 5G Standalone (SA) network. The rollout happened last August 30, and instead of a typical launch, Smart made it a full-on celebration with a free concert at the K-Town Festive Walk Parade. Despite the rains, more than 5,000 people still showed up.
The lineup included local bands Kreonz and First Edition, Ilonggo DJ Young, and rapper Flow G. TV host Jackie Gonzaga and veteran host Jordan Toledo also kept the crowd lively with games and giveaways.
Now, what exactly is 5G SA? Sometimes called “True 5G,” it runs on a dedicated 5G core network. In simple terms, it’s designed to give users faster speeds, smoother streaming, lag-free gaming, and more capacity for heavy online use. It’s also the backbone for future tech that could need super-stable connections.
Alongside the launch, Smart upgraded its network around Iloilo to improve 5G coverage. The company also rolled out device promos with brands like OPPO, Samsung, vivo, Honor, and ZTE to make it easier for people to try 5G SA.
Some concertgoers were already noticing the difference. John Gallo, who spends most of his free time on Mobile Legends, said faster and more reliable internet is a big advantage in gaming. Another attendee, Anne, shared that she’s looking forward to streaming YouTube videos without buffering and posting on Instagram instantly.
This marks the first commercial 5G SA rollout in the Philippines. It’s part of PLDT Group’s bigger push to improve digital infrastructure across the country and make high-speed connectivity more accessible.
For those in Iloilo, the upgrade is already live, and Smart says other areas will be added in the coming months.
