Smart partners with KT Corp. for 5G roaming service in South Korea

Smart Communications, Inc. has recently launched its 5G roaming service in South Korea in partnership with KT Corp., Korea’s largest telecommunications company.

Smart prepaid and postpaid subscribers roaming in South Korea may now enjoy 5G data roaming speeds using their Smart SIM and 5G device. Smart roamers can maximize the service by subscribing to GigaRoam plans while abroad. All they need to do is to go to roam.smart.com.ph while they are abroad.  GigaRoam plans start for as low as PHP 999USD 17INR 1,443EUR 16CNY 124 for a 5-day data roaming plan.

The telco’s recently launched GigaRoam packs give more data allocation with extended validity. These are designed to give roamers seamless connectivity while abroad. According to Smart, the company plans to launch more 5G roaming partnerships to deliver world-class roaming services to its travelers.

“5G, the latest evolution of wireless communications, brings our customers closer to an even higher level of customer experience in terms of enjoying high-definition video, playing esports, and using new digital services,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart Communications President and CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer. “With international partnerships such as this, we continue our journey toward bringing world-class service to the Filipino people.”

South Korea’s KT Corp. is known to lead the new era of innovations, as it is one of the world’s most connected countries with 5G, Big Data, Cloud, IoT, Blockchain, and other transformative technologies. Additionally, KT launched the world’s first nationwide commercial 5G network in April 2019, after showcasing the first trial 5G services at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games in February 2018.

“We are happy to partner with KT in providing 5G connectivity for Smart subscribers who are traveling in South Korea,” said Alice Ramos, Vice President for International Roaming and Consumer Business at Smart. “South Korea remains to be a top roaming destination for Filipino business and leisure travelers, and 5G roaming speeds mean faster upload of travel blogs and videos, faster download speeds for K-Drama videos popular with the Filipino market, and seamless data connectivity for work-productivity apps.”

Both KT Corp. and Smart are members of the CONEXUS Mobile Alliance, which comprises nine member-telcos in Asia who are at the forefront of delivering innovative, customer-friendly services for customers of member operators who frequently travel on business.

Furthermore, CONEXUS is currently chaired by Katrina Luna-Abelarde, President and CEO at PLDT Global and head of International and Carrier Business. Despite roaming being the worst-hit telecom division by COVID-19, Smart and CONEXUS have remained to lay down roaming service enhancements for international travelers.