Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the wireless subsidiary of the Philippines’ largest integrated telco network PLDT Inc. (PLDT), and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are working together to ramp up Smart’s data and artificial intelligence (A.I.) transformation.
Smart executives led by its COO, Anastacio “Boy” Martirez, during the signing of a partnership agreement with AWS
With petabytes of data at its disposal, the company aims to enhance customer experiences through A.I.-powered applications. Smart will use AWS’s services to unify its data platform, enabling advanced analytics and machine learning (ML) for personalized services.
Smart transitioning to a cloud-based platform
According to the company’s press release, transitioning to a cloud-based platform using AWS and Databricks will accelerate its time-to-market and improve operational efficiency.
“Smart’s approach to A.I. is one driven by relentless innovation. This is why we’ve entered this long-term partnership with AWS to build the A.I.-driven telco of the future,” said Anastacio “Boy” Martirez, Smart Chief Operating Officer. “Amazon Web Services is not just a leader in the digital space. It is a driving force behind entire economies, ours included. As we enter the age of A.I., there could be no better partner to help us navigate this transformation.”
“And we don’t want a piecemeal approach to A.I.,” he added. “This is why we’re developing what we call a “Center for Acceleration” of A.I. We plan to gather all the best minds in A.I., and this partnership with AWS is a big step towards that direction. It will give us first-hand access not just to the expertise of our partners from AWS, but also to the entirety of their generative A.I. services.”
“AI’s true power lies in its ability to drive business outcomes, and Smart presents a tremendous opportunity—not just for us to provide our services, but also to collaborate on how AI can drive real impact in one of the most tech-savvy markets in Southeast Asia,” said Geeta Chaudhary, Managing Director, AWS Professional Services, Asia Pacific and Japan. “Telcos in the region are leading the charge in harnessing the transformative power of data, and they are now at the forefront of this revolution. We are excited to embark on this journey together.”
For her part, Cecily Ng, Databricks’s Vice President and General Manager of ASEAN and Greater China, stated, “Data is the fuel that powers AI and many companies are sitting on treasure troves of data. Our goal is to help our customers unlock data intelligence – AI tailored to the organization’s unique data to solve domain-specific business challenges. We are pleased that Smart has selected the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform on AWS for its data and AI transformation.”
“Together, we will deliver more value to all of their customers with real-time insights to meet their business needs,” she added.
This modernization project with AWS Professional Services is supported by key partners of AWS, including Databricks. Thus far, Smart and its parent company PLDT have launched several generative AI use cases meant to deliver real-time, personalized telco promotions, manage customer comments, address data privacy queries, and provide customer support, among other services and solutions.
About Smart Communications
Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT Inc., the Philippines’ largest and only integrated telecommunications company.
The company serves approximately 97% of the country’s population with its combined 4G/LTE and 5G network, providing mobile communications services, high-speed internet connectivity, and access to digital services and content, supporting the country’s growing digital economy, and providing the best customer experience for an increasingly digital Filipino lifestyle.
In December last year, Smart and the PLDT Group received the coveted Beyond Connectivity Award at the prestigious 2024 World Communication Awards. The award was conferred to Smart for its groundbreaking initiatives, #FarmSmart Communities via Technology and #Building Filipino #MSMEmpowered.
Through the #MSMEmpowered initiative, over 30,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have gained the digital skills and resources necessary to thrive in the local market.
This award underscores the company’s dedication to bridging the digital divide and fostering equitable economic growth by providing underserved sectors with access to digital tools and training.