Leading the 5G Revolution
By 2024, over 50 mainstream operators globally have embraced the commercial deployment of 5G SA networks. Among these, DITO in the Philippines stands out as a significant player in the country’s digital transformation. The Philippines, now at a critical juncture in its rapid digital economy development, is witnessing a surge in mobile communications services. As the third-largest mobile operator in the country, DITO made history by launching the nation’s first commercial 5G SA network in 2021. This move has paved the way for the future of 5G technology in the region.
Building a Comprehensive 5G SA Core Network
DITO’s journey towards establishing a fully converged 5G SA core network by 2024 is a testament to its commitment to innovation and excellence. This network leverages the latest in cloud-based and distributed network architecture to enable a wide array of services. DITO has also pioneered the launch of innovative 5G SA 2C and 2H services, while actively promoting the development of 5G 2B product capabilities. With a rapidly growing user base now exceeding 10 million, DITO’s strong network performance and brand recognition are clear indicators of its competitive edge in the market.
Simplified Architecture
DITO’s strategic foresight during the early stages of network construction in 2019 has paid off. The company proposed an advanced architecture aimed at delivering excellent experience and business success. Over the past three years, DITO has successfully developed a 5G SA core network distinguished by its simplified, fully converged structure. This architecture reduces the total number of network elements, lowers operational and maintenance costs, and enhances service quality.
Distributed Architecture for Enhanced User Experience
Understanding the unique geographical challenges posed by the Philippines’ numerous islands, DITO strategically deployed distributed UPFs and SBCs across five major regions. This distributed architecture ensures that user traffic is processed locally, significantly reducing network latency and improving service delivery. Thanks to this innovative approach, DITO has excelled in mobile experience, winning 13 out of 15 categories in the Philippines Mobile Network Experience Report released by Opensignal in April 2024. This achievement underscores DITO’s commitment to providing exceptional service to its customers.
High Stability
In a country frequently affected by natural disasters, network stability is paramount. DITO’s 5G SA core network is built with multi-level redundancy to ensure high service availability, even in the face of infrastructure challenges. This includes full DC-level redundancy across data centers and node-level backup for data protection and load sharing within each area. The network’s reliability is further enhanced by network-level redundancy, NE-level redundancy, storage bypass, and rapid fault recovery capabilities. These features ensure that DITO’s services remain resilient and reliable at all times.
Agile Architecture
DITO’s agile network design enables the rapid deployment of multiple services, facilitating fast business monetization. The network supports the commercialization of 4G/5G SA services for consumers and the quick launch of FWA services for households. By fully leveraging the uplink capabilities of the 5G SA network and the spectral efficiency of RedCap CPE, DITO is driving the growth of the 5G CPE industry in the Philippines. This approach not only improves the service experience for home users but also contributes to the overall maturity of the 5G FWA industry in the region.
Ongoing Innovation
DITO continues to push the boundaries of innovation in the 5G space. Having successfully completed 5G VoNR verification, the company is now exploring various new services, including 5G E2E slicing, 5G SA international roaming, 5G WLAN, and 5G enterprise private networks. As DITO continues to invest in 5G technology, users can look forward to smoother, more efficient communication services. This will not only fuel growth in the Philippines’ communications sector but also significantly contribute to the development of the country’s digital economy.
