Smart and Radisys Bring The Future of Mobile Streaming at FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023

Elevating the realm of mobile livestreaming, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), in collaboration with Radisys Corporation, a subsidiary of Jio Platforms Limited based in the United States, achieved a successful beta test of the Smart LiveStream App, showcasing pioneering features during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

In their capacity as FIBA's official global partner, Smart, the wireless division of PLDT Inc., collaborated with Radisys to engage a select group of prominent Filipino individuals in experiencing the future of mobile streaming during the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 match between the Philippines and Italy on August 29.

The upgraded Smart LiveStream App introduces several new features to enhance the user experience. It incorporates a 360-degree camera, allowing users to freely adjust their viewing angle by swiping across their screens, thus capturing all the intense action and excitement of the game. 

Additionally, an interactive Live Chat feature has been incorporated to make streaming more engaging and enjoyable for users. This feature includes a Live Poll that enables viewers to express their sentiments about the game. Furthermore, real-time 'Match Up' and 'Box Score' tabs display team and individual statistics, respectively. There is also a 'Watch Party' tab, which permits users to share the livestream with up to seven other individuals. This feature enables video and audio communication, allowing them to chat, share images, and use emojis while watching the game.

This marks the initial beta test conducted by PLDT and Smart in partnership with Radisys since their announcement in August 2023 regarding a cross-border collaboration aimed at enhancing digital experiences in the Philippines.

Mr. Alfredo S. Panlilio, President and CEO of PLDT and Smart, expressed, "The successful demonstration of these game-changing features on the Smart LiveStream App represents a significant step forward in our ongoing collaboration with Radisys and our joint commitment to providing the best mobile experience to Filipinos. It offers a preview of a more enjoyable, interactive, and immersive streaming experience that we will soon offer to our subscribers through our award-winning mobile network."

Mr. Arun Bhikshesvaran, President and CEO of Radisys, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "Radisys is delighted with the progress of our collaboration with PLDT-Smart. Following the successful beta test and the positive feedback from participants, we are eager to share and leverage our expertise and experience as we introduce groundbreaking innovations that are relevant to our customers."

The successful beta testing of the new Smart LiveStream App is part of Smart's broader efforts to provide the best basketball experiences to Filipinos, both in-person and online, during the Philippines' hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 from August 25 to September 10, 2023.

Smart has made history as the first and only Philippine mobile operator to be recognized as the country's Best Mobile Network for three consecutive reporting periods by Ookla, a global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence. To earn this prestigious recognition, Smart achieved top rankings in Ookla's 'Fastest Network' and 'Best Mobile Coverage' categories during the same reporting periods, specifically in Q1-Q2 2022, Q3-Q4 2022, and most recently in Q1-Q2 2023.