Smart 5G SA, Launched in Iloilo with Massive Concert Celebration

Smart drew thousands of subscribers to a free concert at K-Town Festive Walk Parade on August 30, marking the launch of its 5G Standalone (SA) network in Iloilo City. Also called True 5G, the technology runs on a dedicated 5G core network for faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity.

• Next-Level Connectivity: Smart Communications made history by introducing its first 5G Standalone (SA) network in Iloilo City, delivering blazing speeds, ultra-low latency, and stronger capacity.
• Jampacked Celebration: Over 5,200 attendees flocked to the K-Town Festive Walk Parade for Smart’s free concert featuring local talents, national performers, and exciting crowd interactions.
• Accessible Upgrades: Smart rolled out exclusive promos and device bundles to make it easier for Ilonggos to transition into 5G-ready smartphones and enjoy the benefits of True 5G.

Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) achieved a major feat in Philippine digital history by launching its very first 5G Standalone (SA) network in Iloilo City. The celebration was not just a technical milestone but also a cultural one, as thousands of subscribers came together on August 30 at the K-Town Festive Walk Parade to witness the future of connectivity unfold.

Unlike non-standalone 5G, the SA setup—also known as True 5G—runs on a dedicated core network. This unlocks faster speeds, ultra-low latency, and increased capacity. More than just a numbers upgrade, the technology lays the groundwork for new possibilities such as augmented reality, seamless streaming, and lag-free mobile gaming.

A Concert That Matched the Energy

The theme “Sakses Ka Na!” was fitting, as Smart delivered a high-energy night of entertainment that matched the excitement of its groundbreaking network launch. The free concert attracted more than 5,200 attendees, turning the Festive Walk Parade into one of Iloilo’s liveliest hubs of music and celebration.

Homegrown Ilonggo bands First Edition and Kreonz energized the crowd with their own spin on the hit songs “Palagi” and “Araw-Araw” during Smart’s 5G Standalone launch concert in Iloilo.

Local favorites Kreonz and First Edition, together with rising Ilonggo beatmaker DJ Young, set the stage with pride and rhythm. Adding star power was rap artist Flow G, who brought in massive energy and had the crowd singing along to his hits. Hosts Jackie Gonzaga and Jordan Toledo amplified the fun with interactive games and prizes, making sure the night was more than just about the music—it was also about community.

Rap artist Flow G headlined Smart’s free concert in Iloilo, celebrating the launch of its first 5G Standalone network in the city, with over 5,200 fans singing along to his hit “Rapstar” and new tracks “247” and “Sargo.”

True 5G in Action

During the concert, Smart didn’t just talk about its 5G SA network; it demonstrated it. Attendees got to experience the difference first-hand, with seamless video streaming, buffer-free social media sharing, and smooth online gameplay. For a younger audience always connected online, these features weren’t just upgrades—they were essentials.

One concert-goer, John Gallo, expressed how much this meant for his mobile gaming: “I always play Mobile Legends, and it’s a huge advantage to have a faster and more reliable connection powered by Smart 5G.”

Another Ilonggo subscriber, Anne, noted how Smart’s 5G SA would make her streaming habits more enjoyable: “With Smart 5G SA, I look forward to being able to stream videos without buffering as well as sharing updates instantly, wherever and whenever.”

Special Promos for 5G Devices

To make sure more people can embrace the next wave of digital experiences, Smart partnered with top smartphone manufacturers including Honor, OPPO, Samsung, vivo, and ZTE. Event-exclusive offers made it easier for Ilonggos to grab a 5G SA-ready device without breaking the bank. With new models available, the transition to faster internet became more accessible, empowering more subscribers to make the leap into the future.

Smart’s Iloilo rollout marks the first deployment of 5G SA in the country, setting the stage for a nationwide push under the PLDT Group’s vision of expanding digital access. More than just technical progress, the move aims to bridge gaps in connectivity, empower communities, and create more meaningful online interactions.

Looking Ahead

The Iloilo celebration is just the beginning. As Smart continues to expand its 5G coverage across the nation, subscribers can look forward to faster uploads, seamless entertainment, and stronger connections in both urban centers and provinces.

By putting Iloilo at the forefront of this innovation, Smart not only honored the city’s vibrant community but also set the tone for a more connected future in the Philippines. The thousands who braved the night to celebrate the launch are proof that Filipinos are more than ready to embrace this next step in mobile technology.

Closing this chapter with a bold step into the future, Smart is making sure that Iloilo becomes a shining example of how connectivity can spark unity, entertainment, and progress all at once.