The future is now.
This was the belief held by technology experts at the launch of Bmobile’s 5G network at the Hyatt Regency on Wednesday morning.
Bmobile has partnered with Huawei, the Chinese technology giant to offer the only 5G network in Trinidad and Tobago. Though the 5G capability is not yet available for mobile phones, it seeks to offer residential customers, businesses and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) a faster broadband speed than its predecessor, 4G.
TSTT’s CEO Dr. Ronald Walcott at the launch of the company’s 5G network
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) Dr. Ronald Walcott said that the move to implement 5G in Trinidad and Tobago was part of an initiative that began in 2016. The idea was to transform TSTT from a 20th-century, legacy technology company to a 21st-century, agile broadband technology, which aims to enrich the lives of citizens.
TSTT’s CEO Dr. Ronald Walcott discussing Bmobile’s 5G network
Walcott said because of the fourth industrial revolution which is a confluence of data analytics, robotics, artificial intelligence and cloud computing, the world has become disruptive. He said TSTT will enable citizens to deal with this disruptive nature, as it relates to how we currently communicate – social media, What’s app – as opposed to phone calls and text messages that were used years ago. He said even how we receive our entertainment has changed, and 5G will facilitate this difference.
He said the 5G capability presents a number of opportunities for customers, and noted three of the most important characteristics of the 5G network.
He added that TSTT’s goal is to provide ubiquitous and affordable broadband for everyone declaring, “Broadband should be a right, not an option. Everyone in Trinidad and Tobago should have access to affordable broadband. Full stop. ” He said the new 5G can assist certain sectors such as Education, Health, Security, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Utilities and other divisions of Government.
Minister of Public Utilities, Senator the Honourable Robert Le Hunte, said the 5G launch synchronises with government’s national ICT plan in several areas including the Government’s goal of improved connectivity and delivery of a modern, well-maintained ICT system. He said it will also support Government’s e-government platform.
Minister of Public Utilities, Senator the Honourable Robert Le Hunte, testing out the Virtual Reality experience at Bmobile’s 5G Launch
Le Hunte added that 5G technology provides the fertile soil out of which smart cities can grow, taking the Government’s “Whole of Government” approach to an entirely new level. He said that the 5G technology is a driver of sustainable economic development, supporting many applications such as smart metering for water and electricity, smart buildings which conserve resources, and the wider integration of all arms of Government operations.
Minister of Public Utilities, Senator the Honourable Robert Le Hunte, at Bmobile’s 5G Launch
Le Hunte added that the Government’s National ICT plan highlights the importance of supporting empowered people, competitive business and transformational government.
Bmbile’s 5G network for businesses, residential residents and SME’s should be available to customers by January 2020.
Also delivering remarks was TSTT’s Chief Technical Officer Mr. Hassel Bacchus and 5G Expert and Strategy Consultant, Ms. Kim Ki Yeon.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Utilities and MP for Laventille East Morvant Mr. Adrian Leonce was also in attendance
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Utilities, Mr. Adrian Leonce testing the virtual reality experience at Bmobile’s 5G launch
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