By Manny Pham

Now Telecom completed the last bit of paperwork needed to secure a full grant from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), paving the way forward to construct its full 5G network for the Philippines-based operator.

CNN Philippines reported the agency will also provide technical assistance to Now’s ambitions to build a nationwide standalone 5G network.

The Now Corporation-owned operator said: “This marks the completion of the execution of all the required documents for the USTDA Project. The Project is now in full swing.”

Now Telecom is partnering with Nokia research arm Bell Labs Consulting for further technical assistance, covering the designs and analysis of the phased deployment of its 5G network.

Now Corporation chairman Mel Velarde revealed to Developing Telecoms the initial round of funds from the US government was US$1.5 million to activate five Nokia-built nodes in the Metro Manila area as a pilot.