Smart Communications, Inc. pulled out all the stops during j-hope’s much-awaited “Hope on the Stage” concert at the MOA Arena last April 12 and 13—not just by boosting the concert hype but also by hitting a major tech milestone. The mobile services giant took things up a notch by flexing its trailblazing 5G Standalone (SA) technology, giving subscribers a mobile experience that was truly a cut above the rest.
Thanks to 5G SA, Smart was able to tap into network slicing, a game-changing innovation that lets the network serve tailored experiences to users—especially useful when data traffic is through the roof, like during packed concerts or rush hour.
Armed with 5G-SA-capable phones, randomly selected fans were treated to a taste of the future as they experienced blazing-fast download speeds—even with thousands of fellow ARMYs around.
To add icing on the cake, Smart even renamed the network ID to “J-Hope Concert” for SA-enabled devices, a subtle yet clever nod to the unique concert experience.
Towards a World-Class Experience
“Our groundbreaking Smart 5G SA technology showcase marks a significant leap forward in our commitment to providing Filipinos with a world-class customer experience. This also unlocks a wealth of amazing possibilities and immersive digital experiences meant to enrich the lives of subscribers,” said Debbie Hu, Smart Head for Network Operations.
This milestone builds upon Smart’s recent back-to-back launches of Smart 5G Max and TNT ‘5G Max’ in Taguig last December, with the goal of streamlining the mobile experience. TNT even went the extra mile with the launch of Max Saya 30—the first prepaid data pack offering prioritized network access.
“Driven by a deep understanding of our customers’ evolving needs, all these efforts are geared towards optimizing our powerful 5G network and bringing the transformative benefits of 5G technology to the fingertips of more Filipinos,” said Lloyd Manaloto, Head of Smart Prepaid and Postpaid Marketing.
Powered by Smart 5G Max
Whether fans were braving long lines or capturing the night’s biggest highlights, Smart 5G Max proved to be a reliable sidekick from start to finish.
“My parents wanted me to update them every hour because this was the first time for me to attend a K-pop concert,” said Elaine, a university student. “My Smart 5G line made sure I could message them via SMS or Viber.”
Elaine also made the most of the moment by uploading quick clips to TikTok and Instagram.
“We also had the chance to see the demo of Smart’s 5G SA, and it clearly showed boosted internet compared to a device that did not have SA. Throughout the concert, there were no lags, and I was posting the whole time during and after the show,” she said.
Nic, a young professional who attended Day 2 of the concert, is thankful that his Smart phone’s signal did not waver. “I have attended concerts where the signal was bad, and it made me anxious because what if no one could reach me and something important was happening? This time with Smart, I was reassured that my family could contact me anytime.”
With Smart’s signal standing strong under pressure, fans could let loose and enjoy j-hope as he performed hits like “Mona Lisa,” “Sweet Dreams,” “More,” “On the Street,” and more. Hobi also thrilled fans with BTS classics including “Mic Drop,” “Airplane,” and “Ego.”
Smart Brings More Than Just Bars—They Brought the Experience
Smart didn’t just sit on its hands while the concert rolled in—it made sure the ARMY had their moment in the sun. Months ahead of the big show, Smart rolled out the red carpet for its subscribers with an exclusive presale and a ticket raffle, giving more fans a shot at scoring seats before they were gone in a flash.
At the concert, fans got to pose and take pictures in the Smart 5G Max booth, which was inspired by the Sweet Dreams pop-up in New York.
For more one-of-a-kind concert experiences powered by Smart 5G Max, make sure to follow Smart on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
