Smart Communications tested its Smart 5G SA (Standalone) technology during j-hope’s “Hope on the Stage” concert held at the Mall of Asia Arena on April 12 and 13, 2025. The showcase highlighted how 5G SA could help maintain strong mobile connectivity in crowded areas like concerts.
Why it matters: Smart 5G SA technology offers network slicing, a feature that prioritizes selected users’ mobile connections in high-traffic environments. This allows for better speeds and less congestion during peak times, especially in live events.
Concertgoers with Smart 5G SA technology-capable phones were able to experience the network firsthand. Smart confirmed improved download performance during the showcase. Phones that connected to the standalone network even showed “J-Hope Concert” as the network name.
Smart 5G SA at j-hope’s Concert in Manila
Smart’s Head of Network Operations Debbie Hu said the test was part of ongoing efforts to improve the mobile experience of its customers. “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.” This follows the launch of Smart 5G Max and TNT 5G Max in Taguig last December, alongside the Max Saya 30 prepaid promo that includes a prioritized connection.
At the MOA Arena, Smart subscribers used 5G Max for messaging and social media during the concert.
“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 was also able to post short videos on the social media platforms TikTok and Instagram so she could tell her friends what was happening in real time.
“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.”
j-hope performed both his solo tracks and BTS songs, with fans staying connected during the show, with global hits such as “Mona Lisa,” “Sweet Dreams,” “More,” “On the Street,” and many others. Known to his fans as Hobi, j-hope also did BTS hits like “Mic Drop,” “Airplane,” “Ego,” “Silver Spoon,” “Trivia: Just Dance,” and “Dis-ease.”
More than just the concert memories
Beyond delivering the best mobile network experience, Smart also made sure to delight ARMY with amazing concert moments.
Months ahead of the concert, Smart hosted its exclusive presale event for prepaid and postpaid subscribers, giving them a better chance to score tickets before the general sale. Smart also raffled off tickets in a ticket giveaway promo exclusive to subscribers, giving hope to those who were not able to snag passes during the general sale.
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 amazing Smart 5G Max-powered concerts, follow Smart on its official accounts or visit the Smart website.
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