PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of Philippines operator PLDT, has in recent days announced not only a remote connectivity initiative but a mixed reality (MR) trial that could benefit remote healthcare.
The remote connectivity news is that PLDT has partnered with SMS Global Technologies (SMSGT), a Philippines systems integrator and technology management company, to enable SMSGT to deliver satellite-based internet solutions via satellite operator Starlink.
SMSGT says it is deploying Starlink units to augment connectivity for government clients in off-grid areas, helping to ensuring connectivity where conventional infrastructure is limited.
The partnership allows SMSGT to ensure reliable, high-speed internet connectivity for its nationwide projects, thereby, as PLDT points out, enabling mission-critical services for communities that need them most.
PLDT Enterprise is also involved in a trial with potential in another interesting area that could be relevant to remote connectivity: healthcare. It has announced that, in collaboration with health tech innovator apoQlar, it is pioneering the use of mixed reality (MR) technology in Philippine healthcare through a proof-of-concept (POC) deployment at a local medical institution.
This POC introduces a system called HoloMedicine as a cloud-based solution via Microsoft Azure, eliminating the need for hospital IT integration, and minimising operational and security challenges while ensuring scalability. Delivered through 3D smart glasses and powered by PLDT and Smart’s 5G network, this initiative aims to transform surgical visualisation, immersive medical education and collaborative pre-operative planning.
The HoloMedicine platform, developed by apoQlar, enables clinicians to visualise and interact with 3D medical imaging, anatomical models, and patient data in real time – directly within their physical environment.
This POC is designed to address key challenges in the healthcare sector, including the limitations of 2D imaging, risks in preoperative planning, data privacy compliance, and training inequities.
In addition, says PLDT, by leveraging MR technology, clinicians can improve diagnostic accuracy, streamline surgical planning, enhance patient comprehension, and enable remote collaboration and training – potentially breaking down geographical barriers to advanced care.
The POC will be supported by apoQlar to deliver the HoloMedicine platform, which has been adopted by leading medical institutions worldwide. PLDT says its dedicated 5G network will ensure seamless, high-performance MR experiences for all participants.
The solution is designed to be device and cloud-agnostic, enabling future expansion into other clinical disciplines or integration with emerging healthcare technologies.
Privacy is also addressed. The solution’s secure, cloud-based architecture ensures that no patient data or application components are stored or processed on hospital premises.
