Source: https://malaya.com.ph/news_business/telcos-back-internet-for-all-digital-transformation/?amp
PLDT Inc. remains on track to expand its network nationwide in line with a government’s legislation that pushes for fast and affordable internet across the country.
This follows the recent refiling in the 19th Congress of Senate Bill No. 329, also known as
The Better Internet Act, which pushes for all telcos and internet service providers to cover unserved and underserved areas within three years.
This developed as Globe Telecom Inc. said it continues to expand the availability of its fifth generation (5G) technology nationwide in support of the country’s digital transformation.
Alfredo Panlilio, president and chief executive officer of PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc., said the Group remains committed to expanding its network coverage, “which is key to our goal of elevating the quality of customer experience across the country.”
With price points that provide real value for money, PLDT’s fixed and wireless internet services are also designed to cater to all segments of the market. Panlilio said.
As of end-March 2022, PLDT had extended its fiber infrastructure to 803,000 kilometers, the country’s most extensive fiber network. This infrastructure also supports Smart’s mobile network.
Smart has deployed around 76,600 total base stations nationwide, supporting its 3G, 4G/Long Term Evolution and 5G customers, as of end-March.
Meanwhile, Globe said it expects the next generation of wireless internet connectivity to boost economic growth and recovery, as well as the country’s transition towards Industry 4.0 or the 4th Industrial Revolution.
With its faster speeds, lower latency, higher bandwidth and more reliable internet connectivity, 5G is a must-have platform for the shift to Industry 4.0. This refers mainly to the availability of new technologies that modernize the way businesses operate and distribute their products. These technologies include the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and others.
“We are at a critical stage in the Philippines’ economic development, given the new administration’s digitalization goals, the ongoing recovery amid the pandemic, and the speed on which technologies and digital lifestyles are evolving,” Ernest Cu, Globe president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.
“There are still growth opportunities for the country, especially using 5G technology to be at pace with the rest of the world. Globe intends to continue making this technology accessible to many in support of the country’s digital transformation,” Cu added.
Cu earlier expressed Globe’s support for the new administration’s plan to increase digitalization in government to streamline processes and make public service delivery more efficient. The company’s continued investments in its network infrastructure will help fulfill these shared goals.
In the first quarter of the year, Globe upgraded over 3,500 mobile sites to 4G/Long Term Evolution and installed 380 new 5G sites, leading to an increase in ultra fast 5G mobile connectivity in more areas nationwide.