PLDT expands broadband, LTE services in provinces

MANILA, Philippines - Dominant carrier Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) is further expanding its fiber-to-the-home as well as its long-term evolution (LTE) services to the provinces.

PLDT executive vice president Ariel Fermin said in a statement that the company is set to offer its most powerful broadband called Fibr that gives customers ultra-fast and reliable Internet connection to areas outside Metro Manila.

“Barely a month since we launched the HOME brand of the PLDT Group, we are giving our customers quality content using the ultra-fast and reliable connection of Fibr,” Fermin said.

He pointed out that PLDT is committed to provide consumers with an integrated offering combining the best of voice, broadband, and content services to sustain market leadership.

PLDT Home Broadband head Gary Dujali said the service would be made available in areas outside Metro Manila particularly in Cavite, Laguna, and Cebu. “In the next couple of months, expect PLDT to aggressively rollout Fibr outside of Metro Manila, particularly in Cavite, Laguna, and Cebu,” he added.

Fibr is currently available in over 100 exclusive villages in Metro Manila including Forbes Park, Dasmariñas Village, Ayala Alabang, Greenhills, and Valle Verde.

Last month, PLDT launched its digital servicing brand called HOME to connect all electronic devices such as smart TVs, smart phones, computers, and tablets for residential subscribers. It uses the powerful fiber optic broadband that runs at up to 100 Mbps to connect all electronic devices would boost the company’s retail offerings.

The PLDT Group has completed a P67.1 billion network modernization and upgrade program last year, bringing to 54,000 kilometers its total fiber optic network all over the Philippines.

The PLDT group is the Philippines’ pioneer in fiber optic technology. In the 1980s, it became first telco to introduce and deploy fiber optic cables (FOCs). Smart embarked on active “fiberization” initiatives through FITL projects which began in 2005. It has gone through various expansion programs since then, completing ten phases over a period of seven years.

On the other hand, PLDT’s wireless leader Smart Communications Inc. is making available its LTE service accessible in several areas across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao as it fires up new cellsites nationwide.

Lloyd Manaloto, head of Smart Broadband Internet and Data Services, said the latest round of expansions is the largest and most expansive the telco has achieved ever since the service was made available commercially in August of last year.

“Just a couple of weeks ago we said that LTE has outpaced 3G in terms of initial deployment. The simultaneous introduction of LTE around the country is proof of that and it’s all thanks to the Philippines’ first and only 100 percent super-charged network,” he said.