Cebu City, PLDT Enterprise offer free barangay wi-fi

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s goal of becoming a "smart city" is expected to move closer to reality after it recently forged a partnership with PLDT Enterprise, the corporate business arm of PLDT, Inc.

The collaboration is seen to provide reliable connectivity, with the initial roll out of free, unlimited public wi-fi in 50 barangays, including Guadalupe, Tisa, Basak San Nicolas, and Talamban.

The remaining 30 barangays, which are mostly in the mountain areas, would follow thereafter.

As advertised, PLDT Enterprise assured it would supply "fiber broadband internet access in the barangays with a robust bandwidth of 100mbps to enable seamless connectivity."

It would also install a cloud-managed access point "to monitor real-time alerts and ensure uninterrupted internet".

Kent De La Calzada, PLDT Enterprise’s assistant vice president and Customer Relationship Management head, said "digital access has become the lifeblood of modern cities" and a digital city, one with widespread broadband, is "one precursor into becoming a smart city."

"In enabling easy access to information and essential services through wireless internet, the LGU enhances the delivery of public services, facilitates learning and information technology, and promotes competitiveness among barangays," he said.

Such partnership would also play a "pivotal role in supporting the city’s tourism objectives by providing internet access to visitors."

Dela Calzada said the partnership with the City Government is a "significant stride" in "promoting digital inclusion and empowering citizens with greater and equal digital opportunities through connectivity", which is in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“PLDT Enterprise is delighted to be involved in Cebu City’s digital transformation journey. Much like we have done in other LGUs, our advanced fiber broadband solutions will provide the city and its residents with the tools and resources needed to thrive in the digital era”, said Mitch Locsin, in a statement.

He is PLDT and Smart Communications first vice president and Enterprise and International Business Groups head.

PLDT Enterprise boasts of "resilient digital network for enhanced customer experience".

Just last year, PLDT tripled its international capacity and "improved traffic re-route capability with the activation of the US-Transpacific Jupiter Cable System, helping position the Philippines as the next data center hub for hyperscalers."

In the same statement, the PLDT Group said it "has further expanded its total fiber footprint to over 1.1 million kilometers, consisting of international and domestic fiber, as of end-June 2023."

PLDT's fiber infrastructure supports Smart’s mobile network, which claims of providing around 97 percent of the country's population with 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G coverage. —  (FREEMAN)