PLDT, Inc. (PLDT) is backing the Better Internet Act, which calls for providers to cover unserved and underserved areas in the country within three years.
The telco made the statement Tueday, July 19, after The Better Internet Act was re-filed in the 19th Congress.
“We remain committed to expanding our network coverage, which is key to our goal of elevating the quality of customer experience across the country,” stated PLDT and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio.
“Our mission is to keep our countrymen connected by ensuring that our network is reliable and accessible to more Filipinos, wherever they may be in the country.”
“With price points that provide real value for money, our fixed and wireless internet services are also designed to cater to all segments of the market,” he added.
As of end-March 2022, PLDT has extended its fiber infrastructure to 803,000 kilometers, the country's most extensive fiber network.
This infrastructure also supports Smart Communications Inc.'s mobile network.
Already, Smart has deployed around 76,600 total base stations nationwide, supporting its 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G customers, as of end-March.
The continued network expansion is part of the PLDT Group’s sustained investments in their network.
Network-related initiatives made up the bulk of the ₱89 billion spend for 2021. This brings total capex spent over the last 10 years to ₱518.5 billion. Capex guidance for 2022 is P85 billion.