PLDT Home embarks on modernization

PLDT is investing more in its fixed and wireless networks, infusing R11 billion in the next two years for PLDT Home to support the increasingly digital lifestyle of Filipinos.

The goal is to roll-out over one million ports nationwide to upgrade the service of over 1.3 million subscribers.

“Our vision is to make high-speed Internet connectivity the standard of every Filipino whether they are at home or on the go,” stressed PLDT and Smart EVP and Chief Revenue Officer Eric R. Alberto.

“With reliable and fast connectivity, PLDT is fully committed to revolutionize the way Filipinos experience and enjoy world-class digital services and content on their various screens – the television, personal computers, tablets, and mobile phones.”

“We are leveling up their broadband experience with the migration of our DSL customers to Fibr-fast connectivity. This will fortify the foundation of the SmartHome for the digitally savvy Filipino family,” added PLDT FVP and Head of Home Business Marco Borlongan.

Aside from rolling out fiber-to-thehome (FTTH) network nationwide, PLDT has also teamed up with worldrenowned content platforms and providers to ensure subscribers get the best home entertainment experience, he elaborated.

PLDT is expected to expand its FTTH coverage to about four million homes passed by the end of 2017. It will likewise deploy hybrid fiber technologies so existing customers can enjoy fiber-like speeds.

Meanwhile, PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications has already finished its Long Term Evolution (LTE) rollout in the country’s top urban hubs Metro Cebu and Metro Davao, Boracay and in Rizal province. It is currently underway in Metro Manila.

"By end-2018, over 90% of the country’s population will have Smart LTE coverage,” according to PLDT and Smart FVP and Head of Consumer Business for Market Development Oscar A. Reyes Jr.

“We are complementing this LTE rollout with our deployment of ultra-fast Smart Wifi, which registers over 100Mbps download and upload speed. It is now available at key airports, other transport hubs, popular food parks, bars and restaurants as part of our SMART Spots Program all over the country.”

Among the airports with super speed Smart Wifi are the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Davao City’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental, Bacolod-Silay International Airport and Iloilo International Airport, Roxas Airport, Zamboanga Airport, Clark International Airport, Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, Laoag International Airport, General Santos International Airport, Kalibo International Airport and Puerto Princesa Airport.

Smart WiFi is also present in the sea ports of Batangas City and Calapan in Mindoro, major bus terminals and thoroughfares, as well as other public areas across the country, including popular entertainment venues and food parks which are turned into Smart Spots.

Smart’s network rollout took a big bulk of PLDT’s ramped-up capital expenditure program of R42.8 billion for 2016, which included the utilization of the new frequencies freed up with the acquisition of San Miguel Corporation’s telco assets.