PLDT assures Odette-hit clients of automatic rebates
PLDT Inc., assures subscribers affected by typhoon Odette of automatic rebate adjustments, while ongoing works to restore internet connection is intensified.
PLDT consumer home business advisor Jeremiah de la Cruz made this statement on the sidelines of the PLDT 2021 full-year earnings briefing held on March 3, 2022.
According to De la Cruz, a subscriber does not need to file a complaint to avail of the bill rebate, as a system is already in place to address this concern.
In Cebu and other parts of Visayas and Mindanao affected by the typhoon, there were reports of bloated bill charges while internet and fixed line connections were disconnected, and some are not yet restored up until now.
PLDT officials made the assurance that restoration works are intensified, however lack of manpower to work on ground is currently among the problems faced by the company.
The company added that restoration and repairs of the lines depend on various factors such as power utilities posts and power restoration, among others.
During the briefing, PLDT chairman Manny Pangilinan said that the immediate impact of typhoon Odette cost the company P1 billion already. Additional operation expenses will be incurred within the first quarter 2022.
Meanwhile, PLDT Inc. reported record Service Revenues of an all-time high of P182.1 billion in 2021. Consolidated Service Revenues in the fourth quarter were likewise on historic high at P46.2 billion.
“2021 proved to be record-breaking year for PLDT as we delivered all-time highs across the board despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, calamities and hyper competition,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT and Smart President and CEO.
“This exceptional performance sets the foundation for 2022 and beyond as we continue to build on our strengths as an integrated telco and our commitment to serve our customers in the best way possible. With our strategic transformation initiative in place and evolving fintech ecosystem, we are well positioned to maintain our growth momentum moving forward,” Panlilio added.
Despite mobility restrictions, PLDT was able to put its capital expenditures to work by carrying on with the nationwide network buildout. Network-related initiatives made up the bulk of the P89 billion spend for 2021, in line with guidance.
These network initiatives include the LTE and 5G rollout, migration of customers from copper to fiber, and the fiberization of base stations. This capex also includes P17.5 billion for business capex directly in support of growth in PLDT’s home broadband business, including last-mile and new connects with immediate revenue contribution.
This brings total capex spent over the last 10 years to a record P518.5 billion. For 2022, in line with resource optimization plans, PLDT is expected to invest between P76-80 billion in demand-driven capex, underpinning its goal to achieve positive free cash flow, alongside revenue growth and controlled opex (operational expenses).
For 2022, Pangilinan anticipates that Home [business] will continue to lead the way at a sustained, double-digit pace, alleviating the pressure on its individual business.
“If we stay to our true North, I am optimistic that, by 2025, our core profitability will reach even greater heights,” said Pangilinan.