By Revin Mikhael D. Ochave, Reporter
TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDER Eastern Communications earmarked P1.15 billion for its capital expenditure (capex) budget this year to support the company’s growth plans.
Eastern Communications Assistant Vice-President Delfin Lopez said during a briefing in Makati City on Tuesday that the capex will be used to strengthen the company’s nationwide network and to expand its enterprise product offerings. The company allotted P1.04 billion as capex budget last year.
“Part of the plan is to really continue the modernization. We have this technology refresh in order for us to ensure that the network is stable and bringing the reliability and bringing the service to the customers,” Mr. Lopez said.
“Technology refresh refers to replacing some obsolete components of the network. Diversity pertains to giving resiliency to segments where we are exposed or in order for us to achieve almost a zero outage,” he added.
The telco provider is looking at Iloilo, Davao, Bohol, Boracay, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, and Dumaguete as areas for possible sites and business hubs.
In 2023, Eastern Communications increased its fiber network to over 9,760 kilometers with a total of 180 nodes in 42 business cities nationwide.
“These developments are driven by the company’s commitment to national connectivity, economic growth, and digital inclusion. Eastern Communications anticipates its expanded presence to catalyze economic development, improve access to essential services, and empower local businesses in its target regions,” Eastern Communications Co-Coordinator Aileen Regio said.
Meanwhile, Eastern Communications Co-Coordinator Vince Tempongko is optimistic that the company’s expansion will drive significant growth in market share, revenue, and client base.
“With the recent expansion of service areas and the diversification of our product portfolio, we’re optimistic about our current position. We foresee additional growth opportunities as we continue to expand in the future,” he said.
Eastern Communications offers custom solutions from an extensive portfolio of services that include connectivity solutions, network solutions, security solutions, cloud and data center solutions, and business applications.
