Espousing a more connected nation in a digital present

Living without connectivity is now unimaginable. It has become an integral part of lifestyles, shaping the way people live and work. It also powers industries by facilitating communication and driving businesses to innovation. In the Philippines, the importance of connectivity cannot be overstated. The country is home to 86.98 million of internet users, according to global online reference library DataReportal. Earlier this year, in another report by global intelligence firm Ookla, the country recorded an average fixed internet connection speed of 92.19 Mbps and a mobile internet connection speed of 27.75 Mbps. With the digital revolution in full swing, such demand for improved digital connectivity is bound to grow.

As the head of the MVP Group of Companies, Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s digital journey through his enduring leadership of companies bringing connectivity across the country, among them PLDT, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), and Radius Telecoms, Inc.

Being one of the largest groups in Philippine telco, PLDT has brought integrated and fixed wireless networks to Filipinos across the country. Recognizing how technology and connectivity are changing the way people live, PLDT, through its connectivity services, has brought convenience and productivity to enrich their digital experiences.

The MVP-led telco has witnessed growth within its services during the first quarter of this year, with an 8.9% increase, from P9.06 billion (2023) to P9.82 billion. This boost was attributed to higher net services revenues, which rose by 3.6%, from P52.36 billion to P54.22 billion, acting as the main driver of this growth.

Meanwhile, Smart, the mobile services arm of PLDT, is leading the way in 5G connectivity in the country, according to a 2023 report by independent analytics firm Opensignal. As 5G connectivity is quickly gaining more traction among Filipinos, Smart is recognized as a top player in bringing seamless connectivity through 5G; and it is seen to continue dominating the 5G coverage category.

In efforts to push for a more connected nation, PLDT is looking to expand further and strengthen its network infrastructure, improving broadband experience and thus improve connectivity across the country, primarily through investments.

“One of the top priorities of PLDT, and of the conglomerate for that matter, is to raise the level of investments in the country, because that’s really what’s needed if we want to push our economy forward,” Mr. Pangilinan said.

The telco company has allocated a total of P635.2 billion to invest in cutting-edge technologies, as well as to expand its network services, including wireless and fixed services to uplift connectivity within the lives of enterprise clients and Filipinos through technology.

In addition to digital initiatives, the MVP Group is looking to expand investments in the electricity sector to further strengthen digital connectivity in the country. Mr. Pangilinan believes that expanding the distribution footprint of Meralco, the largest electricity supplier in the country and also part of the MVP Group, will improve efficiency of electric services that is currently powering over 30 cities and 7.716 million of Filipinos.

To do this, Mr. Pangilinan continued, investing in other electric cooperatives, and expanding and upgrading its distribution network facilities is needed to enhance network resiliency. Currently, new substations across cities were developed to support and address electricity needs and demands in the country. These new substations are developed in Taguig, Laguna, Cavite, and Bulacan.

“There is one idea which I have encouraged Meralco to adapt — broadening its investments in electric cooperatives in the country; because we might be efficient on the generation side of the business, but Meralco’s distribution footprint is limited to our franchise area,” Mr. Pangilinan said in another statement.

Continuing to push forward with its broadband expansion, PLDT has recently invested P2.12 billion in Radius Telecoms, which is managed by Meralco. This investment further cements the group’s position as a leader in the telecommunications industry.

Radius Telecoms is well known for its high-speed fiber data and internet solutions, which operates on a reliable fiber optic infrastructure. Currently, it covers a network of facilities, ensuring secure connectivity to 150 enterprise buildings and more than 200 residential units.

The said investment in Radius Telecoms, as shared by the PLDT Group, is expected to not only expand their broadband services, but also to attract a new market of subscribers amid the increasing competition in the broadband market. Both groups see this investment as an opportunity to improve internet quality and achieve cost efficiencies for both customers and companies.

Digital upskilling

Photo from Freepik

As part of the Digital Infrastructure Group of the Private Sector Advisory Counsil (PSAC), the MVP Group makes certain of harnessing digital innovation to improve connectivity and network infrastructure in the country. In line with its digitalization efforts, the group has launched the GoDigital Pilipinas (GDP) movement, which promotes digital literacy and create a more sustainable and digital environment for all Filipinos.

The GDP movement is supported by private partners, such as Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), and other MVP-led telco companies are supporting this movement. MPIC’s subsidiaries, such as PLDT, is spearheading the digital pivot through digital upskilling among Filipinos.

Notably, the telco is already at the forefront with its educational programs in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-field areas. One of its education programs, the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP), was established to support and partner with local universities, promoting technology and innovation among schools and universities. It also provides students and schools with the necessary equipment, training, immersive experiences, and services, providing long-lasting impact in Filipino communities through technology.

Also, under this program, Innovation Generation (InnoGen) opens an innovation grant for empowering senior high school and college students to become the next digital change-makers in the country.

In addition to other digital upskilling programs, the telco has partnered with educational institutions to empower the academic sector. This partnership aims to improve digital access, skills, and capabilities among students. In particular, PLDT Enterprise has partnered with the Philippine Science High School-Central Mindanao Campus (PSHS-CMC), equipping them with digital solutions, developing digital skills, and ensuring reliable connectivity that can enhance their educational experience.

Solidifying cybersecurity

In another notable initiative, PLDT and Smart has partnered with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to enhance the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure amid rising cyberattacks and the Philippines’ growing vulnerability as a target.

The PLDT Group has had success in managing digital breaches in recent years. According to the group’s data, it has blocked over 5.5 million cases of cyberattacks and network breaches in the first six months of last year. This makes PLDT a vital partner of the government in protecting the country’s cyberspace against evolving digital threats.

“Whether it’s sharing threat intelligence, best practices, joint simulation exercises, we need to come together in order to protect our shared cyberspace together. The quality of attacks has leveled up in sophistication. Plans and strategies work best if we have the right teams and the right personnel to back these up. We need to bolster the ranks of our cyber warriors,” Mr. Pangilinan said in a statement.

Mr. Pangilinan added that digital initiatives — investments, partnerships, and developing infrastructures — are just some of the ways the business sector can contribute to strengthening connectivity in the country.

“I would like to encourage my colleagues in the business sector to raise their level of investments, because this could increase the number of jobs and the procurement of supplies and materials needed for business expansion, therefore driving economic growth,” he said.

“Our role as the private sector is to take the lead in driving the digitalization plans of the country together with the government. Pouring investments on infrastructure and manpower, whilst espousing digital advancement, will continuously enable us to provide the convenience and accessibility Filipinos deserve,” he added. — Angela Kiara S. Brillantes