PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan believes that a partnership between the Government and the telco sector is crucial in connecting remote, rural areas—officially referred to as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).
"Inclusive growth through technology is our mission at PLDT. This includes expanding our network to bring the benefits of the internet closer to our people in these GIDAs," Pangilinan said.
"This effort to get us to 100% connectivity will need to be comprehensive—building towers, offering affordable devices, and providing access to load. We're intent on working with PBBM's Government to make this happen," he added. Currently, PLDT's wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc (Smart)'s mobile network covers 97% of the country's population.
As part of the Marcos Administration's "Broadband ng Masa" Program, the PLDT Group is working with other members of the Private Sector Advisory Council’s Digital Infrastructure sector (PSAC DI) on its Connectivity Plan for GIDAs – a landmark collaboration among PLDT, Smart, and the country’s other telecommunications providers, with the support of government agencies such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The PLDT Group earlier this year launched 1,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across 220 public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in 60 provinces, with an ambitious target to connect all state universities by 2025. PLDT is also exploring 5G-powered fixed wireless access in underserved areas, powering online classes and fostering a culture of innovation through reliable internet access.
PLDT has also secured its first Social Loan--a five-year ₱2.0 billion loan facility with HSBC--to expand its fiber network in underserved and unserved areas, particularly in fourth to sixth-class municipalities and GIDAs, a testament to PLDT’s dedication to promoting digital inclusion while diversifying its loan portfolio with sustainable financing.
PLDT and Smart are already collaborating with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) by providing computer units to boost the nationwide rollout of ARTA's Electronic Business One-Stop Shops (eBOSS) program. eBOSS seeks to automate the processing of business permits, related clearances, and licenses in all cities and municipalities across the country, enabling more local government units (LGUs) to improve efficiency, reduce red tape, and enhance overall business processes.
"We share the President's vision of a digital Philippines, where technology elevates the Filipino way of life, enables meaningful connections, empowers livelihoods, enhances Government service, and fuels the economy," Pangilinan said.
