PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have further expanded their fixed and mobile networks nationwide in 2021, powering hybrid workplaces and online learning, and enabling businesses to thrive in the new normal.
Ramping up efforts to reach more homes across the country in 2021, PLDT’s fiber footprint expanded by 73% from end 2020 to 743,700 kilometers, with homes passed at nearly 14 million. This is significantly higher than 9 million homes passed at the end of 2020. In 2021, PLDT built 1.7 million ports in order to provide more homes with fiber connectivity, with 5.77 million ports to date, the largest number of ports in the Philippines.
Completing PLDT’s network are its robust and resilient domestic and international cable systems with unrivaled capacity of 55TB and 16TB, respectively. These connect the different islands to each other, and the Philippines to the world.
Meanwhile, to support growing mobile data traffic, Smart has increased to 75,400 its total base stations nationwide as of end-December, supporting its 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G subscribers from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. This includes around 7,200 5G base stations – the largest 5G network in the Philippines. With this development, Smart is well positioned to capture and support the growing 5G adoption in the country.
“Nearly two years into this pandemic, more activities continue to shift online. This requires us to be unrelenting with our network initiatives despite pandemic restrictions and natural disasters, such as the recent Super Typhoon Odette. Our network has, in turn, enabled more Filipinos to access the internet to stay connected to their families, keep their livelihoods and businesses, engage in online learning, and participate in e-commerce,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT Inc and Smart Communications President and CEO.
Among those who have benefited from this network expansion was working student Brynne Timbal, who uses Smart’s mobile services to attend his online classes in Quezon City while at the same time working as a Cavite-based delivery rider. “My fellow riders have also said that their mobile signal in the cities of Imus, Dasmariñas, and Bacoor was strong, and that their carrier was Smart,” said Brynne. “I no longer worry about signal interruptions during deliveries.”
Meanwhile, for Odiongan Municipal Officer Dr. Ramer Ramos, fiber presence in their town enables online learning and businesses. “I thought of getting Home fiber so my kids can benefit from the connectivity for their schooling since it is fast and stable," he said, adding that the Municipality of Odiongan, Romblon plans to draw in investors and make their town a viable hub for business process outsourcing and call center companies, with fiber facilities already in place.
The accelerated deployment of LTE, 5G and fiber across the country is part of PLDT and Smart’s broader initiative to deliver world-class experience to their customers nationwide.
