Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT), in cooperation with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) and other major fixed line telcos, is boosting connectivity for state universities and colleges (SUCs) in support of the government's efforts to enhance the delivery of education across the country.
 
The initiative, presented at a meeting by the PSAC with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, is in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
 
Under "Konektadong CHED", PLDT envisions to expand connectivity to 220 SUCs by the first quarter of 2026, with the goal of reaching all 555 SUCs nationwide, benefiting between 5,000 to 10,000 learners and teachers per institution. Previously, in 2022, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through PLDT activated 1,000 free wi-fi access points across 220 public higher education institutions (HEIs), including in 61 out of the 113 main SUCs.

"Digital connectivity to all educational institutions has become a key factor towards national progress. The telco community is one in helping drive this objective forward with the government," said Menardo G. Jimenez, PLDT Chief Operating Officer and PLDT representative to the PSAC. 
 
PLDT’s support for PSAC's digital initiatives underscores the Group's commitment to national development through strategic partnerships that expand digital access and enhance the delivery of essential services, such as education. This also contributes to the PLDT Group’s endeavors to help the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.