PLDT Inc., the Philippines' leading integrated telco network, has announced intentions to re-accelerate its network roll-out, incorporating process enhancements to promote business development and operational efficiencies. The company intends to improve its network infrastructure in order to accommodate the growing demand for mobile traffic and home broadband services.
"Following a deep-dive review of our internal processes in line with our transformation efforts, we are re-accelerating our network roll-out. Capex guidance for 2023 is P80-85 billion and includes investments in capacity to support growing mobile traffic and to support demand for home broadband,” said Eric Santiago, FVP and network head.
Santiago said that they are committed to attaining PLDT's network goal, which is summed up in the abbreviation "CIA": Cloudified (or being cloud-native), Intelligent and Automated.
The growth of PLDT's fiber footprint has been a major accomplishment. By the end of March 2023, PLDT's overall fiber network had grown to over 1.1 million kilometers, with over 231,000 kilometers of international fiber and over 874,000 kilometers of domestic fiber. This vast fiber infrastructure serves as the foundation for Smart's 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G networks, which currently reach 97 percent of the country's population.
PLDT's continued efforts to upgrade its integrated fixed and wireless networks are consistent with the company's commitment to offer access to all. It also promotes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), notably SDG No. 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. As a founding member of the government-mandated Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), PLDT actively contributes to programs such as GoDigital Pilipinas, which strives to increase access to digital technology across the country.