PLDT Inc. and its wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. have expanded further their fixed and mobile networks nationwide in 2021, powering hybrid workplaces and online learning, and enabling businesses to thrive in the new normal.
In 2021, PLDT said, its fiber footprint expanded by 73 percent to 743,700 kilometers, with homes passed at nearly 14 million, which is significantly higher than 9 million homes passed at the end of 2020.
The telco added it also built 1.7 million ports last year to provide more homes with fiber connectivity, with 5.77 million ports to date, the largest number of ports in the Philippines.
PLDT said completing its network are its robust and resilient domestic and international cable systems with unrivaled capacity of 55 terabytes (TB) and 16 TB, respectively. These connect the different islands to each other, and the Philippines to the world.
“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,” said Alfredo Panlilio, PLDT and Smart president and chief executive officer.
“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,” Panlilio added. – Myla Iglesias
