If telecommunications infrastructure is a basic component of economic growth, then it is irrefutably fundamental to digital transformation.
Telecommunications extend the reach of industries, allowing access to global markets and opportunities. A developed telecom infrastructure encourages higher-level investments, increases productivity, and boosts efficiencies.
The largest and leading fully integrated telecommunications and digital services provider in the Philippines, PLDT has been at the forefront of the telecom industry in the country. It has helped Philippines’ rise in stature as one of the world’s fastest-growing emerging markets.
It started with a vision
PLDT’s history started with a vision of connectivity and innovation during its founding in 1928. Under Act No. 3436, the company was granted a charter to establish a nationwide telephone network to bridge fragmented communication systems and drive economic development.
Starting with the acquisition of small rural phone companies, PLDT laid the groundwork for a nationwide network of fixed lines. In 1933, it achieved a significant milestone with the Manila-Baguio link, enabling the first national long-distance calls and overseas radio-telephone service.
Filipino industrialists and businessmen led by Ramon Cojuangco, took control in 1968, ushering a period of expansion and pioneering achievements.
After nearly a century of experience and a growing service portfolio, PLDT’s legacy infrastructure has unrivalled expertise. Synergies from its subsidiaries have armed it with an incomparable advantage.
The infrastructure of its wireless arm, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), covers 97% of the country’s population with its 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G network. In addition, it has developed the Philippines’ largest data center footprint and fiber optic backbone, spanning over 1.1 million kms, which includes over 231,000 kms of international fiber and over 885,000 kms of domestic fiber.
Boldly go where no one has gone
Meanwhile, PLDT Enterprise, the B2B arm of PLDT, has taken hold of the legacy telco’s transformation baton and is steering it towards an exciting digital future for businesses.
The preferred digital services partner of the B2B market, PLDT Enterprise, boasts a comprehensive suite of connectivity, mobility, and ICT offerings, complemented by the expertise of the PLDT Group. But more than a solutions provider, PLDT Enterprise is an ally that views every customer, regardless of size and demographics, from the unique perspective of its proprietors and decision-makers.
The approach brings a more intimate commitment to helping unlock growth of its local and international partners by bespoke telecom technologies and digital innovations.
Countless recognitions
This culture of relentless futureproofing has not gone unnoticed.
Exceptional contributions to the telecom industry, nationhood aspirations, and excellence in the realm of innovation and customer service, have resulted to PLDT Enterprise being cited by the Stevie Awards, regarded to be the world’s premier business recognition; a ‘Gold Provider’ certification from Cisco, which elevates the company’s profile in the global networking industry; and an abundance of public relations accolades, in particular, for services beyond the call of duty such as when disasters strike.
On the technical side, one achievement of note is for its remarkable five-peat from the Ookla Speedtest Award™ for Fastest Fixed Network.
Digital solutions of every shape and size
The digital transformation steps are also exemplified by its collaborations.
PLDT Enterprise is reinforcing the “hyperdigitalization” efforts of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and large businesses to further bolster their substantial contribution to the nation’s economy.
Meanwhile, priorities are met in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure that the anticipated digital future is sustainable.
“Throughout history, the precursors to economic growth can be traced to the ease of connections via the power of information and communications technology. PLDT Enterprise intends to help pursue this growth through digital solutions,” says Mitch Locsin, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise and International Business Groups at PLDT and Smart.
PLDT Enterprise remains committed to network investments to meet rising demand – a demand which had been progressing at a measured pace but abruptly escalated during the pandemic.
It is no exaggeration that the company’s network was a lifeline at the time. Its reliable connections sustained society and allowed the eventual restart of the engines of businesses; perhaps even expediting the digital inevitability.
The power of telecommunications was on full display.
Looking forward to the future
The PLDT Group’s purpose is clear:
To empower millions of Filipinos, thus making its work more meaningful every day. Technology remains crucial with a rapidly changing industry, but it is its shared company values and culture that truly drives its greater sense of purpose to make lasting impact to the community; that of “reflecting the evolving needs of Filipinos, as it strives to empower the nation and create a better tomorrow through innovation and meaningful connections.”
It is in this that PLDT Enterprise has made preparations to meet the digital dawn.
It actively supports the GoDigital Pilipinas (GDP) movement as part of the government’s nationwide call for digitalization. Under the Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), the GDP addresses the risk of a widening digital divide by promoting digital literacy and building a sustainable digital ecosystem.
PLDT Enterprise has also dedicated considerable resources toward helping LGUs realize their ambitions of becoming Smart Cities. And this early on, it is urging businesses to adopt a holistic, end-to-end perspective on cybersecurity.
A connected and digitally inclusive society is coming. And this interconnected world requires a strong telecommunications network, not just as a facilitator of businesses but as a catalyst for economic advancement.
“Embracing the visionary spirit, PLDT Enterprise is dedicated to empowering our customers with cutting-edge solutions and unwavering support. This embodies our commitment to propelling their success further as we embark on a shared journey toward a digitally transformed future,” says Chet Alviz, Vice President and Head of PLDT Enterprise Marketing.
“We understand the transformative power of connectivity. We are on the cusp of a digital tomorrow because visionaries have been laying the foundations through the years. The digital road that we thread on was not just paved recently and it stretches into the horizon. And we look forward to getting there,” said Locsin.
