For as far back as anyone who knows how to text on a keypad can remember, it was just between two household names.
Back when dial-up was still a thing and until your first status update, you were acquiring the services of either Globe or Smart/PLDT.
Nowadays, with the entry of a third telecommunications player and the existence of other broadband connections either fixed, wireless, or satellite, the Philippine telco scene has come a long way.
Consumers, likewise, now have the broader power to choose the best plan and provider that suit their everyday needs.
According to Ookla, the global leader in internet testing, data and analysis, the country ranks 80th in the world in terms of fixed broadband speeds with 49.31 Mbps while for mobile, PH is 84th globally with a 29.12 Mbps download speed.
Read on as we list down some of the Philippines’ best communication service providers and what they are committing to improving these numbers. Next page
PLDT/smart
The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company or PLDT as we know it today was founded nearly a century ago back on November 28, 1928. The company is now a leading telecommunications and internet service provider in the country thanks to its three principal business groups focused on (1) fixed-line, (2) wireless, and (3) information and communication technology.
According to the company, it offers the “largest and most diverse range of telecommunications services across the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone and fixed line, cellular and satellite networks.”
Furthermore, its subsidiary, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly-owned wireless communications and digital services arm that serves approximately 96% of the country’s cities and municipalities with its combined 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G network, the company says.
With world-first innovations such as Smart money, Smart Load, Pasa Load, Smart Padala, all the while leading the pack when it comes to revolutionary products and services, PLDT/Smart provides mobile communications services, high-speed internet connectivity, as well as access to digital content and services to support the country’s growing digital economy.
Converge ICT
Converge is a relatively new player in providing connection to the Filipino household. Banking on its high-speed fiber offerings at affordable rates, the company stays true to its commitment to “provide pure end-to-end fiber internet connection.”
Although the company mainly offers fiber internet connection, it’s worthy to note the role of Converge in connecting more and more Filipinos. From their network facilities to your home, Converge ensures no loss in data transmission or slowdown in internet connectivity, leading to greater speed and bandwidth “only capable with Optical Fiber wires, all the way,” as the company claims.
For its efforts, Converge ICT Solutions, Inc., recently bagged Bronze in the 2021 Asia-Pacific Awards for the New Product Category Award for Innovation. For the second year running, Converge also received the Fastest Growing Fibre Internet Service Provider award from the International Finance Awards.
“Without a doubt, our goal is to continue innovating and providing a quality internet connection that will not only support but also enrich the lives of the Filipino people,” said Converge Co-Founder and CEO Dennis Anthony Uy.
Globe
As per the company, Globe is “not simply a telco company.” It shares that it is an organization that creates and enables digital life for the Philippines. Ultimately, it envisions that every Filipino can “access choices, overcome challenges, and discover new ways to enjoy life.”
With that said, one of the largest mobile network operator in the Philippines and fixed-line and broadband network operators is all-out in making life easier for its 89.3 million total mobile subscribers as of May 2020.
But don’t just take the company’s word for it, Globe has received multiple awards for its efforts, including the International Finance Awards (IFA) as the Fastest Growing 5G Network Service Provider while the award giving-body also recognized globe head honcho Ernest Cu as Best Telecommunications CEO.
Dito Telecommunity
Dito telecommunity is a consortium between Udenna Corporation and China Telecommunications Corporation.
Led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dennis A. Uy, the third major player in the local telco scene is undergoing an aggressive entry into the fore. Launched this year with a particular focus in key areas in Mindanao and Visayas before tapping the Metro Manila market, Dito is now present in more than 100 cities and municipalities nationwide with 3,000 stores.
As of June 2021, the company claims that they are nearing the 1-million subscriber mark in only a few months since their March 8, 2021 launch date, bolstering their vision of being “the industry leader in connecting and empowering Filipino communities.”