PLDT Group secures 22,000 permits for network expansion

PLDT Group said it secured 22,000 fixed and wireless permits since the Duterte administration implemented the swift approvals of permits in 2020.

PLDT Group ramps up network expansion

PH government helps telcos with network buildup

In a statement on Friday, PLDT and Smart Communications said local government units have been fast-tracking the permitting process for telco projects, tower deployment in particular.

Given this, internet speeds and customer service in the local market improved, the group said.

Our nation-widest coverage through wireless and fiber footprint expansion strengthens our foundation as the only integrated telco in the country. Speed in the homes is strengthened by our ongoing fiber rollout, while 5G continues to lift the wireless experience, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications President and Chief Executive Officer Alfredo S. Panlilio said.

As of end-March, PLDT fiber infrastructure reached more than 478,000 kilometers.

Just recently, data from the Ookla Speedtest Global Index Report showed that the Philippines' internet state improved in May, subsequently lifting the country's status in the global rankings.

In its May 2021 report, Ookla showed that the country's average download speed for fixed broadband was at 58.73 Megabits per second (Mbps), boosting its ranking by 15 notches to secure the 65th spot out of 180 countries.

For mobile, meanwhile, the download speed stood at 31.98 Mbps. This allowed the Philippines to grab 77th place, up by 7 notches, out of 137 countries.

Source: BusinessWorld