Telecommunications giant PLDT Inc. has pledged to increase expenditures in network upgrades to be able to maintain the nation’s progress in terms of electronic infrastructure and internet quality.
In a press release, PLDT announced that it wants the Philippines to keep on improving in two categories of the Digital Quality of Life (DQL) Index, one of the international tech adoption benchmarks.
Signage for PLDT outside of the telecom giant’s office in Makati
In order to meet the connection needs of consumers and businesses, as well as the national government, PLDT network president Eric Santiago said that PLDT will continue to invest in new assets and solutions.
“As we seek to keep families connected, empower businesses of all kinds, and support the government’s e-governance programs, we continuously optimize and strengthen our network. Ultimately, we aim to close the digital divide,” Santiago said.
Alfredo Panlilio, president and chief executive officer of PLDT, is a member of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC)’s Digital Infrastructure Cluster, from which the president receives policy recommendations that aim to help promote economic growth.
The Philippines, however, slipped five spots down to 60th overall in terms of ranking and now occupies the 17th spot among the 35 Asian nations listed in the DQL Index for this year.
The nation dropped to 104th globally in terms of internet affordability, 64th in terms of how electronic government works, and 45th in terms of electronic security or how safe the Internet is.
On the other side, the Philippines improved in both categories, moving up 11 spots to 54th in electronic infrastructure and 24 spots up to occupy 21st in terms of internet quality.
Analyzing the digital health of 121 economies
The DQL Index analyzes the digital health of 121 economies, which account for 92 percent of the world’s population. France came in at first place this year, followed closely by Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
According to independent reviewers, PLDT is the biggest telco in the nation and has the most dependable network. With the highest speed score of 86.52 in 2022, Ookla had rated PLDT as the Philippines’ fastest internet service provider.
Ookla, on the other hand, declared that by turning up with the quickest speeds in a number of locations throughout the archipelago, PLDT has outperformed its rivals in towns like Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, and Pasig City.
As of this writing, PLDT should have already finished installing more than six million fiber ports in roughly 17,700 barangays countrywide, resulting in a customer base of 2.9 million for its broadband market.
