NexLogic Telecommunication Network Inc., a local internet service provider, launched a free limited fixed internet service as it seeks to lure subscribers.
NexLogic said in a statement the program would come with a one-time purchase of a cable modem costing P2,999. This would give TV subscribers of Laguna Bay Vision and Telemarc Cable Laguna access to NexLogic’s free internet service called Juan’s Internet Philippines (JIP).
The service provides access to all general information, education and Philippine government websites with the domains .org, .edu, and .gov.ph, apart from messaging platforms like Skype, Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger.
“Internet connectivity in the Philippines is one of the most expensive in Asia and the digital divide is growing because of it. Those with internet access can reap its benefits while those who do not get left behind,” NexLogic consultant Louis Casambre said in the statement.
“Our aim with [Juan’s Internet] is to bring down the cost of internet access and remove the financial barriers to broadband internet access,” he added.
The company likened the concept to free-to-access broadcast TV services. In this case, CATV subscribers only need a modem to access a wealth of content and services from sites like Wikipedia, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, UP Open University, and PhilHealth.
Moreover, subscribers will be given 3 gigabytes per month to browse so-called commercial sites and online services, including Facebook and YouTube.
“Should users need more than the free allocation, they can avail of affordable prepaid packages. The prepaid packages will have no data usage caps and are time-based. They will be available in six-hour, 24-hour, seven-day and 30-day increments,” the company said.
To ensure that cable companies were competitive with established ISPs and telcos, NexLogic would maintain a constant subscriber-to-uplink ratio. It said this would “guarantee that the network is never oversubscribed and can deliver constant internet speeds all the time.”
“There have been many complaints about the speed and cost of internet service. Oversubscription is one of the reasons why the quality of retail internet service in the Philippines [remains] the way it is. By maintaining service quality, our partners will remain competitive with incumbent providers,” Casambre said.