EasyCall ventures into VSAT services

EasyCall Communications Philippines Inc., which made its name in the 90s as one of the largest paging companies in the country, is venturing into satellite communications services.

In a statement yesterday, EasyCall—which generates revenue from business process outsourcing and corporate internet services—announced its expansion into Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology to serve remote areas.

Trading of EasyCall shares rose near the 50 percent ceiling to end at P22.70, valuing the company at P3.4 billion on Friday’s close.

VSAT uses a two-way satellite communications system that can transmit and receive data via remote terminals or hubs. EasyCall said it had been developing expertise and infrastructure in this segment “over the past few years.”

“The need for connectivity is more important than ever, and we feel the responsibility to open up that possibility to millions of Filipinos who have limited connectivity access,” Zaki Delgado, EasyCall president, said in a statement.

EasyCall has been quietly rolling out its EasyNet VSAT managed service in underserved and unserved provincial communities in Samar, Quezon, Iloilo, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Leyte and Antique. It is currently setting up VSAT installations in Zambales, Negros Occidental, Cavite, Bicol, Isabela, Iloilo and Cebu, the statement showed.

“There is a critical demand for connectivity in far-flung cities and municipalities, especially in the aftermath of disasters and emergencies, for businesses with remote offices, and for efficient access to services,” Delgado said.

EasyCall was acquired by Delgado-led Transnational Diversified Group in 2001.

In the 90s, EasyCall rose to fame as one of the major pager companies in the Philippines. The technology fell out of style as text messaging services from Globe Telecom and PLDT Inc.’s Smart Communications became popular later in the decade.

The Transnational Diversified Group of Companies (TDG) was started by J. Roberto Delgado and the late Kiyoshi Osawa in 1976. Its businesses span ICT, logistics and ship management.