Telco upgrades enable businesses, customers to shift online during pandemic

Telco giants PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom said network upgrades have enabled more businesses and their customers to shift online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Citing record sales from e-commerce companies, PLDT chief revenue officer Alfredo Panlilio said life under lockdown pushed the rapid adoption of online and digital services.

“It became even more evident how digital transformation and the use of digital technology have become important for Filipinos in coping with the present crisis,” he said in a statement.

“Internet connectivity fuels this rapid adoption, therefore becoming the foundation of the digital economy,” Panlilio added.

The company pointed to Shopee’s record-breaking 12.12 sale where 12 million items were sold during the first 24 minutes.

Lazada, on the other hand, reported a 250-percent increase in daily sales for the year, PLDT said.

Globe said improving internet quality was a big boost to e-commerce.

“Online shopping and online payments this holiday season show Filipinos are increasingly adopting new digital platforms,” Gil Genio, Globe chief technology and information officer, said in a separate statement.

“Our continuous network improvements will further provide our customers with an enriching experience as they discover new ways of using digital technologies,” he added.