Telcos: internet services in PH are affordable, high quality

Philippine telecommunications players maintain that they provide affordable and quality internet services following a recent report by a cybersecurity firm describing the connectivity in the country as “mediocre” and one of the “least affordable” globally.

Surshark, in its latest Digital Quality of Life Index report, noted that the Philippines ranked 98th out of 117 countries in terms of internet affordability. The country, meanwhile, sat at 45th spot for internet quality, which considered internet speed, stability and growth.

“Globe Telecom has been providing Filipinos across social classes with connectivity options that are responsive to their needs without breaking the wallet,” the Ayala-led company said in a statement sent to the Inquirer.

“As the Philippines’ leading digital solutions platform, from affordable mobile data plans to market-leading broadband offers, Globe constantly innovates with its product offers to make connectivity more inclusive,” it added.

Globe said that consumers have been “latching on” their service as shown by the increase of its mobile data traffic to 2,177 petabytes in the first half from 1,761 petabytes a year ago.

The Ayala-led telco player noted that it was also providing sachet-sized prepaid fiber connectivity in underserved communities to expand internet access in the country.

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. CEO and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy, meanwhile, told the Inquirer that they have “always been pushing for world-class broadband services with faster speeds, better accessibility, and more reliable connectivity for Filipinos.”

The internet service provider said it was also offering “time of day” services where subscribers can double their internet speeds at their chosen times at less cost than the standard plans for faster speeds.

Converge said it was “exploring new technologies to bring more affordable products to the wider population.”

In a recent statement, PLDT Inc. and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. said they were committed to delivering reliable and affordable connectivity across the country.

“Part of our commitment to further elevate customer experience is delivering quality connectivity at price points that meet our customers’ needs,” said PLDT chief customer advisor Emmanuel Lorenzana.

According to PLDT, they provide fiber and mobile packages that support their customers’ hybrid work, businesses, online learning and entertainment, among others.

Recently, independent analytics company OpenSignal said Globe and Smart were among the top 30 5G service providers globally in the following categories: download speed, upload speed, video experience and games experience.