Strong telecom sector seen to help fuel economic growth

The country’s strong telecommunications sector has been cited as a key infrastructure industry that will boost the Philippines’ economic growth in the coming years, according to leading economist Bernardo Villegas at the recent Asia CEO Forum.

Citing a paper published by the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines, Villegas said the telecom sector was one of the major infrastructure industries—which also include airports, power, roads and rail, seaports and water—that would help the economy to grow by 7-10 percent in the next 10 years.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. executive vice presdent for enterprise Eric R. Alberto agrees that telecommunication companies like PLDT were enablers of businesses that support economic growth and contribute to nation-building.

“PLDT’s current infrastructure is strategic in providing primary telecommunications and technology solutions support to critical industries like business process outsourcing (BPO), financial services, tourism, mining and electronics manufacturing,” Alberto said.

Enhancement of PLDT’s digital fiber optic network for both the domestic route and international route has been undergoing continuous expansion. PLDT has also acquired several international Ethernet certifications and has consolidated services portfolio to deliver end-to-end ICT solutions.

Recent partnerships have resulted in the strengthening and growth of PLDT’s network reach, while broad convergence initiatives enabled the company to provide improved services.

“All our programs are reflective of PLDT’s forward thinking, recognizing the various potentials for economic development in the years ahead and ensuring that PLDT is capable of providing for changing market needs,” said Alberto.