PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) have further expanded their fixed and mobile networks nationwide in 2021, powering hybrid workplaces and online learning, and enabling businesses to thrive in the new normal.

Ramping up efforts to reach more homes across the country in 2021, PLDT’s fiber footprint expanded by 73% from end 2020 to 743,700 kilometers, with homes passed at nearly 14 million. This is significantly higher than 9 million homes passed at the end of 2020. In 2021, PLDT built 1.7 million ports in order to provide more homes with fiber connectivity, with 5.77 million ports to date, the largest number of ports in the Philippines.

Completing PLDT’s network are its robust and resilient domestic and international cable systems with a capacity of 55TB and 16TB, respectively. These connect the different islands to each other, and the Philippines to the world.

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To support growing mobile data traffic, Smart has increased its total base stations nationwide to 75,400 as of end-December, supporting its 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G subscribers from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. This includes around 7,200 5G base stations.

“Nearly two years into this pandemic, more activities continue to shift online,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, president and CEO, PLDT Inc and Smart Communications. “This requires us to be unrelenting with our network initiatives despite pandemic restrictions and natural disasters, such as the recent Super Typhoon Odette. Our network has, in turn, enabled more Filipinos to access the internet to stay connected to their families, keep their livelihoods and businesses, engage in online learning, and participate in e-commerce.”

The accelerated deployment of LTE, 5G, and fiber across the country is part of PLDT and Smart’s broader initiative to deliver a world-class experience to their customers nationwide.