As of June 22, 2021, PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) have secured around 22,000 fixed and wireless permits since the government fast-tracked approvals for telecommunications firms last year.

“Our nation-widest coverage through wireless and fiber footprint expansion strengthens our foundation as the only integrated telco in the country,” said Alfredo Panlilio, president and CEO, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. “Speed in the homes is strengthened by our ongoing fiber rollout, while 5G continues to lift the wireless experience​. We are leading this charge and will never stop innovating, as we aim to help elevate the country’s overall speeds, taking the Philippines to global heights.”

PLDT Home broadband service expands 46% nationwide

PLDT accelerates fiber deployment to meet target installations in 2021

Among government initiatives that have helped speed up the telco rollout is the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA)’s issuance last year of the Joint Memorandum Circular fast-tracking the issuance of permits and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)’s recently issued Department Order No. 29 (DO 29), which allows telecommunications companies to occupy a portion of the government Right of Way (ROW). DO 29’s issuance also assists in ensuring the timely maintenance of PLDT’s fiber infrastructure as well as Smart’s cell sites.

As of end-March, PLDT’s fiber infrastructure is at over 478,000 kilometers across the country. This supports Smart’s mobile network by providing high-capacity links for its more than 63,000 base stations. Smart covers 96% of the population from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi.