Slowly but surely, PLDT is rolling out fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) facilities, with General Santos City becoming the first “Fibr City” in Mindanao. This allows its diverse population and bustling enterprises fiber-fast internet access. The project was undertaken in partnership with the GenSan local government and benefits the growing internet access needs of the SOCCSKSARGEN region, which includes the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani.
“GenSan’s robust export industry and burgeoning medium to large enterprises, as well as its growing and diverse population, fits the profile of a Fibr City,” said PLDT FVP and Head of Home Business Oscar Enrico A. Reyes Jr.
“PLDT Home Fibr will provide GenSan’s residents with the platform, the power and the connection they need to take advantage of the vast opportunities in these rapidly evolving digital times.This roll-out is part of our ongoing expansion plans with the end goal of giving Fili
pinos all over the country access to the strongest connections at home,” Reyes said.
For as little as Php1,899, General Santos City residents will not only be able to access fiber-fast speeds, but PLDT’s varied content providers as well, including iFlix, Netflix, Fox+, and iWant TV. Families can also take advantage of PLDT’s partner devices, such as Fam Cam for securing the home and Fam Zone to secure the online content they’re able to access. There’s also the multi-functional Smart Watch for children to help keep their smallest family members safe.
According to GenSan City Mayor Ronnel Rivera: “We are excited and proud to be among the first Fibr cities of PLDT. We are looking forward to this continued partnership that will bring world-class internet service to homes and businesses in our city.”
Earlier this year, PLDT completed its first ever “Fibr City” project with the roll-out of FTTH facilities in Toledo City, Cebu, serving the fast-growing city’s residents and its mining and tourism industries.
“PLDT envisions to increase the number of Smart Homes and Fibr Cities nationwide which will result in the Philippines being a Smart Nation,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.
As of 2016, there are already 2.8 million homes with access to Fibr. By the end of this year, PLDT hopes to expand that to 4.4 million. The country’s leading telco also envisions that by 2018, all of its subscribers will be living in “smart homes”.