Internet Providers in the Philippines Introduce Low-Cost Prepaid Data
Internet connectivity has become essential in today’s highly digitized world, and Philippine telecommunications companies are eager to secure customers by offering affordable prepaid data plans and investing in infrastructure. As the cost of internet connectivity weighs heavily on consumers, telecom players are recognizing the need to offer cost-effective options.
One major player, Globe Telecom Inc., has unveiled a range of affordable prepaid fiber connectivity options. The company has established Wi-Fi hubs in sari-sari stores and other community-based spaces, allowing users to connect their devices. These prepaid plans offer internet access for as low as P5 for one hour or P20 for 12 hours. Customers can also choose to pay P50 to P500 for connectivity lasting three to 30 days. Additionally, Globe launched GFiber Prepaid, providing unlimited fiber connection starting at P299, significantly cheaper than their postpaid plans starting at P1,699.
Another telecom company, Converge ICT Solutions Inc., has also entered the prepaid market with their Surf2Sawa plan. This prepaid plan offers unlimited fiber connectivity for as low as P50 for one day, going up to P700 for a 30-day connection. Converge’s postpaid plans start at a minimum of P1,500 per month.
DITO Telecommunity has introduced DITO Data Sachets, enabling customers to access 1-gigabyte (GB) of data for P10 and up to 5-GB of data for P50, valid for seven days. Additionally, DITO launched the DITO Home 5G Wi-Fi Prepaid product, offering 100-GB of data for only P590 per month, whereas postpaid 5G plans can cost around P1,490 monthly.
A study conducted by cybersecurity firm Surfshark revealed that the Philippines has some of the least affordable internet services globally. Filipinos have to work an average of 11 hours and 5 minutes per month to afford fixed broadband connectivity, compared to Israel where the same service costs only 19 minutes of work per month. Rising global inflation has led to a decrease in the affordability of broadband services overall.
Raymond Policarpio, Globe’s vice president and head for brand management, expressed the company’s commitment to offering affordable fiber internet connection to empower Filipinos in various aspects of life. He emphasized that Globe’s prepaid products enable customers to seize new opportunities within their budget.
Converge also acknowledged the importance of meaningful universal connectivity, highlighting the role it plays in education, livelihood, entertainment, and business. They are dedicated to improving their network and bringing the benefits of technology to their customers across the country.
PLDT Inc. is considering entering the prepaid fiber market, according to chief technology officer Joseph Gendrano. As digitalization continues to accelerate, internet service providers are increasing their investments in data centers, which serve as critical hubs for storing servers and IT systems.
The demand for data centers has risen due to enterprises shifting their operations to cloud-based platforms and enabling hybrid work setups. Cloud technology allows employees to access files and applications digitally from anywhere, which necessitates a significant amount of data storage. According to a survey by Alibaba Cloud, 85% of businesses in the Philippines are expected to fully transition to the cloud by next year.
Telecom companies such as Globe and PLDT are investing heavily in data centers to cater to this growing demand. Globe’s subsidiary, ST Telemedia Global Data Centers (STTGDC) Philippines, held a groundbreaking ceremony for its 124-megawatt data center in Fairview, Quezon City. With an investment of $1 billion, the facility will cover 83,000 square meters across four buildings. PLDT is also constructing its 11th data center, VITRO Sta. Rosa, in Laguna, designed with a 50-megawatt capacity.
As the need for connectivity continues to surge, Filipino telecom companies are focused on expanding their offerings and ensuring their services are more affordable and accessible to all. By introducing low-cost prepaid data options, these providers aim to cater to the needs of their customers in an increasingly digitalized world.
