President-Duterte-PH-Internet
PHOTO: NESTOR CORRALES/INQUIRER.net

Local telecommunication companies respond to Duterte’s warning.

Both PLDT and Globe have agreed and pledged to support the presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s call for better internet in the Philippines. Although he lacks knowledge in technology, Duterte said that he knows it will play a vital role in the development of the country, especially in the provinces.

“You improve the service or I will open the Philippines. All can come in.” Duterte said, implying that he’s open into letting foreign telecommunication firms to operate in the country should the local telcos fail to cooperate and improve internet connectivity.

The internet in the Philippines is said to be the 2nd slowest in Asia at 3.64 megabits per second, following Afghanistan’s 2.52mbps.

The telecom companies released seperate statements in response to Duterte.

“We are aligned with government efforts to improve telecom services. PLDT is in fact in the middle of a major 3-year network  investment program that is in process of  significantly improving telecom and Internet services for PLDT and Smart customers and will  support national development initiatives,” said Ramon Isberto, PLDT spokesman.

“We support the call for faster internet. In fact, Globe is at the forefront of building the much needed infrastructure nationwide to make Internet services easily accessible either through mobile or wireline. This is supported by heavy investments over the years to make sure the Philippines is at par with other countries in terms of technology use,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

While telcos need to work on their end, Crisanto also said that the “government also plays a role in improving internet services.” Telcos also said that they welcome the possible entry of other players in the market.

 [Sources: Inquirer, GMANews]

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