PLDT makes 100Mbps home Internet possible

MANILA, Philippines – Leading telecommunications firm Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) announced the availability for the first direct-to-the-home (DTTH) fiber Internet service in the country, enabling speeds of up to 100Mbps for home users.

Dubbed PLDT Fibr, the telco’s new service brings the first fiber-optic cable connection to homes in Metro Manila. It is the result of years of pilot-testing in areas with high-bandwidth requirements, as well as the company’s investment in fiber-based backhaul.

“PLDT Fibr will give our subscribers the ultimate multi-screen, multi-media experience,” said PLDT President and Chief Executive Napoleon L. Nazareno. ”You can expect crystal-clear high-definition content on your HDTV as well as hassle-free simultaneous high-speed browsing.”

Initially, the service is available to subscribers in high-income subdivisions in Metro Manila, such as Forbes Park and Urdaneta Village in Makati, Palms Pointe in Alabang, Wack Wack Village in Mandaluyong, and all Valle Verde Villages in Pasig.

An 8Mbps plan from the service costs P3,500 per month, while a 15Mbps plan is available for P6,500 a month. A 100Mbps plan is also available for P20,000 a month.

“Those seeking to upgrade their current Internet access would do well to look into the extra perks of switching to fiber optic technology,” said Eric Alberto, senior vice president at PLDT .

Fiber Internet uses fiber optic technology, which transmits data via light signals sent through hair-thin strands of pure glass. Instead of the usual copper going to the homes of customers, thin fiber optic cables will be used.

The new platform will be able to deliver simultaneously voice, video and data services at much higher speeds and larger capacities than DSL or cable technologies, the telco said.

Just recently, the company began work for its new undersea cable system called the Asia Submarine-cable Express (ASE) (InterAksyon.com related story), a vital 7,200-kilometer system meant to provide seamless interconnection with other major cable systems connecting the United States, Europe, the Middle East and other parts of Asia.

The facility is expected to expand by more than twice over the existing international bandwidth capacity of PLDT when it is completed in the third quarter of 2012.

It is seen to enable PLDT and its group of companies, including Smart and newly acquired Digitel and Sun, to serve the increasing bandwidth requirements of their combined customer base.