PHILIPPINES – Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT), through its B2B arm PLDT Enterprise, is reinforcing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in their “hyperdigitalization” efforts.
“We can talk about our reliable and resilient networks, or how much bandwidth we can offer a business, but when it comes to microbusinesses, we have to be straightforward in our approach. In the end, it’s about more than just the connectivity. It’s about what is enabled by that connectivity,” said Euan Toralballa, PLDT Enterprise Head for Small and Micro Business, speaking at at a panel discussion on digital transformation for MSMEs at the recent GoDigital Pilipinas (GDP) Movement launch held in La Union.
“While connectivity can provide them with the basic digital functions like social media, fintech tools, and e-Governance platforms–connectivity is actually more than that. It also gives them access to upskilling and training, capital and financing, for example,” Toralballa said, adding that having access to connectivity also opens up opportunities to use an array of business solutions and other products.
“For that, connectivity alone is very empowering as it gives MSMEs all these tools that can help them hyperdigitalize their business,” he said, adding that aside from bandwidth and connectivity, PLDT Enterprise also supports businesses who are looking into more advanced solutions such as cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things, as well as services like colocation and data centers.
“Given that the microbusinesses are the life force of the economy, connectivity is actually the red thread that binds us all together,” Toralballa added.
An initiative of the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), GDP heeds the call of the government to address the risk of a digital divide by promoting digital literacy and building a sustainable digital ecosystem.
PLDT President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio is among the founding members of PSAC, under its Digital Infrastructure pillar.
Supporting the connectivity and digital solutions needs of businesses of all sizes nationwide are PLDT and Smart’s integrated fixed and wireless networks.
As of end-March 2023, PLDT had expanded its total fiber footprint to over 1.1 million kilometers, consisting of over 231,000 kilometers of international fiber and over 874,000 kilometers of domestic fiber.
This fiber infrastructure also supports Smart’s 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G network, which covers 97 percent of the country’s population as of end-March 2023.
PLDT and Smart’s continued efforts to transform their integrated fixed and wireless networks contribute to the PLDT Group’s endeavors to provide connectivity to all, and to anchor initiatives on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) particularly on SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.