PLDT provides services amid COVID constraints

MANILA, Philippines — Telecommunications and digital service provider PLDT Inc. has assured its customers it would continue  to provide  vital communication services despite the constraints imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

“Our customers need us now more than ever.  Our internet services and solutions power homes and businesses and keep families connected while maintaining social distance in these trying times,” PLDT executive vice president and chief revenue officer Al Panlilio said.

“Given the continuing rise of the number of COVID-19 cases in our country, we need to pursue a delicate balance. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serve our customers while also ensuring the health and safety of both our employees as well as our customers,” he said.

Panlilio said the company is carefully controlling the operations of its field and support personnel such as its repair and maintenance crews, as well as agents deployed in call centers,  sales and service centers.

While field crews remain ready to address emergency requirements and critical operations, they follow strict health, safety, and sanitation procedures.

With the expected increase of home internet usage, PLDT has also improved its network by expanding the caching capacity of its data centers.

This will help avoid network overload and accommodate data traffic of commonly used social media and streaming sites such as Google, Facebook and Netflix.

PLDT Home has likewise rolled out free speed boost until April 30 for highly affected areas in Luzon including Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Kalinga, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Tarlac.