PLDT broadband subscribers reach 3.5 million

MANILA, Philippines — Telco giant PLDT Inc. strengthened its dominance in the broadband industry by adding 169,000 new subscribers in the first half, resulting in the expansion of its customer base to more than 3.5 million.

In the six months to June, PLDT tripled its net additions compared to a year ago to improve its broadband subscribers to an industry-leading 3.53 million.

PLDT senior vice president and head of home business John Palanca said the telco is aggressive in coming up with new services to expand its customer base.

Based on its financial report, PLDT raised broadband revenues by four percent to P30.4 billion as of June. Likewise, PLDT’s fiber-only revenues rose by seven percent to P29.5 billion, and the segment now accounts for 97 percent of broadband income.

“Our growth reflects the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity and for value-rich digital experiences. We’re expanding our fiber footprint while delivering bundled services that meet the evolving needs of customers,” Palanca said.

PLDT also sustained its telco-leading average revenue per user (ARPU) as it acquired more subscribers willing to pay a premium for connectivity.

Four in five of PLDT’s new customers in the second quarter subscribed to postpaid plans above P1,299, propelling the telco’s ARPU to P1,485, the highest in the industry.

PLDT is focused on developing broadband services that mix home connectivity with mobile internet, with complementaries of content services like Netflix.

Palanca said the battleground currently in broadband goes beyond download speeds. He said customers are looking for faster installations, personalized products, quick repair, among others, all of which determine whether they would buy and keep a service.

Outside of the premium market, PLDT is offering fiber prepaid designed to cater to families who prefer flexibility in their connectivity. However, unlike its competitors, the telco is taking it easy on its low-cost rollout, as it capitalizes on the postpaid and prepaid balance of its portfolio.

In the boardroom, PLDT accepted the resignation of Kazuyuki Kozu as director. He will be replaced by Hidetada Hayashi, a telco veteran with over 30 years of experience.