Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) are further boosting the Philippines’ digitalization aspirations, aiding the delivery of better connectivity and helping develop the country’s digital infrastructure.

According to the latest Digital Quality of Life (DQL) Index 2023, the Philippines recorded improvements in terms of Internet Quality and Electronic Infrastructure, which are among the Index’s pillars.

Currently, the Philippines ranks 21st in terms of Internet Quality, up from 45th in 2022, while in terms of Electronic Infrastructure, the country ranks 54th, up from 65th the previous year. Overall, the Philippines ranks 60th out of 121 countries in terms of DQL.

“We continue to optimize and fortify our network as we strive to keep families connected, enable businesses of all sizes, power the government’s e-governance initiatives, and ultimately narrow the digital divide,” said PLDT and Smart Network Head Eric Santiago.

For their efforts at improving their integrated fixed and wireless networks, PLDT and Smart have been consistently cited by third-party analytics firms for delivering top-notch broadband and wireless services in the Philippines.

PLDT recently achieved a five-peat win as fastest internet service provider in the country from global benchmarking company Ookla, and is the only telco in the Philippines to achieve such a feat.

Smart has also been cited by Ookla as the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network–the first and only Philippine mobile operator to earn this prestigious and rare citation for three consecutive reporting periods. Since 2019, Smart has also consistently received the Best in Test citation from independent benchmarking organization umlaut.

PLDT and Smart’s network improvement initiatives are aligned with the Group’s support for the Government’s overall digitalization thrust as one of the founding members of the government-mandated Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) under the Digital Infrastructure Pillar, represented by its President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio.

They also boost PLDT’s aspirational multi-year transformation, with elevating customer experience as one of the key priorities, as well as contribute to the Group’s endeavors to help the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

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