Eastern Communications democratises technology for a more digitally competitive Philippines

The company has strived to advance technological methods to ensure better connection between businesses and families.

With the Philippines’ IT-BPO and tourism sectors expected to drive the country’s economic growth over the next decades, there comes a critical need for internet access throughout the archipelagic country, and improved connectivity in areas where service is already available.

Whilst this may seem like an easy feat, the country’s major urban cities are difficult to reach and the rising trend of remote and hybrid work arrangements remains to be a challenge. According to research, 40% of Filipinos still do not have access to reliable internet connectivity.

As such, premiere ICT service provider Eastern Communications continues its mission of  democratising technology for the Philippines. Since its inception, the company has striven to offer innovative and advanced technological methods of seeing businesses and families better connected.

In its effort to grow its business and establish more points of connectivity, Eastern Communications has increased its presence in multiple cities and provinces by introducing its services to key business centres. The telco company positioned itself to support emerging digital cities that are poised for rapid growth.

Eastern Communications allotted a ₱4.3-B budget in the past year and achieved more than 80% of its expansion footprint through the rollout of terrestrial and submarine cable infrastructure building. Establishing the submarine cable network meant providing resilient and reliable access to connectivity services to support the BPO industry in its need to expand operations to islands and cities with rich talent pools.

By the end of 2022, Eastern increased the reach of its fibre network to 26 of its targeted digital cities. Its fibre cable reach has also increased to 8,700km with a total of 180 nodes in 42 business cities located throughout the Philippines.

The company has also expanded its business-grade information and communications technology solutions portfolio to meet the market’s increasing demand for digital transformation and provide alternative connectivity options for various unserved areas.

These innovations became some of the main drivers of revenue stream for the telco as it fortifies the nationwide democratisation of technology. “Eastern Communications’ “high tech" solutions, "high touch" customer service, and [the] continued thrust in democratising technology will help the country evolve into a more digitally competitive Philippines,” it said.

The company’s success in addressing the rising demand for digital transformation has been recognised by the Asian Telecom Awards, as Eastern Communications bagged the B2B Client Initiative of the Year - Philippines award.

The prestigious awards programme recognises the remarkable achievements and initiatives of Asia’s leading telecom companies, as well as those who stood out and were able to navigate their way through various market challenges whilst providing relevant and award-winning products and services to their clients.