• CHERYL G. CRUZ
PLDT Inc. said Nov. 7 that its gross service revenues grew three percent to P149.8 billion while consolidated service revenues, or the net of interconnect costs, reached an all-time high of P142.3 billion in the first nine months of 2023, “notwithstanding persistent macroeconomic challenges”.
In the Nine Months Earnings hybrid briefing, PLDT president and chief executive officer Alfredo Panlilio said that data and broadband, which grew by four percent, or P4.1 billion, to P116.9 billion, contributed 82 percent of the consolidated service revenues.
“Now more than ever, we are witnessing how the power of technology and digital services impact Filipinos’ standard of living, with innovations bringing convenience, comfort, productivity, and security to improve overall quality of life,” Panlilio said, adding the company targets to “enable our countrymen with the tools and connectivity needed to enhance their digital lifestyles.”
The third quarter revenues alone reached P47.8 billion, or P0.3 billion higher compared with the second quarter.
“We’re pushing all sources of revenues but at the same time managing costs,” he stressed.
Its Home’s fiber-only service revenues grew by 10 percent, or P3.6 billion, to an all-time high of P39.3 billion in the first three quarters of 2023, PLDT said, adding that fiber-only revenues accounted for 87 percent of total Home revenues of P45.3 billion. This is P1.0 billion higher compared to the same period last year.
The company’s total fiber subscribers, as of end-September 2023 stood at 3.14 million, with 210,000 fiber net additions. “PLDT’s total number of fiber ports rose to 6.15 million covering over 18,000 barangays nationwide. Working with city governments in various regions to boost productivity and hybrid learning among communities, PLDT deployed the fastest fiber connectivity in cities and municipalities, including major tourism hubs in the country.”
As of end September, Smart has registered 55.2 million mobile subscribers, higher than its closest competitor, with TNT once again being the leading SIM brand.
The improved performance after the SIM registration deadline in July has been driven by structural revenue optimization, marketing campaigns which increased data usage among subscribers, including those in support of the country’s recent hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, sponsorships for musical events, and new product offers, the officials said.
Smart also became the first Philippine telco to offer e-SIMs to both postpaid and prepaid customers.
Panlilio, meanwhile, said PLDT continues to ensure that the company and its customers are adequately protected against cyberattacks. “It’s an ongoing process. We have to continue implementing cybersecurity solutions.”
MVP chairman Manuel Pangilinan said they have engaged the services of offshore security firms “to help us defend our network and the data of customers”.
Pangilinan also maintains a positive view about PLDT’s performance for the full 2023 amidst a tough economic environment. “The company has done reasonably well against a tough inflationary environment, relatively high interest rates, and a slowing economic growth. The name of the game is durability of staying in the market, and how to grow more.” | CGC
