PLDT Inc. said it is prepared to compete against new satellite connectivity providers expected to enter the Philippine market this year, stressing that the company remains confident in the strength and reach of its existing network services.
Speaking on Monday, PLDT chief operating officer and Head of Network Menardo Jimenez said the company welcomes competition and sees it as part of doing business in the fast-changing telecommunications industry.
“We don’t know exactly who is coming in or what specific services they intend to offer, but as with any potential entrant, we take competition seriously,” Jimenez said.
The statement comes as global satellite internet providers continue expanding across Asia, raising expectations that new direct-to-cell satellite services could soon challenge traditional telecom operators in underserved and remote areas.
Despite this, Jimenez said PLDT believes its established infrastructure gives it a strong advantage. He noted that competing against new players is often easier than competing against companies that already have large-scale operations.
“Our job is to compete and to win,” he said. “Our strategy is to be proactive from day one.”
Jimenez also downplayed concerns over current direct-to-cell satellite technology, saying it still faces major limitations in speed and reliability. According to him, basic text messaging services can take several minutes to send and receive, while high-bandwidth activities such as video streaming remain impractical through current satellite-to-phone systems.
“At this particular point in time, we’re not as scared of direct-to-cell technology,” he said.
Still, PLDT acknowledged that satellite services could become useful in certain situations, particularly as backup connectivity in isolated or disaster-prone areas where traditional infrastructure is difficult to maintain.
“Satellite services can be useful, especially as redundancy in hard-to-reach areas,” Jimenez said. “But for everyday connectivity, customers expect fast, reliable, and seamless service.”
He added that PLDT and Smart’s combined mobile network already covers around 97 percent of the Philippine population, limiting the immediate market for satellite-based alternatives.
Industry observers view the development as significant because it signals the growing convergence between traditional telecom networks and emerging satellite technologies. While satellite internet is not yet seen as a direct replacement for fiber and mobile networks, continued improvements could reshape connectivity in rural and underserved communities in the coming years.
Jimenez acknowledged this possibility, saying PLDT is prepared to adapt as technology evolves.
“These services will get better, and when they do, we also have to get better,” he said. “Our focus remains on delivering the best possible service for the Philippines.”
He ended by saying PLDT is open both to partnerships and competition with incoming satellite providers.
“If they want to work with us Philippine telcos, then good. But if they want to directly compete with us, then let’s slug it out,” Jimenez said. “We are not going to back out from that fight.”
