The company has deployed free WiFi hubs across General Santos City, Sarangani, Glan, Jose Abad Santos and parts of Davao Occidental, giving residents access to communications even as restoration work continues.
The move highlights the growing role of satellite broadband as a backup network during disasters, particularly in areas where power outages and damaged facilities can slow traditional recovery efforts.
“In times of crisis, our objective is to help as many people as possible,” said PLDT chief operating officer Menardo "Butch" Jimenez Jr. “Providing WiFi connectivity to any and all affected Filipinos is our goal.”
Satellite support
Working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, PLDT installed Starlink broadband facilities at key government sites and hospitals, including Sarangani Provincial Hospital and Malungon Provincial Hospital.
The free WiFi service is open to subscribers of all mobile networks, including Smart, TNT, Globe, TM and DITO.
DICT officials said the sites delivered download speeds of more than 100 Mbps, helping residents access information, government services and emergency communications.
PLDT and Smart said more than 90 percent of affected network facilities across Mindanao have already been restored, with full restoration expected by the weekend.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
