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Choosing The Best Internet Service Provider In The Philippines For 2017

The Internet helps us connect with people from all over the world, and has helped us to become extremely efficient in our everyday lives. It’s hard to imagine life without the Internet. The Internet has grown a tremendous amount over the past decade, creating new job industries and opportunities for everyone.

No matter what you use the Internet for, you are going to have to choose an Internet service provider. There are a number of providers in the country that you can choose from, however, we will focus on the major players aimed at providing home broadband internet service to consumers. Other providers usually cater to businesses and corporate accounts, while some new players have limited coverage only available in condos and high-rise buildings in urban areas.

Internet Service Providers in the Philippines

  1. PLDT – The biggest telecom company in the country, PLDT provides both service reliability and the largest area coverage for their fiber, DSL, or LTE broadband home or business packages.
  2. Globe – One of the largest mobile telecom provider in the country, Globe offers home or business internet solutions in a variety of plans suitable for work or leisure.
  3. Sky Broadband – Leading cable TV provider that also offers broadband cable internet connection, conveniently bundled with their HD cable TV subscription.
  4. Eastern Telecom – Offers dedicated Internet direct service running on leased line technology and also offers DSL Internet suitable for smaller offices or for work from home employees.
  5. Converge ICT – Provides home, SME, or enterprise broadband Internet based purely on fiber optic connectivity.
  6. Infinivan – Through partner cable TV operators, they offer high speed copper, fiber, and wireless Internet access geared towards business or enterprise accounts.
  7. RISE, Inc. – Offers fiber Internet packages mostly aimed at small businesses and enterprise or corporate clients.
  8. Edgecomm – Specializes in satellite Internet services.
  9. We Are IT Philippines – Provider of wireless broadband services, intranet broadband services and mobile and fixed satellite Internet networks.
  10. PT&T – A long time, leading national telegram service provider, they have now transitioned to delivering wireless dedicated or shared broadband access on an all fiber core network.
  11. Textron – Targeting the corporate market, they offer fully dedicated wireless broadband Internet service.
  12. iXS – Mostly focused on enterprise customers, providing dedicated leased-line Internet service.
  13. Radius – A subsidiary of MERALCO, they pride themselves on running a 100% pure fiber network.
  14. NexLogic – Provides both residential and business Internet connectivity through their cable TV operator-partners.

Factors To Consider When Choosing An Internet Service Provider

With so many Internet service providers and options in the Philippines, how do you go about choosing the one that is right for you? There are many factors to take into consideration such as price, speed, coverage, and promotions. We are here to help you narrow down your search, and choose the Internet service provider and package that is right for you.

1. How Do You Use The Internet?

The first step in choosing from a wide selection of ISPs is to understand how you use the Internet. For instance, if you like to play online games and stream video you will need a much faster connection than someone who does casual browsing. In most instances, 8Mbps is usually satisfactory for the casual Internet user; however, anything less than 8Mbps will result in slow load time, and sometimes outages. If you use the Internet for online gaming or streaming video, you may need to consider purchasing a broadband Internet package 20 Mbps or greater for optimal results, though you can get by just fine with anything over 8 Mbps. Now that you have determined how you will use the Internet, it’s the best time for you to start comparing Internet providers in Philippines.

2. Who Has The Best Price?

One of the first things you should do is to determine how much you can afford. If you are a budget-shopper, price may be the deciding factor. If low price and good service is what you are after, Sky broadband is the perfect option for you. Sky offers a ton of affordable options to help you connect to the Internet at an affordable price.

Sky offers One Sky Lite plans that start at ₱699. With the basic Sky Lite plan, you get speeds up to 4 Mbps, 20 GB of data allowance monthly, access to many prime channels, and free Sky On Demand. There is a one-time installation fee of ₱1,799, but you get a free WiFi modem and HD digibox. This package does require a 2-year lock-in, but at that price point, you really can’t complain.

Probably the best offering at Sky is the next step up from the ₱699 Sky Lite Plan. This plan costs ₱999 a month, but provides you with speeds up to 8 Mbps. In addition, you get 40 GB of data each month, free Sky On Demand, and the same access to great channels. The main difference between this package and the base package is the browsing speed. The 8 Mbps will provide you with enough speed to stream most video, and conduct every-day browsing activities. This speed is more than fast enough for the every-day Internet user. The same one-time installation fee of ₱1,788 applies, and you are still provided with a free WiFi modem and HD digibox.

If you want to spend a little more, you can opt to go for a One Sky Premium Plan, which starts at P1,599. The main differences between One Sky Premium, and One Sky Lite is the increased speed and unlimited monthly data allowance. You also have access to more premium channels. If you like to stream a lot of video and play games online, but are still on a budget, the One Sky Premium plan that costs P1,999 per month is the perfect option for you. With this package, you get speeds up to 16 Mbps, get unlimited monthly data, free Sky On Demand, and gain access to many channels that are not available to Sky One Lite customers. You must add on a one-time installation fee of ₱1,999 if you are in Metro Manila, or ₱1,799 if you are located in Cavite, Laguna, Cebu, Davao, Baguio, Iloilo, Bacolod, or Dumaguete.

Sky is by far the best broadband option if you are concerned with price. Sky is also known for great customer service, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach a Sky representative via text, email, phone, or tweet. Sky offers additional affordable plans and bundles all aimed at giving you access to the Internet at price that won’t break the bank.

Sky Bundles Supersaver Plan 1599

Sky Bundles Supersaver Plan 1599

Get the right balance of broadband internet and HD cable TV

8 Mbps unlimited broadband internet

3. Who Has The Best Coverage?

When you choose an Internet service provider you want to make sure the coverage is good. Before you sign a contract, you want to make sure that the company you choose has a reputation of providing outstanding coverage. After all, what’s more frustrating than streaming your favorite movie, only to stop multiple times to load? If budget is less of a concern to you, coverage is a characteristic you will want to focus on.

The broadband service provider that has the best overall coverage is PLDT. At the moment, PLDT is still the leading telecommunications service provider in the country with over 70 percent market share. Over 1.3 million residents subscribe to PLDT’s services, and this number is expected to increase as time goes on. Ariel Fermin, EVP of PLDT Home states, “We are proud to announce that PLDT HOME continues to dominate the broadband arena with its top-class communication solutions that deliver the best, reliable service. The numbers prove that PLDT HOME is the broadband consumers choose and trust.”

In addition to its popular PLDT HOME product, PLDT has the largest and most extensive fiber optic network, which reaches over 2.5 million homes across the nation. This extensive fiber optic network can provide you with lag-free Internet service. PLDT has invested over ₱300 billion to create this extended network, and shows no signs of slowing down. Ask around, and you will probably hear reference of PLDT’s dependable coverage, and fast browsing speeds.

PLDT Home DSL Speedster Plan 1299

PLDT Home DSL Speedster Plan 1299

Faster broadband internet speed for only ₱1,299 a month

Fast 10 Mbps with 50 GB monthly quota

Below is a brief comparison of the major providers and their current reach in terms of service coverage in the Philippines:

Provider
Main Products
Coverage Areas
PLDT
PLDT DSL Internet, Fibr Broadband, Ultera LTE
All Major Cities and Selected Areas Nationwide
Globe
Globe DSL/LTE and Fiber Broadband Plans
All Major Cities and Selected Areas Nationwide
Sky Broadband
Sky Premium and Lite Plans, Video on Demand Bundle
Selected Major Cities and Nearby Areas
Converge ICT
FiberX Unlimited Intenet Plans
Selected Areas in Metro Manila

 

4. What Provider Is The Fastest?

If you are concerned with the speed your Internet provider can provide you with, then Globe is a great option. Globe can provide you with speeds as fast as 1 Gbps. Of course, that speed will cost you. Globe’s packages are a bit pricier when compared to other broadband service providers in the Philippines; however, if you do a lot of online gaming and streaming, speed is a top concern.

Globe offers packages ranging from 2 Mbps to 1 Gpbs. You can get speeds of up to 100 Mbps to match your elite lifestyle for just ₱2,499 per month. With this package, you also get 1 TB of monthly data; free Netflix, HOOQ, and NBA league pass for 6 months; a free landline with WiFi and unlimited calls to Globe/TM. Installation for broadband is free; however, there is a LTE Super Home Phone Activation fee of ₱1,200. You are responsible for paying ₱200 up front, and have five months to pay off the remaining ₱1,000.

If you crave even faster speed, you can spend ₱4,499 per month for 200 Mbps, ₱6,999 a month for speeds up to 500 Mbps, or ₱9,499 per month for speeds up to 1Gbps. Globe offers many additional packages at high speeds, it just depends on how much you are willing to spend for fast Internet service.

Globe Broadband Plan 2499

Globe Broadband Plan 2499

Experience the internet at lightning fast speeds

Up to 100 Mbps with 1 TB monthly cap!

5. Who Has The Best Promotions?

Whenever you can save money you should take the opportunity. Many Internet service providers in the Philippines offer special promotions from time to time, you will just need to keep your eyes peeled for the deals and pay attention to advertisements. Right now, the broadband provider who is offering the best introductory offer is PLDT. PLDT is offering 50 percent off various plans for those who switch to PLDT Home DSL. That means you could pay as little as ₱495 per month for one year!

In addition to saving 50 percent on your broadband bill for the first year, you will also receive free installation which saves you ₱1,100, a free WiFi modem, saving you ₱1,200, and free activation that will save you another ₱1,500! Although you are required to sign a 36-month contract, but at a 50 percent discount who would complain? There are a variety of PLDT broadband internet options that are eligible for this special promotion. Add PLDT to the top of your consideration list.

Special Mention: Converge ICT Broadband

It takes a lot of guts, and financial resources, to be able to penetrate an industry that is considered to be duopolized by the two largest telecom providers in the country. Despite the odds, Converge ICT was able to accomplish this feat, with the goal of providing a level of service at par with global standards. Boasting pure fiber connectivity, Converge is offering fast, uninterrupted, and reliable internet speeds at highly competitive prices. All broadband plans highlight unlimited volume allowance, so subscribers will no longer have to worry about their usage reaching a monthly data cap.

However, there are still some drawbacks commonly experienced by new market players and in Converge ICT’s case, it is their reach in terms of coverage area. Compared to market leaders with existing facilities and service lines, their network is still in the process of expanding, with plans to cover 100% of Luzon in 3 years , then move next to Visayas and Mindanao. At the moment, they can cover selected areas in Metro Manila, with a few areas in Luzon, farthest up north being Baguio and Batangas down south. See list below for some of the areas covered.

Converge ICT Fiber Ready Areas

Metro Manila and nearby cities:

Converge ICT Metro Manila Coverage

Selected Areas in Luzon:

BulacanPampangaTarlac
BaliuagAngeles CityBamban
San RafaelArayatCapas
PulilanClark Freeport ZoneConception
PlaridelCandabaTarlac City
GuiguintoMabalacat CityCamiling
Sta. Maria
MagalangSan Clemente
San IldefonsoMexicoMayantoc
PoracSta. Ignacia
BataanBacolor
BalangaSan Fernando CitySubic Bay Freeport Zone
HermosaSan Luis
OraniSta. Ana
Limay
Mariveles
Morong

As for their available broadband packages, the FiberX plans features speeds now starting at 25 Mbps for the entry-level plan (up from 20 Mbps), up to 100 Mbps, with price ranging from ₱1,500 – ₱3,500 per month. Whereas the FiberXtreme plans, targeting the higher-end market, offers fast speeds of 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps with ₱4,500 and ₱7,000 monthly service fees. All plans require a 2,500 installation fee and lock-in period up to 24 months. Converge ICT assures a 30% minimum speed at 80% service reliability.

Converge ICT FiberX 1500

Converge ICT FiberX 1500

Fiber-fast Speed Now up to 25 Mbps!

Same unlimited data & monthly fee, but higher 25 Mbps speeds (from 20 Mbps).

Have You Made Up Your Mind Yet?

Everyone analyzes different things when evaluating Internet Service providers in the Philippines. If you are concerned with price, Sky should be your provider of choice. If you are more concerned with coverage, PLDT should be number one on your list. If speed is your determining factor, look no further than Globe. If you do not want to sacrifice speed for price, check out PLDT’s current promotion, where you could save 50 percent on broadband for the first year. Converge ICT offers good value for its price, however, best to confirm first if your exact location is included in their coverage area. Regardless of what motivates you, make sure you first determine how you plan to use the Internet. This will help you make the best possible decision for yourself and your wallet, and leave you with the most satisfaction.

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