Jimenez underscored PLDT’s long-standing approach to competition, which is to respond decisively while continuing to strengthen the company’s own capabilities. “Our job is to compete and to win,” he said. “Historically, it is easier to compete with new entrants than with players that already have established scale. Our strategy is to be proactive from day one.”
Noting that initial information indicated that these firms are direct to cell satellite providers, Jimenez also offered a measured view of the current state of the technology, based on existing market tests and user experience.
'Four-minute SMS'
“At this particular point in time, we’re not as scared of direct-to-cell technology,” he said, adding that the customer experience still leaves much to be desired. “Basic services such as SMS can take as long as four minutes to send and another four minutes to receive--if you're lucky. Data-heavy applications like video streaming are not practical today through direct-to-cell technology. That said, these technologies will likely improve over time.”
Jimenez stressed that PLDT is not dismissing satellite connectivity, noting that it can play a complementary role, particularly in niche or backup use cases. “Satellite services can be useful, especially as redundancy in hard-to-reach areas,” he said. “But for everyday connectivity, customers expect fast, reliable, and seamless service.”
He also pointed to the extensive reach of PLDT and Smart’s mobile and fixed networks. “Our mobile coverage today reaches about 97 percent of the population,” Jimenez said, noting that this means satellite connectivity addresses a very specific segment of use cases, rather than the daily needs of most Filipinos.
Looking ahead, Jimenez acknowledged that satellite technology will continue to evolve — and said PLDT intends to evolve alongside it. “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.”
Jimenez closed by welcoming healthy competition. “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," he said. “We are not going to back out of that fight.”
'Four-minute SMS'
“At this particular point in time, we’re not as scared of direct-to-cell technology,” he said, adding that the customer experience still leaves much to be desired. “Basic services such as SMS can take as long as four minutes to send and another four minutes to receive--if you're lucky. Data-heavy applications like video streaming are not practical today through direct-to-cell technology. That said, these technologies will likely improve over time.”
Jimenez stressed that PLDT is not dismissing satellite connectivity, noting that it can play a complementary role, particularly in niche or backup use cases. “Satellite services can be useful, especially as redundancy in hard-to-reach areas,” he said. “But for everyday connectivity, customers expect fast, reliable, and seamless service.”
He also pointed to the extensive reach of PLDT and Smart’s mobile and fixed networks. “Our mobile coverage today reaches about 97 percent of the population,” Jimenez said, noting that this means satellite connectivity addresses a very specific segment of use cases, rather than the daily needs of most Filipinos.
Looking ahead, Jimenez acknowledged that satellite technology will continue to evolve — and said PLDT intends to evolve alongside it. “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.”
Jimenez closed by welcoming healthy competition. “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," he said. “We are not going to back out of that fight.”
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