No Filipino Left Offline: PLDT, Smart to Fire Up 200 Sites for Remote Communities

As the Philippine government intensifies efforts to bridge the digital divide, PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) are firing up around 200 sites this year to serve remote areas. This forms part of the Private Sector Advisory Council’s Digital Infrastructure (PSAC DI) commitment to build new cell sites aimed at expanding connectivity in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) and empowering millions of Filipinos with improved digital access.

PLDT's move supports the government’s infrastructure push, which is a key step toward closing the country’s connectivity gap. Expanding coverage is critical to improving education, boosting businesses of all sizes, and ensuring access to essential services, such as online banking, digital commerce, and even disaster response.

“Every new site we build brings a remote community closer to education, livelihood, and vital services. This is how we bridge the digital divide—one connection at a time, with no Filipino left offline,” said Butch G. Jimenez, PLDT Chief Operating Officer.

These nation-building infrastructure deployments allow PLDT to connect hundreds of remote communities bringing fiber and wireless solutions to underserved regions. Under the government’s “Broadband ng Masa” program, PLDT is also working with key agencies such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to accelerate coverage expansion.

PLDT remains committed to bridging the digital divide, enabling more Filipinos—regardless of location—to participate in and benefit from the digital economy.