The Konektadong Pinoy Act holds the promise of inclusivity in bridging the communications needs of Filipinos. While free Internet for all remains a dream, the law provided the foundation for its eventual realization.

Among communications firms, Converge ICT has long positioned itself as more than a telecommunications brand. Its identity rests on being a technology company with a clear mission to uplift everyday digital experiences for Filipinos. 

During a roundtable at the DAILY TRIBUNE office on 14 November, vice president and head of corporate communications and public relations Jay-Anne Encarnado walked through the company’s journey, its infrastructure investments, and its readiness to support the newly enacted measure.

The story of Converge began in the early nineties when it operated as ComClark Network and Technology Corporation. 

It first ventured into fiber technology in 1996 in Angeles City and the Clark Special Economic Zone, when much of the country still relied on copper-based networks. The 2007 rebranding to Converge ICT Solutions marked the start of the company’s broader reach. 

The company pushed its network across Luzon before gradually moving into the Visayas and Mindanao.

Encarnado noted that this foundation became crucial during the pandemic. With the sudden shift to remote work, households needed faster and more reliable connectivity. 

Converge’s existing fiber infrastructure enabled it to offer consistent internet at more affordable prices, helping it secure a larger market share. Many Filipinos, especially workers and small businesses, discovered that fiber could better support everyday digital needs.

A significant turning point for Converge came with its decision to build its own international connectivity routes rather than rely on existing gateways. Encarnado explained that the company now has capacity on two major submarine cable systems: the SEA-H2X and the Bifrost. These direct links to the United States and Singapore strengthen its network resilience and allow better management of international traffic. This supports the long-term goal of reducing bottlenecks that once limited competition among providers.

Converge has continued to strengthen its digital backbone through its data centers. The first is located at its original ComClark base in Pampanga. Another, soon to be the largest, is rising in Angeles. A third operates in Caloocan. These facilities provide redundancy, improved traffic distribution, and more reliable services for consumers and enterprises.

Encarnado has spent more than three decades in the telco and tech industry. In 2023, she received the Empowered Women in Tech award from Marketech Asia Pacific, which she attributes to experience, leadership, and the direction established by founders Dennis Anthony Uy and Maria Grace Uy. 

She noted that their steady and determined approach continues to guide the company’s growth today.

Pivotal role to play

With nearly 70 percent of the country’s fiber-connected ports under its network, Converge is preparing to play a significant role in implementing the Konektadong Pinoy Act. The law aims to expand access to fast and affordable internet by encouraging competition, reducing bureaucratic barriers, and supporting infrastructure sharing. These directions align with Converge’s current strategies. The company has already introduced prepaid fiber internet options, including unlimited plans that cost as low as 50 pesos per day or 700 pesos per month.

Encarnado emphasized that open access and infrastructure sharing can help speed up improvements in connectivity. 

For Converge, collaboration across the industry can lower barriers, broaden coverage, and improve service in remote and underserved areas. The company sees this as an opportunity to strengthen its reach while maintaining quality and reliability.

The broader implication of the Konektadong Pinoy Act is a push to improve the country’s digital foundations. As more businesses rely on automation, e-commerce, and online services, a steady, fast internet connection becomes even more essential. 

Encarnado noted that the Philippines cannot become a technology hub without robust connectivity, especially in areas that have long lacked adequate infrastructure.

For Converge, the next phase involves expanding its nationwide rollout and preparing for a future shaped by data-driven industries. The company believes that its investments in fiber, international bandwidth, and data centers position it well to support emerging digital ecosystems. It also hopes to continue improving affordability so more Filipinos can participate in the digital economy.

Encarnado said that connectivity is an enabler of daily life, from education and remote work to business operations and social interaction. As the country begins implementing the Konektadong Pinoy Act, Converge aims to build the digital environment Philippine communities need to grow.

With its network now reaching millions of homes, its infrastructure expanding, and its commitment to accessible internet firmly set, Converge continues to work toward a more connected and digitally empowered future for Filipinos.