Philippine Telecommunications Industry
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Introduction
Before the 80s, owning a telephone line is like having one’s own Mercedes Benz. People use telephones as a sign of status in the society. When a person is lined, he/she is rich, an elite member of the community. During those times, only the privileged have phones. Many would apply for a phone line, and application process can take up to 5 years, only to find out they have been rejected.
In the 80s, the market became more accommodating and new telephone companies made their industry debut. New lines began operating and franchises were allowed nationwide.
In the early 90s, about 2 of every 10 Filipino families have landline phones, with most of the lines located in Metro Manila. Less than 1 out of 10 owns a mobile phone, then appearing like a smaller version of military radiophones, but still bulky in today's standards. Provinces still lag behind in the race during that time. The lack of telephone lines in provincial homes became a viable business for calling centers. They enjoyed these markets up to the first few years of the 21st century.
And then a few years more, the cellphone age reached its peak. More carriers, lower fees, lesser restrictions, wider coverage. Even kids have their own phones now. Landline subscription started to decline as people become more mobile, wanting to bring with them their phones thus opting for a mobile phone than a stationary one.
Because of the broad scope of Telecommunications, the group has decided to tackle only the mobile or wireless communications as the main topic. Currently, the market is dominated by the Big Three in the Wireless Telecom industry namely, Smart Telecommunications, Inc., Globe Telecom, Inc., and Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc. or otherwise known as Sun Cellular.
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History of the Telecommunications Companies in the Philippines * Smart Communications, Inc. * Incorporated in 1991, Smart
Introduction
Before the 80s, owning a telephone line is like having one’s own Mercedes Benz. People use telephones as a sign of status in the society. When a person is lined, he/she is rich, an elite member of the community. During those times, only the privileged have phones. Many would apply for a phone line, and application process can take up to 5 years, only to find out they have been rejected.
In the 80s, the market became more accommodating and new telephone companies made their industry debut. New lines began operating and franchises were allowed nationwide.
In the early 90s, about 2 of every 10 Filipino families have landline phones, with most of the lines located in Metro Manila. Less than 1 out of 10 owns a mobile phone, then appearing like a smaller version of military radiophones, but still bulky in today's standards. Provinces still lag behind in the race during that time. The lack of telephone lines in provincial homes became a viable business for calling centers. They enjoyed these markets up to the first few years of the 21st century.
And then a few years more, the cellphone age reached its peak. More carriers, lower fees, lesser restrictions, wider coverage. Even kids have their own phones now. Landline subscription started to decline as people become more mobile, wanting to bring with them their phones thus opting for a mobile phone than a stationary one.
Because of the broad scope of Telecommunications, the group has decided to tackle only the mobile or wireless communications as the main topic. Currently, the market is dominated by the Big Three in the Wireless Telecom industry namely, Smart Telecommunications, Inc., Globe Telecom, Inc., and Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc. or otherwise known as Sun Cellular.
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History of the Telecommunications Companies in the Philippines * Smart Communications, Inc. * Incorporated in 1991, Smart