Villar firm to offer broadband service across country
The company owned by the Philippines’ richest man, Manuel Villar Jr., will soon provide high-speed fixed internet access across the country. The former senator’s company has already applied for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) at the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for permission to roll out the broadband service nationwide. The ex-senator’s son, Manuel Paolo Villar, said they will prioritize half a million homes constructed by Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., the flagship real estate company founded by their father. The Villars currently offer fixed-line internet access in limited locations under the Planet Cable brand. Aside from offering fixed-line internet services, the Villars are also looking at engaging in the mobile telco business as cell tower builders or operators. Their plan is in line with a Department of Information and Communications Technology project to build at least 50,000 new telco structures to increase the country’s current 17,000 structures managed by PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom.