PLDT eyes internet-solar power bundle offers

Telecommunications giant PLDT Inc. is looking to expand beyond traditional internet services, announcing on Thursday plans to partner with a major solar energy provider to bundle its broadband subscriptions with residential solar panel systems.

In a statement, the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led telco said initial test marketing activities for the planned offering had generated “highly promising results,” reflecting strong consumer interest in an integrated internet and renewable energy solution.

“The initiative aims to combine reliable high-speed connectivity with renewable energy systems, helping families stay connected while managing rising electricity costs more efficiently,” PLDT said.

While details of the planned offering are yet to be disclosed, PLDT said the setup could allow households to access solar installations through affordable monthly payments spread over several years.

“If people can have solar panels installed together with internet in one go, it should be very compelling for our customers, especially the ones who wish to future-proof their homes,” said PLDT chief operating officer Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr.

PLDT senior vice president John Palanca said the planned offering would also allow the company to expand deeper into household utilities and services.

“Aside from enabling our customers to upgrade their homes in the most convenient possible way, this also helps PLDT own the whole home, and not just the internet portion,” said Palanca.

He also heads PLDT Home, the telco’s residential broadband and digital services business.

While PLDT did not disclose the partner for the venture, its chair, Pangilinan, also controls several large-scale solar power projects through Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN).

MGEN’s affiliate, Terra Solar Philippines Inc., is developing MTerra Solar, which is expected to become the world’s largest integrated solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage facility.

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“This collaboration reflects chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan’s continued commitment to innovation and to delivering meaningful technologies that improve everyday life for Filipinos across the country,” PLDT said.

Apart from the planned residential offering, PLDT earlier said it was accelerating the “solarization” of its cell sites through wireless arm Smart Communications Inc.

This initiative initially covers 20 leased sites and is being implemented in partnership with independent tower company EdgePoint Towers Inc., which is deploying the solar powered sites.

Smart said the towers would have installed solar capacity of more than 181 kilowatts-peak and battery capacity exceeding 20,000 ampere-hours.

Once completed, the sites are expected to reduce diesel consumption by around 198,000 liters annually and help avoid about 545 tons of carbon emissions each year.