TELECOM | Philippine telco expands satellite, AI, creator tools push
A Philippine telecommunications group has expanded its satellite connectivity, newsroom AI support and livestreaming infrastructure partnerships as part of a broader digital push targeting remote communities, media organizations and the growing creator economy.
In three separate announcements, the group detailed efforts to sustain satellite-based internet services nationwide, provide artificial intelligence tools to Mindanao newsrooms, and launch enterprise-grade livestreaming studio packages with a major social media platform.
PLDT sustains nationwide Starlink services
PLDT Inc. said its enterprise arm continues to roll out satellite-enabled connectivity after launching Starlink services in 2025, becoming an authorized reseller serving both the public and private sectors.
The service is already being used by government agencies and enterprise customers, including the provincial government of Camarines Sur and SMS Global Technologies Inc., to support mission-critical operations, digital public services, education, health care and disaster response in geographically isolated and disaster-prone areas.
Blums S. Pineda, senior vice president and head of the Enterprise Business Group, said satellite connectivity is gaining traction across sectors such as agriculture and banking.
“Within a year of deployment, Starlink has reached customers across the public sector, agriculture, banking, and other key industries — underscoring the accelerating adoption of satellite connectivity as a practical, enterprise-grade solution, particularly in underserved locations,” Pineda said.
He added that the low Earth orbit satellite service is delivered as part of a broader managed connectivity ecosystem integrating fiber, wireless, managed SD-WAN, cybersecurity, data centers and cloud solutions.
The satellite strategy forms part of the group’s wider effort to expand digital access using complementary technologies nationwide.
PLDT, Smart back AI tools for Mindanao media
In a separate initiative, PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. turned over AI-in-a-Box packages to media partners in Mindanao to support newsroom digital transformation.
Each package includes Smart 5G WiFi connectivity, load cards and access to a premium ChatGPT subscription.
Gladys Chu, CEO of Mindanao Gold Star Daily, said the tools would help improve research, storytelling and data analysis in a “responsible, human-led way.”
Joel Escovilla, editor in chief of Mindanao Times, cited the value of connectivity redundancy and AI-assisted content generation to scale social media campaigns.
Media professionals in Cagayan de Oro and Davao also participated in a workshop titled “AI in the Newsroom: Productivity, Ethics & Combating Misinformation,” led by journalist and technologist Jaemark Tordecilla. The session covered research support, fact-checking, writing and multimedia applications, as well as responsible AI use.
The initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure by expanding access to AI-powered tools for local media organizations.
PLDT Enterprise, TikTok launch livestream studio packages
The group’s enterprise arm also partnered with TikTok to launch TikTok Go LIVE! Studio Packages aimed at creators, multichannel networks and small and medium enterprises.
The collaboration combines TikTok’s livestreaming ecosystem with enterprise-grade connectivity and managed services to support more stable and interactive streams, according to the announcement.
Vic Tria, head of Enterprise Domestic Business and SME at PLDT Enterprise, said content creation is no longer optional for many businesses and requires dependable infrastructure.
Jacob John Kuttisseril, TikTok’s strategic partner lead for Asia Pacific, said the partnership aims to help Filipino creators and small businesses reach wider audiences and strengthen online engagement.
The studio packages are designed to provide dedicated connectivity, backend support and customer care to help ensure uninterrupted livestreaming operations.
These initiatives underscore the company’s strategy to support connectivity resilience, AI adoption and the creator economy as part of the Philippines’ broader digital transformation agenda.
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