Philippines fiber linkage among lowest in Asia-Pacific

The Philippines ranks among the countries with the lowest fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) penetration rates in the Asia-Pacific region, according to a study by connectivity analyst Opensignal. Filipinos tend to favor mobile data due to its affordability, which contributes to the low FTTH subscriptions in the country. Only countries with a gross national income (GNI) per capita below $20,000, such as the Philippines, have such low FTTH penetration levels.

Robert Wyrzykowski, principal analyst for Asia and the Pacific at Opensignal, noted that the Philippines, along with Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, have FTTH coverage of 29% in 2025. Wyrzykowski further explained that these countries have among the lowest income levels in the Asia-Pacific region. In contrast, countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Australia boast the highest FTTH penetration rates, as their residents have a GNI per capita exceeding $20,000.

GNI per capita represents the average income of residents, which is a more accurate indicator than mere population size when assessing internet penetration. Wyrzykowski pointed out that populations with higher disposable income are more likely to purchase services like fast fixed-line internet, which might seem less essential initially. However, the International Telecommunication Union has suggested that internet prices should be reduced to just two percent of GNI per capita to make connectivity more affordable.

In the Philippines, broadband rates exceed four percent of the GNI per capita, making them difficult for consumers to afford. This high cost is partly due to telcos spending more on installing fiber lines in remote areas. Internet service providers also complain about the lack of policy support for infrastructure expansion and differing permitting requirements at the local government level.

Filipinos often turn to budget services and free WiFi as alternatives for connectivity. Telecommunication companies such as PLDT Inc., Converge ICT Solutions Inc., and Globe Telecom Inc. have developed low-cost services tailored to consumers who prefer paying daily for broadband services. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DoICT) has also installed free WiFi sites in public spaces, including government schools, to improve access to the internet.

FTTH refers to broadband connections where fiber lines are directly installed to subscribers' residences, ensuring high-speed service.