Converge ICT, the country’s premier pure end to end fiber Data and Internet service provider, recently announced the completion of the free Wi-Fi infrastructure for the list of areas the Department of Information and Technology (DICT) has contracted under the Free Public Internet Access Program – Free Wi-Fi for All.
Previously, the DICT engaged all telco players through public bidding, to provide free public Wi-Fi to Filipinos in an effort to make available “free, open and high-quality” Internet access to users. The free Wi-Fi must be accessible in places like health centers, hospitals, parks, and schools, among others. Converge ICT is the first to fulfill service requirements, overcoming challenges and fast-tracking completion ahead of other contracted DICT vendors.
DICT awarded 186 sites to Converge ICT including key areas like Manila, Pasay City, and Quezon City. "We are glad to have been able to fulfill the task the DICT has given us," said Ronald G. Brusola, Chief Technology Officer of Converge ICT. "We are one with the government in providing free high-quality Internet access to Filipinos, and we will use our broad and strong infrastructure to give users seamless Internet experience they deserve."
DICT mapped out public areas that will be provided with free broadband Internet access in all municipalities and cities nationwide, especially in far-flung areas. This service is available in public plazas and parks, public libraries, schools, colleges, and universities; rural health units and government hospitals; train stations, airports, and seaports; and national and local government offices.
As of June 30, 2019, the Philippines has 67 million internet users from a population of over 100 million (Based on Internet World States https://www.internetworldstats.com/stats3.htm ).
"Converge ICT believes that access to the Internet is a fundamental need, which drives us to further expand our network by forging partnerships and strengthening our infrastructure." said Jesus C. Romero, Chief Operating Officer of Converge ICT.
The Internet is now a tool to accelerate economic, social, and educational opportunities. Beyond casual browsing and research, it is an important component for organizations to move forward with digitalization, and for citizens to communicate and transact with the government. The opportunity to give free Internet access makes it feasible to advance socio-economic agenda that will lead to nation-building.
About Converge ICT Solutions
Converge ICT Solutions is the leading fiber internet and digital consumer-centric services provider in the country. It is the first to run a pure end-to-end fiber internet network, providing Filipinos simple, fast, and reliable internet connection. Converge ICT Solutions is ISO and CE2.0 Certified.
Manila, Philippines – As Converge ICT further ensures of a more convenient customer journey, the leading fiber internet and data solutions company aims to innovate their services and make it more accessible.
Thanks to a new partnership with leading self-service payment kiosk operator BTI Payments, Converge ICT’s customers can pay their bills in more than 500 self-service Pay & Go payment kiosks, with a number of them operating 24/7. For customers, this means more locations for paying bills, shorter queues, and an enhanced customer experience.
Since launching the country’s first pure end-to-end fiber internet network, Converge ICT has been offering Filipino consumers a speedier and more reliable internet connection. Last year, Converge ICT rolled out the country’s first 400Gbps backbone to augment existing domestic network capacity. As an extension of the company’s mantra to optimize customer experience, Converge ICT partnered with BTI. This endeavor intends to deliver an improved end-to-end customer experience that goes all the way to bills payment.
Innovative customer-centric programs as such has enabled Converge ICT to grow its base and allow more Filipinos to enjoy premium fiber internet experience. And for efforts such as this, the fiber internet organization has been cited by London-based International Finance Awards Group as the “Fastest Growing Fiber Internet Service Provider in the Philippines.”
“Converge ICT is about giving Filipino consumers the kind of connectivity that is simple, fast, and easy. As we grow our presence in the Philippines, we are turning to credible and capable partners who will help us deliver the kind of customer experience we promise. In terms of bills payment, Pay & Go has the expertise and nationwide presence that complement our goal of delivering that seamless experience,” said Dennis “J3” Uy, Converge ICT President & CEO.
“Our growing portfolio of kiosks is located nationwide and will be in more places relevant and synonymous to where paying customers are at. We want to seamlessly integrate it into their fast-paced lifestyles, making payments without a hassle – whether you are in the office, supermarket, pharmacy, mall or at home. As our service is real time, anytime – we ensure Converge transactions through Pay & Go will be no different from doing it at their stores or business offices,” said BTI Payments Country Head Dan Ibarra.
“We aim to support the growing Philippine market with decades of experience in payments solutions. We are looking forward to collaborate with Converge and BTI Payments PH to enhance processes that will provide better customer service,” said Peter Blackett General Manager, Strategic Development & Asia of BANKTECH, and Director of BTI Payments Philippines.
BTI payments is a wholly owned subsidiary of BANKTECH, a top provider of ATM and payment technology in Australia and Asia for the past 25 years.
About Converge ICT Solutions
Converge ICT Solutions is the leading fiber internet and digital consumer-centric services provider in the country. It is the first to run a pure end-to-end fiber internet network, providing Filipinos simple, fast, and reliable internet connection. Converge ICT Solutions is ISO and CE2.0 Certified.
About BTI Payments
BTI Payments is a leading self-service payments kiosk certified by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. With its expertise in delivering innovative solutions to the market, it enables financial institutions, telecommunication companies, utilities, and merchants more access points in serving their respective markets.
