Converge ICT First to Complete Free WI-FI Infra Among Players

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.

Converge ICT Inks Partnership with Pay & Go for Easier Payment Schemes

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.

Converge ICT cited as Philippines' Fastest Growing Fiber Internet Service Provider

Converge ICT Solutions, the broadband services provider behind the country’s first pure end-to-end fiber internet network, has been cited as the ‘Fastest Growing Fibre Internet Service Provider’ by the International Finance Awards.

The recognition comes from London-based global business and finance magazine, International Finance. According to the publication, Converge ICT is recognized to be true to its mission to upgrade the overall digital experience of the country. International Finance also lauded the company’s growth from the grassroots to become a budding powerhouse provider of pure end-to-end fiber internet.

Since the launch of Converge ICT’s fiber packages, the Philippines saw a steady and noticeable internet speed improvement. According to the world-renowned digital delivery network Akamai, the Philippines’ average internet speed in the third quarter of 2016 was only at 4.2Mbps. By the first quarter of 2016, the average download speed in the Philippines has increased by 135.90 percent to 18.66Mbps, Akamai reported.

One of the most recent milestones of Converge ICT is the introduction of the country’s first 400Gbps backbone to augment existing domestic network capacity. This allows 400G per channel at 64 channels or the equivalent of 25.6Tbps at capacity.

The backbone is considered a boost to major businesses and institutions such as business process outsourcing companies and financial institutions, which require high capacity connectivity or bandwidth. The rollout also allowed individual subscribers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to enjoy faster connection without any data cap for high bandwidth capacity.

Converge ICT has received the award last January 31, 2020 at Waldorf Astoria, Bangkok, Thailand.

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.

Converge ICT Donates to Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital

Converge ICT Solutions Inc, the country’s premiere provider of pure end-to-end fiber connectivity, has always been committed to empowering the Filipino nation to “Experience Better.”

In line with the advocacy to uplift people’s quality of life via upgrading their online experience, the company has been upscaling their efforts to contribute in nation-building from more than just the digital aspect. As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, the company adopted a Surgical Ward with the intention to uplift the healthcare services of the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital in Calapan City. With this donation, the hospital can procure needed equipment to aid in the improvement of their operations.

Private sector-initiated efforts like this enables public institutions like the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital to improve surgical healthcare service and take better care of their patients.

As Converge ICT expands its services south of the country, its efforts to upgrade experiences, both online and offline will surely be felt by more Filipinos.

Converge ICT Earmarks $250M Investment to Nationwide Expansion

Converge ICT, the country’s premier pure end to end fiber internet service provider, received a multi-million-dollar investment from Warburg Pincus, a private equity firm based in the United States.

Converge ICT has been aggressively expanding its fiber infrastructure with the aim of providing Filipinos access to the more reliable fiber internet connection. The $250 million or P12.8 billion investment will be earmarked on rolling out more fiber connections nationwide.

"Since going full throttle with our fiber network roll-out and package offerings, the change in overall Philippine performance has been noticeable," said Dennis Uy, founder and president, Converge ICT. "In 2018, the average connection has risen to 18Mbps. We don't take full credit but the company’s contributions have been undeniable."

This is the Warburg Pincus' first investment in the Philippines. One of the world's biggest equity firms has $20 billion invested in Asia and about $65 billion in assets under management.

"We are excited about the country’s young, digital-savvy population and its thriving services industries, which have created an outsized need for connectivity and will create explosive growth in the broadband space," said Saurabh Agarwal, managing director, Warburg Pincus. "Converge ICT is a remarkable business and growth story and I am confident that it will continue to achieve significant growth milestones and solve the ever-increasing connectivity needs of the country."

Converge ICT is looking at capturing 30% of the country's broadband market in the next few years. With this investment, Converge ICT will be able to fastrack the construction of its $1.8-billion nationwide internet backbone. The current rollout includes a $70-million domestic submarine cable with 20 landing stations across the Philippines. The Luzon backbone is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2020.

"Converge ICT is the only pure end-to-end fiber internet provider in the country with all-in house capabilities," said Uy. "We have been investing heavily on innovations that would move the broadband market forward so we can be on par with our neighbors. We have rolled out 400Gbps per channel in the past."

At present, Converge ICT is looking at doubling its half-a-million subscribers by next year. Seventy percent of the company's customer base are first-time fixed broadband service users and Uy plans to increase that with more expansions in the coming months.

Converge ICT Extends Expansion in Baguio

Converge ICT Solutions (Converge ICT), a major provider of telecommunication and cable television services in the Philippines, had expanded its reach in the urban landscape Baguio.

Its partnership with Benguet Electric Cooperative Inc. (BENECO), Converge ICT has always wanted to provide a faster and more reliable connection in the northern part of Luzon. BENECO is an electric cooperative which provides electricity to the city of Baguio and Benguet Province. It is the first electric cooperative to enter into a partnership with a company such as Converge in order to provide internet to its member-consumers. Plans for Baguio expansion has already been in place since 2017.

Converge ICT has been operating in Baguio since 2018 and further expansion is in the works since the first half of 2019.
"Customers in Baguio have long been waiting for an alternative internet provider that can give them a better service," said Chief Operating Officer Jesus Romero. "Converge ICT's partnership with BENECO is equitable as well because BENECO’s electric poles are infrastructure-ready for use, which means that we can easily fast track the expansion."

BENECO also benefits from the use of Converge ICT's fiber-optic infrastructure. This allows them to comply with the directive from the National Electrification Administration and the Department of Information and Technology to tap electric cooperatives to bring internet to clients assisting the government in achieving its goals with National Broadband Plan.

Baguio may be a challenging location for laying down fiber-optics because of its terrain, which makes the partnership with BENECO feasible. The combined expertise of Converge ICT's technical team and BENECO’s familiarity with the terrain made the work more manageable.

The plans and packages Converge ICT is offering to Baguio residents and establishments include the Converge fiber plans FiberX 1500, 2500, 3500, and Fiber Xtreme 4500 and 7000.

Converge ICT also offers reasonable plans specially geared towards the small and medium enterprise segment. These include the iBiz 10mbps at Plan 4000, iBiz 20mbps at Plan 6000, iBiz 30mbps at Plan 9000, iBiz 40mbps at Plan 12,000, and iBiz 50mbps at Plan 15,000.
The enterprise segment will get dedicated internet access with business broadband and wholesale IP transit. For value added services, enterprises will have data center services at two co-locations in Luzon.

Converge ICT has been providing Baguio with a faster connection than before in the following areas: Apugan-Loakan, Atok Trail, Bakakeng Central, Bakakeng North, Balsigan, BGH Compound, Camp 7, Camp 8, Dontogan, DPS Compound, Engineer’s Hill, Engineer’s Hill-Teachers Camp, Ferdinand, Gabriela Silang, General Luna – Salud Mitra, General Luna Upper, Green Water Village, Hillside, Imelda Marcos, Liwanag-Loakan, Liwanag Proper, Loakan Proper, Marcoville, Military Cut-off, Philam, Poliwes, San Vicente, Santo Tomas Proper, Scout Barrio, Sta. Escolastica, Sto. Rosario, and Upper & Lower Dagsian.

The start of operations in the remaining areas are already in the works and will be fully serviceable in the coming months.

For more information on Converge ICT, visit https://www.convergeict.com/.


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.

Converge ICT Rolls Out Partnership with Secure64, Ensures More Secured Internet Connection

Converge ICT Solutions, the country’s leading local fiber internet provider, rolls out best-in-class domain name system (DNS) solution for its subscribers through a partnership with Secure64, a leading provider of genuinely secure DNS servers that are purpose-built to be highly-protected and immune to malware.

Imagine going to a site only to be redirected to a malicious page. This happens through DNS cache poisoning where a compromised DNS causes denial of service (DoS) which redirects users to malicious sites. The DNS acts as a directory of the internet which matches web addresses with an IP address.

“All of us are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Every day, DNS server attacks pose threats to companies and customers – from theft of customer data to loss of access,” says Converge ICT CEO and President Dennis Anthony Uy. “We, at Converge ICT, want to protect our Network and, hence, our users from these cybercrimes with the roll-out of our DNS infrastructure powered by Secure64.”
Malicious traffic also has a significant effect on a business’ internet security.
By partnering with Secure64, Converge ICT shields its network from security threats. It also ensures network scalability, prevents infections, and identifies infected devices.

“DNS attacks get bigger every year and anyone can be exposed to it. Our partners, like Converge ICT, turn to us because online safety is their topmost priority especially for the Pinoy netizens,” says Thad Dupper, CEO of Secure64. “With our mechanism and technology, customers are assured of secured DNS guaranteed to block illegal attempts that will compromise your network.”

“Converge ICT is committed to giving Filipinos better and more secured internet services. From faster and more efficient connection to more trusted internet security, we pride ourselves with the topnotch technology by partnering with the world’s best,” adds Uy.

For more information on Converge ICT, visit https://www.convergeict.com/.

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.

Converge ICT Rolls Out 400Gbps Backbone to Deliver Fastest Internet Speed in the Philippines

Converge ICT Solutions deploys its first 400Gbps backbone, a first in the Philippines, to further augment existing domestic network capacity. This rollout gives way to 400G per channel at 64 channels or the equivalent of 25.6 Terabps at full capacity.  This is in line with the company's thrust to deliver fast and high-quality service and connection.

Converge ICT is a major telecommunication and cable television services provider and operates fiber-optic broadband networks, cable television, and cable internet in the country.
"This network upgrade will allow us to continuously boost or enhance our domestic service delivery. In preparation for the exponential expansion that is currently being rolled out, this will be able to help us in keeping up with the growing demand of subscribers," said Converge ICT Chief Technology Officer Ronald Brusola.

The backbone ensures that links going to international gateways, data centers and Content Delivery Network (CDNs) will have very high capacity which are relevant to enterprise customers like business processing outsourcing companies. Given this, financial institutions are the first beneficiaries of the deployment of the 400Gbps backbone because they require high capacity connectivity or bandwidth to disaster recovery sites and internet service providers.

With its rollout, Converge ICT broadband customers will also enjoy faster connection without any data cap for very high bandwidth capacity and best quality experience. The removal of the routing function in transport layer also makes the connection simpler and more reliable. The rollout of the 400Gbs backbone is the highest capacity technology in the Philippine market.
"We offer a big capacity package that customers and enterprises want and need. There will be enough room to plan and avoid congestion in the network," Brusola said.
In 2018, Converge ICT strengthened its strategic international Point-of-Presence (PoP) by adding Taiwan to its then-roster countries Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States. In securing its own international PoP lines, Converge ICT aims to be one of the strongest network providers in the Philippines.


About Converge ICT Solutions
Converge ICT Solutions is the leading fiber internet and digital consumer-centric services provider in the country. Established in Angeles, Pampanga in 2015, 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.

Converge ICT Further Upgrades the Filipino Web Experience by Upgrading Plan Speeds For Free

The country’s premiere fiber internet provider further cements its reputation as the Digital Game Changer by introducing one of the most important product rosters upgrades the Philippine telco industry have ever seen.

Currently, Converge ICT subscribers have already been enjoying pure, end-to-end fiber internet connection. But as a testament to the company’s advocacy to upgrade the Filipino webscape, they are rolling out what is perhaps the most market-disruptive yet consumer-centric high plans offering in recent memory. Starting December 6, the fiber internet provider will initiate upgrading the speeds of existing internet subscribers for free. In the new pricing strategy, Converge ICT subscribers of the 50 and 100 Mbps plans will receive a free upgrade to 75 and 120 Mbps, respectively. These speed upgrade will automatically be effective starting December 6, 2018.

Alongside this free upgrade, an add-on speed, called FiberX 1500Plus is offered to all existing for only P99 pesos, the existing subscriber can avail of 10Mbps Speeds. And to give more excitement Converge ICT is giving the add-on speed FREE for 1-month for all its 1500 existing subscribers who will avail until January 31, 2019.

These upgraded product offerings allow the consumers to maximize the country’s only symmetrical download-upload internet service. With higher speeds, all Converge home subscribers will definitely enjoy more digital activities, get equipped with more-than-sufficient network requirements as demanded by current technologies and just plainly experience better. From gamers, to bloggers, to work-from-home professionals, all data-intensive tasks are made easier and more meaningful.

For more details, visit www.convergeict.com