In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review Asia, Atty. Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator at Eastern Communications, discussed the company’s latest technological advancements and shared insights into its forward-thinking strategies.
How has Eastern Communications contributed to the advancement of internet technology services in the Philippines?
Eastern Communications was the first telecommunications company in the Philippines, dating back to 1878. As a pioneer telco, it has been continuously expanding its network footprint across the country.
I've always said that to be able to provide internet services and quality internet services, we have to be where our customers are. So, we have embarked on a network expansion program to contribute to the development and expansion of internet services in the Philippines.
Through Eastern Communications’ recent execution and partnership in the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN)—the country’s longest domestic submarine cable—the company was able to be present in top digital cities and major business districts with its fully redundant network. Aside from helping us reach enterprise customers and business owners, the expansion initiative also enables us to provide reliable connections to major telcos in their efforts to connect DC-to-DC and DC-to-Cable Landing Stations.
Once disconnected communities will now be able to connect through our recent partnerships with major satellite operators. We now cater to major C-, Ku- and Ka- band requirements using Intelsat and Kacific satellites.
Aside from internet reach, we continue to innovate connectivity so that it becomes faster, better, and more secure with the latest ICT technologies (SD-WAN, SASE, Security, locally hosted Eastern Cloud, Manila Internet Exchange).
Innovation is also very applicable to our commercial modeling, hence, we prioritize being able to offer internet and data connectivity that is acceptable in terms of ASEAN regional standards. Our innovative processes and procedures have enabled us to ensure that our services meet both global and Southeast Asian standards.
What strategies has Eastern Communications implemented to ensure inclusive connectivity?
Democratization of technologies guides our strategies and tactical programs. Complete inclusivity is only possible if we make connectivity more accessible and more affordable. We believe the keys to making internet pervasive include expanding our reach through fiber deployments, satellite communications, cooperating with other service providers, and utilizing the mobile network of local operators. It’s our mission to make innovation available to both large enterprises and SMES by deploying new technologies, while creating economies of scale.
Can you discuss any recent technological innovations or upgrades that Eastern Communications has introduced to enhance its services and client relations?
Product Transformation: In a span of five years, we have engaged in agile product creation and expanded our portfolio from ‘connectivity only’ (prior to 2017) to a full suite of ICT solutions including cybersecurity, our Eastern Cloud and data centers, business applications and managed services; thus, future-proofing the company and increasing its market relevance.
Resilient and Future-proofed Network: Eastern Communications has been continuously implementing a technological refresh across its network, while increasing uplink connectivity to the rest of the world.
How does Eastern Communications address security concerns within the realm of cloud services, and what specific measures are in place to protect client data?
We partner with top global technology providers such as Cisco, Cato and Fortinet to provide high-tech security solutions both in our locally hosted Eastern Cloud and in our offering of other public clouds.
Not only do they have existing security solutions that are world-class, but they also continuously innovate and develop their security solutions to ensure that they are a step ahead of security risks and concerns that may happen in the future.
However, sometimes, partnering with those types of entities is not enough. You have to be able to make it affordable for your customers as not any ordinary company can afford it. Through economies of scale, which we implement by partnering with them, we make the services affordable across several other organizations. If there are several organizations using the service, then the service becomes more affordable.
Have there been any key collaborations or partnerships that have significantly influenced Eastern Communications’ success?
When I started Eastern Communications in 2016, there were not many partnerships. Let's face it, we are a developing country, so we need the strength of developed countries that have mastered technological advancements.
Our key success factors include the partnerships we have fostered with leading technology providers. This holds true for both sell-to and sell-through collaborations. To date, we work with the likes of Cisco, Fortinet, Microsoft, Sophos, and Cato Networks as we continue to gain sales performance recognition from these partners. Before the end of the year, there will be two major products that Eastern Communications will launch on the market. To give you an idea, the first will establish a new internet exchange, and the second will be a first in the Philippines when it comes to internet security.
What are the company's future plans and vision for the next decade? Are there any recent technological innovations or upgrades Eastern Communications has introduced?
Our vision has always been to be the top-of-mind provider for our clients, and we are actively working towards that goal. By partnering with globally recognized software providers and developers, we enable our clients to implement their operations faster and more digitally.
In addition to our business plans for growth, Eastern Communications is committed to building on our initial successes in providing managed services—from connectivity to network deployment and security. Our aim is to simplify processes and offer comprehensive solutions to meet every client's need.
As we expand, we also seek to become the preferred choice in the industry by offering SaaS applications tailored for enterprises of all sizes. While our narrative may evolve, our dedication to customer success will remain the ultimate measure of our growth.
For instance, in response to the growing trend of remote work, we are developing software to help companies ensure their employees remain productive, regardless of location. This productivity will be monitored through our solutions, although it’s still in development.
Additionally, we will soon launch a range of software solutions, reinforcing our aspiration to be the leading provider in managed services—not just in network deployment, but also in security and other critical areas.
