Converge ICT Solutions Inc. rolled out 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) fiber connectivity at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4 (NAIA T4) as part of its Free WiFi project for the benefit of the Philippines' international and local gateways.
"Internet connectivity is among the top complaints of travelers when it comes to airport amenities. We want to do our part in enhancing the Philippines' image and reputation to foreign and domestic travelers through this connectivity project. Local and international travelers can maximize our fiber-fast connection, especially in digitally-supported processes in checking in and boarding, or even just surfing while waiting for departure or upon their arrival," according to Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy.
Through Converge Free Public WiFi, outbound and inbound travelers can use the internet for 120 minutes at speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
The project was formalized through a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and airport operators, including the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and Davao International Airport Authority (DIAA), last year. NAIA Terminal 4 is the first terminal to have the fiber Internet project under the project agreement.
"This initiative aligns perfectly with the Manila International Airport Authority's vision of a modern and technologically advanced transportation system. By offering free WiFi, we create an environment that encourages digital innovation and provides a platform for the development and implementation of various digital services. It showcases our dedication to providing passengers with a seamless travel experience from the moment they step foot in our NAIA terminals," MIAA Officer-in-Charge Bryan Co said.
Converge aims to roll out this project in all terminals of the nine airports, including Francisco Bangoy International Airport / Davao International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Bacolod-Silay Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Laoag International Airport, Pagadian Airport, Tacloban Airport and Zamboanga International Airport.
The MIAA shared that some 1.7 million international passengers traveled through NAIA in April 2023, with 9,089 flight movements. Combined with figures for domestic flights, NAIA registered a total of 3.7 million passengers and 22,816 flights in that same month.
Converge embarked on a nationwide expansion plan in 2020 in order to ensure that its fiber broadband service is available to all unserved and underserved areas nationwide.
Converge currently has the broadest FTTH network, with over 646,000 kilometers of fiber assets and 15.9 million households covered. Converge serves nearly 2 million residential customers and 40,000 business customers.
"Now that our infrastructure is in place, Converge is ready and able to serve more facilities, such as our airports, schools and government offices all over the country. With our network design and technology, we can assure customers that we will provide fast, reliable and consistent service, wherever they may be," said Converge Chief Operations Officer Jesus C. Romero.
"As an internet service provider, being fast is elementary. What matters more is being consistent in providing our offered speed and knowing our subscribers all over the country where we serve are satisfied with the kind of service they are getting. What we always wanted is for everyone to get equal access to the service they deserve," added Romero.
