Eastern Communications Bridges Digital Divide in Bohol, Supporting Local Businesses and Smart City Initiatives

Eastern Communications, the Philippines’ pioneering telecommunications company and ICT solutions provider, furthers its goal of digital inclusivity and expands in Bohol, bringing advanced connectivity and ICT solutions to Tagbilaran City and branching out to other areas on the island in the near future. The telco officially announced its services through its “Via Eastern” launch event, unveiling its offerings designed to empower local businesses and fuel the province’s digital transformation journey.

“Eastern Communications is expanding its reach to make its services more accessible across the Philippines,” said Mike Castañeda, Vice President and Head of Sales at Eastern Communications. “We see Tagbilaran City as a strategic area for growth in the Visayas region, embracing digitization initiatives like cashless transactions and the development of the new Bohol Business Park, which is projected to generate 3,000 jobs.”

Eastern’s commitment to Bohol extends beyond the telco’s infrastructure and products. The “Via Eastern” launch event, held on July 23, 2024, at the MetroCentre Hotel, served as a platform for local businesses to gain valuable insights on digital transformation. Representatives from the Bohol local government, industry experts, and guest speakers shared their knowledge and guided attendees on leveraging Eastern’s solutions to optimize operations and drive growth.

Powering businesses of all sizes

Eastern Communications focuses on bridging the digital gap and empowering local businesses through its innovative ICT solutions. The expansion will provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as large enterprises in the area with access to Eastern’s fast and reliable connectivity services, such as Eastern Fiber 1 and Internet Direct Service (IDS).

Eastern Fiber 1 offers a shared, high-speed fiber service that ensures optimal performance during peak office hours, making it an ideal choice for emerging businesses seeking affordable yet reliable internet. For enterprises requiring greater connectivity, IDS provides dedicated bandwidth speeds of up to 10Gbps, ensuring uninterrupted, round-the-clock operations.

“Reliable connectivity partnered with ICT solutions are crucial for businesses to thrive and provide the best services to their stakeholders,” said Jed Estanislao, Assistant Vice President and Head of Marketing and Customer Excellence at Eastern Communications. “Our full suite of internet and ICT solutions can be packaged to meet the unique requirements of each type of business, ensuring dependable and customized tech services for Boholanos.”

Eastern Communications’ ICT solutions include Network Solutions, Cybersecurity Solutions, Cloud and Data Center Solutions, and Business Applications. These digital tools are essential for local enterprises to confidently expand and lead their businesses to success.

Partnering for a smart and connected city

Eastern Communications’ expansion aligns with Tagbilaran City’s vision of becoming a premier destination for IT-BPO companies and tourism. The telco recognizes the city’s immense economic potential, particularly with the thriving IT-BPO sector and the resurgence of tourism exceeding its 2023 target of 900,000 arrivals.

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap expressed her enthusiasm for Eastern Communications’ entry into the market, saying, “Tagbilaran City welcomes new businesses with open arms and extends sincere gratitude to all existing businesses and investors for their enduring support over the years. The prestigious recognition as the Most Business-Friendly City for three consecutive years showcases Tagbilaran as an ideal environment where businesses not only survive but flourish. This acknowledgment underscores the city’s commitment to facilitating a conducive atmosphere for economic growth, benefitting both Tagbilaranons and Boholanos by fostering an environment of prosperity and progress.”

Eastern Communications’ arrival at Bohol follows its nationwide expansion through the joint Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, the longest undersea fiber optic cable network in the Philippines, spanning 2,500 kilometers. This strategic infrastructure investment ensures Bohol’s high bandwidth and low latency connectivity, solidifying the province’s position as a prime destination for business and leisure.

“We are proud to say that we are also present in 30 of the 38 Next Wave Cities and Digital Cities identified by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) — a list that includes Tagbilaran City,” said Castañeda.

As Bohol continues to embrace digitalization, Eastern Communications stands ready to support its journey toward a prosperous and connected future.