Before, we only had DSL/landline, wireless broadband, USB dongle, or cable as an option for subscribing to an internet plan. Now, another internet technology was introduced to us, which is the fiber internet connection. This fiber internet connection provides internet access through a fiber-optic cable. What makes this different from other internet connections? Unlike DSL and cable internet services that transmit electrical information through copper lines, fiber-optic lines use tiny strands of plastic or glass (just slightly thicker than a single human hair) to carry binary transmissions of light. The binary is a number system where the combination of only two numbers (0 being "off" and 1 being "on") represents more complex symbols or instructions. This method of data transmission makes fiber internet the best option for fast speeds from 5 Mbps to 10 Gbps and its reliability.
In the Philippines, the fiber internet connection is growing popularity in terms of internet subscriptions. Among these fiber internet connection providers in the Philippines are PLDT, Globe, Sky Broadband, and the new kid on the block, Converge ICT (also known as ComClark, located in Angeles City, Pampanga). But the availability of fiber internet connection is limited to several areas only.
Converge ICT Fiber Plan boasts Pure Fiber Optic connectivity, installed nationwide using the latest micro-trenching technology and supported with a nodal presence in the USA, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Cebu, and Davao. In addition, some of its coverage areas are Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Bicol, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos, and several parts of regions in Visayas and Mindanao.
Now, let us compare Converge ICT Fiber Plan to other Fiber internet connection providers, including PLDT, Globe, and Sky Broadband, according to their maximum speed, data allowance, and price rate.
Fiber Plans in the Philippines
Converge ICT FiberX Plans (No Data Cap)
- FiberX 1250 - 50 Mbps - Unlimited - 1250 Pesos/month (not advertised on the Converge website)
- FiberX 1500 - 200 Mbps - Unlimited - 1500 Pesos/month
- FiberX 2000 - 400 Mbps - Unlimited - 2000 Pesos/month
- FiberX 2500 - 600 Mbps - Unlimited - 2500 Pesos/month
- FiberX 3500 (XCLSV) - 800 Mbps - Unlimited - 3500 Pesos/month
- FiberX 7499 (XCLSV) - 1 Gbps - Unlimited - 7499 Pesos/month
- FiberX Time of Day Plan 1699 - 400/200 Mbps Day Plan and 200/400 Mbps Night Plan - 1699 Pesos/month
- FiberX Time of Day Plan 3000 - 800/600 Mbps Day Plan and 600/800 Mbps Night Plan - 3000 Pesos/month
- GameChanger Pro Entry 2500 (w/ ASUS RT-AX82U Router) - Up to 400 Mbps - 2500 Pesos/month
- GameChanger Pro Mid 3000 (w/ ASUS RT-AX82U Router) - Up to 600 Mbps - 3000 Pesos/month
- GameChanger Pro High 3500 (w/ ASUS RT-AX82U Router) - Up to 800 Mbps / Up to 600 Mbps (Time of Day) - 3500 Pesos/month
- GameChanger Pro Elite 5000 (w/ ASUS ROG RAPTURE GT-AX6000 Router) - Up to 800 Mbps - 5000 Pesos/month
* Plans are available via the official website (https://ift.tt/hCyo8Sp).
* Installation Fee depends on your chosen plan (1-2 days installation response rate).
* 30% Minimum Speed at 80% service reliability.
* Lock-in period: 24 Months, equivalent to 2 Years.
Bida Fiber by Converge
- Fiber Plan 888 - 35 Mbps - Unlimited - 888 Pesos/month
* Plan is available via the official website (https://bidafiber.ph).
* The installation fee costs PHP 1000. There's an option to pay in 12 months (PHP 100/month).
* Lock-in period: 36 months or 3 years
Globe Broadband Fiber Plans
- GFiber Flex Plan 899 - 25 Mbps - 300GB - 899 Pesos/month (online exclusive)
- GFiber Unli Plan 1299 - 50 Mbps - Unlimited - 1299 Pesos/month (available for select areas only)
- GFiber Unli Plan 1799 - 200 Mbps - Unlimited - 1799 Pesos/month
- GFiber Unli Plan 2199 - 400 Mbps - Unlimited - 2199 Pesos/month
- GFiber Unli Plan 2699 - 600 Mbps - Unlimited - 2699 Pesos/month
- GFiber Unli Plan 5999 - 1 Gbps - Unlimited - 5999 Pesos/month
- GFiber Unli Plan 7499 - 1.5 Gbps - Unlimited - 7499 Pesos/month
* Plans are available via the official website (https://ift.tt/ARhmnOJ).
* Installation fees may apply.
* Service/plan availability and actual speed may vary upon assessment.
PLDT Home Fiber Plans
- Fiber Unli Plans (unlimited internet with landline)
- Fiber Unli Plan 1299 - 25 Mbps - Unlimited - 1299 Pesos/month
- Fiber Unli Plan 1699 - 200 Mbps - Unlimited - 1699 Pesos/month
- Fiber Unli Plan 2099 - 400 Mbps - Unlimited - 2099 Pesos/month
- Fiber Unli Plan 2699 - 600 Mbps - Unlimited - 2699 Pesos/month
- Fiber Unli Plan 9499 - 1 Gbps - Unlimited - 9499 Pesos/month
- Fiber Plus Plans (unlimited internet with TP-Link mesh routers and landline)
- Fiber Plus Plan 2399 - 400 Mbps - Unlimited - 2399 Pesos/month
- Fiber Plus Plan 2999 - 600 Mbps - Unlimited - 2999 Pesos/month
- Fiber Plus Plan 9999 - 1 Gbps - Unlimited - 9999 Pesos/month
- Fiber Unli All Plans (unlimited internet with landline + Cignal TV + unli calls to PLDT landline, Smart, TNT)
- Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 - 50 Mbps - Unlimited - 1399 Pesos/month
- Fiber Unli All Plan 1799 - 200 Mbps - Unlimited - 1799 Pesos/month
* Plans are available via the official website (https://pldthome.com).
* Modem and installation fee applies depending on the selected Plan.
* PLDT has gone through several permanent speed upgrades. In 2020, the following plans were replaced and/or revamped, including Plan 1899, Plan 2899, Google Wifi Plans, and Whole Home Wifi Plans. In 2021, PLDT improved some of its existing plans (speed increase for Plan 1299, Plan 1699, Fibr Plus Plan 4099, and Fibr Plus Plan 6099; new price for Plan 2399, Plan 2999, Fibr Plus Plan 2499, and Fibr Plus Plan 3099) and released new plans (Plan 3799, Plan 5799, Plan 9499, and Fibr Plus Plan 9999). In July 2022, PLDT implemented speed adjustments. In February 2023, Fiber Unli and Fiber Plus Plans received up to 2x permanent speed boost.
SKY Fiber Unli Broadband Plans
- Plan 999 - 30 Mbps (limited-time promo), 20 Mbps (original speed) - Unlimited - 999 Pesos/month
- Plan 1299 - 75 Mbps (limited-time promo), 30 Mbps (original speed) - Unlimited - 1299 Pesos/month
- Plan 1699 - 150 Mbps (limited-time promo), 50 Mbps (original speed) - Unlimited - 1699 Pesos/month
- Plan 2299 - 200 Mbps (limited-time promo), 100 Mbps (original speed) - Unlimited - 2299 Pesos/month
* Plans are available via the official website (https://ift.tt/MzO2AtH).
* Plan availability varies per area.
* Fiber-to-the-home plans available in selected areas in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Cebu, and Davao. Initial cash-out will consist of an installation fee (which varies depending on the plan) and a one-month advance MSF.
* Speeds indicated above are download speeds.
* Guaranteed speed is 40% of the subscribed speed, 80% of the time.
The Verdict
Cheapest Fiber Internet Connection
For the cheapest or the least expensive among the plans, we have Bida Fiber Plan 888 by Converge as the winner, with 35 Mbps speed and no data cap for only 888 Pesos per month. The second place is Globe GFiber Flex Plan 899 with 25 Mbps speed and 300GB data for only 899 Pesos per month.
Fastest Fiber Internet Connection
When it comes to the fastest internet connection, Globe GFiber Unli Plan 7499 emerged as the number one, with its jaw-dropping 1.5 Gbps speed with unlimited data. It was followed by PLDT Fiber Unli Plan 9499 and Converge FiberX 7499, both offering blazing-fast 1 Gbps speed with no data cap.
Most Affordable Fiber Plan with Fast and Unlimited Internet Connection
If you want a "value for money" fiber plan with unlimited data and fast internet speed, the best deal still goes to Converge FiberX 1500 due to its fast internet speeds of 200 Mbps with no data cap.
Summary
Cheapest Fiber Internet Service Provider Plan Winner: Bida Fiber Plan 888 by Converge (888 Pesos/month, 35 Mbps, NO DATA CAP)
Fastest Fiber Internet Service Provider Plan Winner: Globe GFiber Unli Plan 7499 (1.5 Gbps)
Winner for Most Affordable Plan with Fast and Unlimited Fiber Internet Connection: Converge ICT FiberX 1500 (1500 Pesos/month, 200 Mbps, NO DATA CAP)
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Fiber Coverage Areas (Converge, PLDT, Globe)
To know if a Fiber internet connection is available in your area, you can contact the telco. Below are the following customer service hotline, email, or support page of each Fiber connection provider:
Converge ICT FiberX Inquiry
Hotlines: (02) 8667 0848 / (045) 598 3000
Email: customerservice@convergeict.com
Converge Self-Service Application (gofiber.ph) - know if FiberX has coverage in your area
PLDT Landline
171 (For PLDT Landline nationwide and Smart and Talk 'N Text cellular phones)
(02) 8888 8171 (For NON PLDT Landlines)
Globe Hotlines
Mobile - 211
Landline - Sales - (02) 7730 1010
Sky Broadband Email
skyserves@mysky.com.ph
Sources: Converge ICT (convergeict.com/fiberx), PLDT Home Fiber (pldthome.com/fiber), Globe Broadband Plan (new.globe.com.ph/gfiber), Sky Broadband (mysky.com.ph/skyfiber)
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