Skycable Broadband 112Mbps the 'Fastest' Internet Connection in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - Lopez-owned Sky Cable Corp. has formally launched its 112 megabytes per second (mbps) broadband service, touted as the fastest Internet connection in the country.

This is a far cry from current offerings of local telecommunications firms of 1 to 2 mbps, and Sky Cable's own plans of 6 and 12 mbps.

"We are serious about providing the fastest Internet connection in the country. We want to continue to push the envelope," said Ray Montinola, Sky Cable's marketing head.

With an Internet connection of 112 mbps, one can download a 800-mb file in less than 2 minutes and watch 1080p high-definition videos online sans the buffering, Sky Cable said.

The company's latest offering also comes with Sky Cable's Platinum Package (premium channels), unlimited additional cable outlets, Sky Voice Plan 100 (100 minutes of calls to Canada and the United States per month), access to iWantv! watch-on-demand service, and a personal concierge.

But just like many good things, the 112-mbps broadband plan comes at a very high price -- a whopping P20,000 a month.

Sky Cable has also limited the offer to the following areas in Rockwell, Makati -- Rizal Tower, Hidalgo Place, Luna Gardens, Amorsolo Square, Joya Lofts and Towers and The Manansala.

Montinola said that they will first gauge the market's response over the next few months before making it more widely available in other areas.

"We're not really targeting high-end consumers. It depends on a person's Internet usage. We're after families who are multitaskers, who do heavy downloads," he said.

Sky Cable's 112-mbps broadband plan has brought the Philippines at par with First World countries such as Japan when it comes to Internet speeds.

A earlier survey conducted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) showed that Japan has the fastest advertised broadband speeds, having an average of 205 mbps.

Citing a World Bank report, Montinola noted that broadband connection is driving economic growth in developing countries. With its newest offering, he hopes that Sky Cable can play a vital role in helping the Philippines rise from poverty.

rise from poverty.