The Evolution of

Internet in the
Philippines
Connecting a Nation
Internet in the
Philippines Overview
On March 29, 1994, the internet came to the Philippines, connecting us to the United States through
a link that worked at 64 kbit/s. It was like opening a door to a new digital world. Now, as of
February 2023, a whopping 85.16 million people in the country use the internet, and that's around
73.1% of the whole population.
Think of it like this: from a small internet connection, we've grown to a big family of internet users.
It shows how much we love using the internet for many things like talking to friends, learning,
and doing business. The internet has become a big part of our lives, making things easier and
connecting us with the rest of the world
Early History - Bulletin
Board Systems (BBS)

A Bulletin Board System (BBS) is an early computerized communication system

that allowed users to connect via a modem to interact with each other by posting
messages, sharing files, and accessing information. Popular from the late 1970s to
the 1990s, BBSs served as precursor to modern online forums and social
networks.
 Philnet Project

In June 1993, the Philnet project (later known as PHNET) was established with support from the Department
of Science and Technology and the Industrial Research Foundation. The Philnet technical committee,
including members from various institutions, played a crucial role in connecting the Philippines to the global
Internet. In July 1993, phase one of the project gained momentum with DOST funding, enabling students
from partner universities to send emails to the Internet through Philnet's gateway at Ateneo de Manila
University, linked to another gateway in Australia. By November 1993, an additional grant of P12.5 million
was awarded for the first year's running cost, facilitating the acquisition of equipment and communication
lines for the second phase led by Dr. Rudy Villarica.
First Internet
Connection
On the special night of March 29, 1994, a significant milestone unfolded in the Philippines. Benjie Tan,
an adept individual employed by ComNet, played a pivotal role in a historic event. At 1:15 a.m., in the
tranquil surroundings of Makati City, he orchestrated a crucial step—the Philippines was officially
connected to the Internet for the first time. This achievement marked a transformative moment, opening
up a new era of possibilities for communication, information exchange, and technological advancement
in the country. Tan's initiative not only symbolized progress but also set the stage for the Philippines to
actively participate in the global digital landscape.
Internet Developments

Over the years, the Internet in the Philippines saw various

developments, including the introduction of ADSL service by
PLDT in 2000 and the granting of Converge ICT's franchise in
2009.
Recent Developments -
Starlink
As of March 27, 2022, Starlink received approval to provide
broadband service in the Philippines, making it the first in
Southeast Asia to have Starlink service.
Internet Speed
In the technological landscape of 2017, the Philippines faced a considerable challenge, grappling with the
distinction of having the lowest average connection speeds in the dynamic Asia Pacific region. This
discrepancy in internet speeds, coupled with an upload speed measured at 6.18 Mbps, positioned the nation at
the 83rd rank out of 195 countries. The stark contrast underscored the urgent need for transformative
measures to bridge the digital gap and propel the Philippines into a more competitive standing on the global
stage.
This realization sparked a collective commitment from both public and private sectors to usher in a new era of
connectivity. The imperative for change was not just a matter of statistics but a recognition of the pivotal role
that high-speed internet plays in the socio-economic development of a nation. Fueled by this vision,
concerted efforts were set in motion to revitalize and modernize the country's digital infrastructure.
As of February 2022, the results are astounding. The average fixed broadband download speeds soared from
7.91 Mbit/s to an impressive 82.61 Mbit/s, marking an extraordinary 944% growth. Simultaneously, the average
mobile internet speeds experienced a substantial 467% growth, surging from 7.44 Mbit/s to 42.22 Mbit/s.
Internet Censorship
In the Philippines, everyone can easily connect to the Internet, and this freedom is protected by the
country's laws. There are six important places called Internet Exchange points that help information
flow smoothly across the country. These points act like hubs for data exchange.
Another important thing is IP peering, a way for internet providers to share data directly. This
makes the internet work faster and better for everyone.
These steps show that the Philippines is serious about making the internet accessible to everyone.
By having open and efficient connections, the country is not only keeping up with the global digital
world but also making sure people can enjoy the benefits of the internet without any restrictions.
Conclusion
The Internet in the Philippines has come a long way, from its early
days with BBS to the recent approval of Starlink. With improving
speed and accessibility, the Internet continues to play a vital role
in connecting the nation.