Introduction

When was the last time you visited a physical store, let alone a telecommunications store? Probably a long time ago, given that many shops are now accessible online. 

Still, visiting a telco store in the Philippines has its benefits. For one, you get to talk to an actual human. Also, your more complex inquiries may be addressed in greater detail, whether you’re changing your plan to postpaid or just want to test the quality of customer service of a particular network provider. Simply put, a quick trip to these physical shops can provide you with valuable insight about the carrier’s service and help you make an informed choice. 

To aid you, this article delves into how you can find the best service store for your needs and explains why you should consider other network carriers, like DITO Telecommunity, beyond the country’s so-called telco ‘duopoly.’

An Overview of the Telecommunications Industry in the Philippines

For over two decades, two companies have dominated the telecommunications industry in the Philippines. That’s why so many Filipino mobile phone users are subscribed to either of the two network carriers. This duopoly often comes up in discussions about how to improve our country’s communication infrastructure. One of the most common suggestions is to add more players, citing that the more diverse the competition, the more motivated each network provider will be to address connectivity issues. 

It wasn’t until the 2020s that we were introduced to an industry shakeup, when network carriers like DITO Telecommunity brought much-needed competition to the market. The rise of 5G and public demand to improve connectivity nationwide have brought about a gradual change in the telecommunications landscape.

Now, people have more options when it comes to mobile data connectivity. DITO’s 5G advantage, affordable plans, and continuous expansion are a ray of hope for establishing robust market competition, which will benefit you, the users, who want to get the most value for your money when availing of mobile services. Hopefully, the country will see more players in the future, so you will have more options to stay connected. 

Why Choosing the Right Telecom Company in the Philippines Is Essential

The idea of additional network carriers in the country is a welcome thought, not only for the industry players but also for subscribers. After all, you will have greater control over which network provider to choose because you are no longer limited to just two options. The right choice, in turn, helps you get the most out of your mobile plan subscriptions. When you choose the right one, you benefit from the following:

For Individuals: Constant Connectivity

You want to be constantly reachable so your loved ones, colleagues, and employers can contact you. You also want to stay connected so you can access your favorite gaming apps, use online maps, search for a restaurant, and perform other tasks that require mobile data connectivity. The right telecom provider is the one that can provide you with this constant connectivity at prices you can afford.

For Businesses: Consistent Customer Support

If you own a business, you know that not responding to customers promptly can cost you lost revenue and a less-than-positive reputation. That said, you can’t connect to a fixed WiFi network all the time. The perfect carrier, then, allows you to stay connected via mobile data at internet speeds acceptable for serving your customers online whenever and wherever.

How To Look for the Best Telco Stores in the Philippines

One of the simplest ways to look for the best telco store in the Philippines is to check out the branches near you. However, it would not hurt to go prepared. Before you visit in person, do some research and evaluation so you can narrow your choices to the top three or so.

Read About the Company

A quick search of “telco stores in the Philippines near me” will yield a list of network carriers in the country that are likely to exist within your vicinity. Whether you’re familiar with them or you just heard them for the first time, it’s best practice to read about the company, including their background, products, and unique selling points. A sound basis for judgment is if the company’s goals resonate with you as a subscriber. After gaining an understanding of these different companies, you can execute the following steps more effectively.

Check Network Coverage

Your network carrier’s coverage is a paramount consideration. It doesn’t matter if it’s a 5G or 4G network we’re talking about; if you can’t get a signal, your whole subscription and the perks that come with it are moot. An easy way to check if you’re within coverage is to visit the carrier’s website for a list of covered locations. Asking your neighbors or relatives who already use the service is also a good starting point. 

Note that if you’re using 5G, being nearer to the cell towers will give you the best network experience.

Compare Services and Costs

After listing a few network carriers, research their product offers and average costs of their plans. The key to making this step productive is to set a budget for yourself first: are you okay going with prepaid at a ₱500 monthly budget, or do you need a postpaid plan with a ₱2,000 monthly allowance? Once you set your parameters, you can better gauge which network carrier offers the most plans you can afford and sustain regularly. 

Consider Technology Growth

4G to 5G. Traditional SIM to eSIM. Capped data plans to unlimited data plans. Thanks to technology, we continue seeing advancements in the telecommunications industry. Yet, not all carriers may have caught up. If you’re someone who wants to stay updated on innovation, choose a network provider that is open to innovation and not afraid to experiment with new technologies and products. 

Consider also how different telecom companies adapt to users’ ever-changing needs. For instance, with the popularity of mobile games, does your chosen carrier provide budget-friendly plans that can accommodate this hobby? Are they innovating to serve more people? If yes, it brings peace of mind that such a company can continue adapting for years to come.

Gather Insights From Subscribers

Honest feedback from existing subscribers is valuable when you’re already considering which network carrier to choose. Fortunately, you can gather insights easily by looking at Reddit forums, Google reviews, and other platforms where customers leave comments about the network’s services. 

However, as these channels tend to have more noise than substance, be sure to qualify which comments to consider. Read the ones that provide a balanced take on the network’s products, customer service, and value for money, and base your decision on which opinions carry the most weight for your needs. 

Visit a Telco Store Near You

After doing your research, it’s now time to visit a telco store near you. This step can make or break your decision. After all, you would not want to subscribe to a telecom company with subpar customer service, and you can test that quality when you visit the telco store. 

If the staff are welcoming and accommodating in person, that’s a good indication they will be the same when you reach out online. Still, the best judgment depends on you. Prepare a list of criteria, such as waiting time, clarity of instructions, and service quality, to better gauge whether the network carrier you plan to subscribe to is worth the effort.

Looking for Something New and Fast? Choose DITO Telecommunity

DITO Telecommunity might be relatively new to the industry, but our commitment to providing you with the best network service remains our top priority. We are the first to build stand-alone 5G cell towers in the Philippines, ensuring a less congested network and maximizing the benefits of new-generation technology for our subscribers. With our 5G offerings, you can enjoy up to 500 Mbps speeds, low latency, and broader bandwidth — all for faster and more reliable internet on mobile. 

Applying for a mobile postpaid plan with DITO in person is also easy, as we continue to expand our Experience Stores nationwide. Locating one near you is just a few clicks away! 

Frequently Asked Questions About Telco Companies and Stores in the Philippines

How Many Telcos Are There in the Philippines?

Four companies dominate the Philippine telco industry today: PLDT/Smart, Globe, DITO Telecommunity, and Converge ICT. Other players are set to increase this number in the near future, all in the hope that more Filipinos will be able to access mobile data and internet services at more competitive prices.

What Is the Fastest Telecom in the Philippines?

The fastest telecommunications company in the Philippines varies, specifically depending on which service is measured. If we’re talking about mobile networks, it’s DITO Telecommunity that reigns supreme. Opensignal reports that DITO recorded an impressive 280.8 Mbps download speed and 16.1 Mbps upload speed, making it the winner of the overall speed awards. The telco also bagged the consistency and reliability awards for its mobile network.

Which Is the Best Telco in the Philippines?

The best telecom company in the Philippines is debatable, as all network carriers offer value to their subscribers. However, if you’re asking which telco is best for you, the way to assess it should be tailored to your needs. For instance, if you are in a 5G coverage area, have a 5G-ready phone, require app-specific plans for gaming and streaming, and demand a high level of customer service, then DITO’s 5G capabilities, budget-friendly promos, and accommodating customer service are for you.

Conclusion

Gone are the days when mobile users in the Philippines could only choose between two telco stores, thanks to the entry of new players like DITO Telecommunity. As such, determining which of these network carriers is best for you is more important than ever. One of the quickest ways to determine whether a telco is for you is to visit their store and do what the younger generation calls a “vibe-check.” But do not rely solely on vibes; do your own research and weigh your findings against your specific needs and requirements. 

If you’re ready to do the field work, you are always welcome to our DITO Experience Stores. Check out which branch is nearest to you and visit us as soon as you can!