EasyCall Philippines: Rural connectivity champion

EasyCall Philippines: Rural connectivity champion is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• EasyCall has transitioned from a 1990s paging leader to a provider of satellite internet and managed tech services
• Its VSAT installations now serve remote communities lacking reliable internet access

EasyCall’s evolution from paging to tech services

Established in 1989 as Francisco N. Cervantes, Inc., EasyCall Communications Philippines Inc. (PSE: ECP) rose to prominence in the 1990s as a leading provider of alphanumeric paging services, operating 16 paging sites nationwide and serving up to 300,000 subscribers at its peak . However, the advent of Short Messaging Services (SMS) led to a decline in paging, prompting EasyCall to cease its paging operations in 2002 .

Anticipating this shift, EasyCall diversified into contact center outsourcing by acquiring Siemens’ call center business in 1999, expanding from one to six clients . In 2000, the company ventured into internet services, offering consumer and corporate internet products. A significant development occurred in 2001 when Transnational Diversified Group (TDG) became its major shareholder, steering EasyCall towards new growth avenues .

In 2003, EasyCall spun off its operating assets into a wholly-owned subsidiary, EasyNet Communications Philippines, to streamline operations and focus on emerging opportunities . By 2004, the company had exited the local call center business, redirecting its efforts towards technology and connectivity solutions.

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EasyCall’s VSAT initiative: Bridging the digital divide

In 2015, EasyCall launched its Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) services under the brand EasyNet, in partnership with Synetcom Philippines. This initiative aimed to provide reliable internet connectivity to underserved and remote areas across the Philippines, including regions like Cebu, Quezon, Antique, Leyte, Bohol, Ifugao, Apayao, and Cavite .

By the end of 2023, EasyCall had established 95 VSAT installations nationwide, addressing the critical need for connectivity in far-flung communities . President Zaki Delgado emphasized the importance of this mission, stating, “The need for connectivity is more important than ever, and we feel the responsibility to open up that possibility to millions of Filipinos who have limited connectivity access” .

Beyond VSAT, EasyCall offers a suite of managed technology services, including cloud-based solutions, data analytics, and cybersecurity services, catering to various industries such as ship management, travel, banking, agriculture, energy, and contact center operations .

As the Philippines continues to advance its digital infrastructure, EasyCall’s strategic pivot from traditional paging to modern connectivity solutions underscores its commitment to innovation and addressing the evolving needs of the nation’s diverse communities.