Telecommunications

Network rollouts, NTC reporting, subscriber dynamics, and the telco beat shaping connectivity narratives.

Delivered Daily

Sample issue

Telecommunications

Daily intelligence on the Telecommunications beat

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Issue #37

SONA Fallout: Power Sector, Space Ambitions, and AI Hub Debate

The day after President Marcos Jr.'s SONA, the conversation is dominated by his pledge to remove system loss charges, the planned spaceport in Cagayan, and the Pax Silica industrial hub, with mixed reactions from industry and public.

By the MMI Telecommunications Desk

SONA Fallout: Power Sector, Space Ambitions, and AI Hub Debate

The day after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), the conversation is split between three major announcements: a pledge to remove system loss charges from electricity bills, a planned spaceport in Cagayan, and the [Pax Silica industrial hub](https://media-meter.com/report-library/pax-silica-backlash-ecozone-lift-and-real-estate-signals "Pax silica backlash ecozone lift and real estate signals"). Each drew significant coverage and social media engagement, but the power sector proposal generated the most intense debate, with industry leaders warning of unintended consequences.

Dominant – Within the captured set, the system loss charge removal proposal dominates both news coverage and social media reaction. Multiple outlets covered Meralco's response and the policy implications, while the public debate centers on who will pay for the lost revenue. The proposal was reportedly a last-minute addition to the SONA speech, adding to the sense of uncertainty.

Keep reading or listen to the story →

More Telecommunications

Telco friction and digital government push define the day

The Philippine telecom conversation on July 20-21, 2026, was split between consumer frustration over service and porting issues on Reddit and a coordinated government push for digital services via the eGovPH Hackathon and AI-for-MSME initiatives. PLDT's new plan launch drew scrutiny over hidden fees, while Globe backed a data sovereignty executive order. The DICT-Landbank AI partnership and Converge's youth tech program signaled a broader digital transformation agenda.

Scams, solar, and security: July 14 telco snapshot

A daily intelligence brief covering July 14, 2026, synthesizing social media conversations and news coverage on telecommunications, cybersecurity, and related corporate developments in the Philippines.

Impeachment Trial Dominates Airwaves as Energy, Health Crises Compete for Attention

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte commanded the heaviest broadcast coverage on July 13, while energy sector woes—rising electricity rates and grid alerts—and a fatal deworming incident in Cavite drew significant public and regulatory scrutiny.

Globe expands 5G, PLDT-DITO network-sharing deal signals end of price war

Globe Telecom added 408 new 5G sites in Q1 2026, lifting outdoor coverage to 98% in key cities, while PLDT and DITO's landmark network-sharing deal signals a shift from price competition to infrastructure cooperation. Consumer sentiment on DITO remains mixed, with throttling complaints persisting alongside positive reviews and a new esports partnership.