With inflation continuing to erode purchasing power in the Philippines, affordable internet access has become a crucial need for many households. Responding to this challenge, Converge ICT Solutions Inc., the country’s leading fiber broadband provider, introduced Surf2Sawa (S2S), a prepaid fiber internet service aimed at underserved communities.
The Philippine Statistics Authority recently reported that the peso’s purchasing value has dropped to PHP0.83 compared to 2018. As internet access remains a significant expense for families — averaging PHP1,407 monthly in urban areas and PHP1,008 in rural regions, according to the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS) — affordability is a key factor for many Filipinos.
What Makes Surf2Sawa Stand Out?
Surf2Sawa offers unlimited data without the burden of long-term contracts, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious households. “Surf2Sawa or S2S as we call it, is to us, an opportunity to live out our mission to serve the unserved and underserved. With the high prices of goods today, some people trade off internet connection for, say, their child’s schooling or a week’s groceries. We came up with this product so they don’t have to face that trade-off. They get to enjoy a reliable, high capacity broadband connection and still buy their essentials,” according to Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy.
The product’s accessibility has resonated with the market, with over 242,000 subscribers by September 2024 — more than doubling its user base from the previous year. Conrado “Dhing” Pascual, Vice President of the Product Management Business Unit of Converge, highlighted its appeal, describing it as “unli, mura, walang kontrata!” (unlimited data, cheap, no tied contracts). Who can resist such a deal?
A Community-Centric Approach
Beyond connectivity, Converge brings Surf2Sawa closer to the masses through its Barangay S2S initiatives, transforming local neighborhoods into vibrant hubs of activity. These events include games, free services like haircuts and massages, and dance contests like Dance2Sawa, where barangay groups showcase their creativity to the Surf2Sawa jingle.
The company also runs Sugod Barangays, awarding free internet to community members through festive, variety-show-style events, complete with celebrity hosts and live social media broadcasts.
With Surf2Sawa, Converge aims to bridge the digital divide, bringing affordable fiber internet to underserved areas. CEO Uy envisions a future where no one is left behind in the digital landscape. As the prepaid fiber service grows, it is set to become a cornerstone of inclusive connectivity in the Philippines.
Through initiatives like Surf2Sawa, Converge ICT not only addresses the affordability challenge but also fosters community development — ensuring that digital access is both a right and a reality for all.