MANILA - PLDT Inc and Globe Telecom said Wednesday they were taking steps to meet demand for data and keep connections stable as the 30-day Luzon lockdown forced millions in the Philippines to stay home.

PLDT will offer a free "speed boost" for its fiber subscribers, bringing the minimum internet connection to 25 Mbps until April 30, it said in a statement.

"We are taking steps to address the need of customers and the public for enhanced internet services during this COVID outbreak," PLDT Inc said.

The boost is expected to meet the "expected greater need for data" of its customers, the telco said.

We’re giving a speed boost to Fibr customers who reside in Metro Manila and parts of Greater Manila – Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal – so the minimum speed will be 25 Mbps. We hope this will enable you to #StayHome and stay connected to those who matter. pic.twitter.com/nTMRkZJRu2

— PLDT HOME (@PLDTHome) March 16, 2020

PLDT's wireless unit Smart Communications also offered free access to official websites starting March 11, it said.

Subscribers can access the Health department's official website, its NCOV tracker, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Philippine Information Agency for free, Smart said.

GLOBE TELECOM

Globe subscribers can also access the official sites of the DOH and the NDRRMC on free data, the telco said.

Globe and TM users who subscribed to KonsultaMD can get in touch with doctors via the 79880 telehealth hotline without any mobile call charges, it said.

The telco cautioned that using websites or apps to download movies or content illegally "hogs bandwidth." Subscribers should be "conscientious" with internet use while most Filipinos are working from home, Globe said.

Both PLDT and Globe have announced a 30-day payment extensions to settle their monthly bills.

"Globe believes that the extension of the bill payment will be one less worry for our customers especially during these difficult times," president and CEO Ernest Cu said.