PLDT Enterprise, 8x8 Philippines Inc. commit to reinforce security in A2P business communications

PLDT Enterprise, the corporate business arm of PLDT, the largest integrated telecommunications and digital services provider in the Philippines, bolstered its alliance with 8x8 Philippines Inc., a global leader in cloud-based infrastructure and platform solutions, with a new collaboration that enhances business communications with advanced security and authentication features.

A2P PARTNERSHIP. Top executives of PLDT Enterprise and 8x8 Philippines Inc. present the certification stemming from their latest A2P partnership that provides mobile customers instantaneous and secure business communications. From left to right are Chet Alviz, PLDT Enterprise Vice President and Head of Wireless Marketing for Enterprise and International Business Groups; Albert Villa-real, PLDT Global President and CEO and PLDT Enterprise Revenue Group Head; Mitch Locsin, PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Head of Enterprise and International Business Groups; Stephen Hamill, 8x8 International Pte Ltd, General Manager; Oscar Lee, 8x8 International Pte Ltd, VP Carrier Relations; and Richard T. Loberas, 8x8 International, VP for Sales.

When business exchanges are now more frequently conducted on the digital and mobile platforms, providing secure telecommunications systems with seamless connectivity is essential to ensure a better experience of customers. These critical features of secure connections safeguard data transmissions.

The rise of remote work, the ubiquity of e-commerce and digital transactions demand instantaneous and secure communications, and the need for technologies such as A2P SMS have skyrocketed.

A2P SMS, also known as Application-to-Person SMS, is a rapidly growing service in the industry that enables businesses to send messages from applications directly to users. The technology is instrumental in enhancing customer experiences, especially in areas like one-time password (OTP) deliveries to secure mobile payments and screening legitimate marketing messages.

PLDT Enterprise’s recent collaboration with 8x8 Philippines Inc. addresses this growing requirement for reliability, security, and efficiency in communication platforms.

Since 2018, 8x8 Philippines Inc. (formerly known as Wavecell Inc.), has been a valued partner of PLDT Enterprise and this partnership is a testament to the long-standing alliance between the organizations.

“This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision," says Mitch Locsin, First Vice President & Head of Enterprise and International Business Groups at PLDT and Smart. "Together, we aspire to revolutionize digital communication, ensuring businesses and individuals experience seamless, secure, and innovative interactions through Smart's domestic A2P SMS solutions.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Hamill, General Manager of 8x8 International Pte Ltd, the parent company of 8x8 Philippines Inc., expresses his enthusiasm saying, “The Philippine market is dynamic and full of potential. Our collaboration with PLDT Enterprise has allowed us to tap into this potential, offering state-of-the-art solutions that prioritize both efficiency and security. We're excited about the journey ahead and the innovations it will bring.”

As part of this renewed partnership, PLDT Enterprise has recognized 8x8 Philippines Inc. as a “Certified A2P Messaging Partner.” The certification underscores 8x8 Philippines Inc.'s commitment to delivering top-tier services and its position as a direct A2P VAS Partner with Smart, PLDT’s wireless unit.

The partnership also aligns with PLDT Enterprise's commitment to driving digital transformation and ensuring businesses are future-ready.