The monopolization of the Internet in the Philippines

Living in remote places in the Philippines you would think Internet or cable is not available, but think again. There are many Internet Cafes, especially in small towns in southern Philippines. In one particular town, Oroquieta City, in the province of Misamis Occidental just about every corner you will see a Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co (PLDT) Internet café. There are about 30 cafes of which 3 opened in the past year. Of the 30 there are four non-PLDT Internet service cafes. Try applying for Internet access through PLDT in this small town is nearly impossible. Apparently there are limited ports, but yet a new café opens year after year with no existing PLDT café closing. The other provider that is not affiliated with PLDT charges double. The battle of Internet access in this town has come down to turning off or sabotaging the competitors Internet.