Internet, Utilities, and Infrastructure for Business in Cebu

Internet, Utilities, and Infrastructure for Business in Cebu

Your complete infrastructure guide to setting up and scaling a startup in Cebu

Running a business is more than just building a product — it’s about making sure your everyday operations run smoothly. In Cebu, infrastructure has improved significantly over the past decade, but certain friction points still exist, especially if you’re used to working in global startup hubs like Singapore, Tokyo, or San Francisco.

This guide covers the realities of doing business in Cebu when it comes to internet, power, water, telecoms, transportation, and logistics — everything a founder needs to stay productive and connected.

1. Internet Connectivity

Stable in central areas, but quality still varies by neighborhood and building

Key Providers:

• PLDT Home Fibr – Most established, widespread in IT Park and city condos

• Globe At Home – Often a fallback in locations without PLDT; speeds vary

• Converge ICT – Expanding aggressively, competitive pricing, good in some suburbs

• RISE PH – Known for enterprise-grade fiber in commercial buildings

• Starlink – Becoming viable for rural or mountain areas

Average Plans (2025 data):

Pro Tips:

• Confirm if fiber is already installed in your chosen building before signing a lease.

• Avoid DSL or cable-based services — they’re obsolete in most startup workflows.

• Use a dual-router setup with a backup LTE router or hotspot (e.g. Smart 5G Pocket WiFi).

• Always ask if your condo/office has a generator or UPS to keep internet up during brownouts.

2. ⚡ Electricity and Power Stability

Reliable in core districts, but brownouts and voltage drops still happen

Utility Provider:

• Visayan Electric Company (VECO) — Main power distributor for Metro Cebu

Common issues:

• Unplanned brownouts during storms or infrastructure maintenance

• Voltage fluctuations in older buildings (risk to PCs and routers)

• Load shedding during high-demand seasons (usually summer)

Monthly Bill Estimates (small business use):

Backup Strategy:

• Choose units with building-wide backup power (common in IT Park and Ayala)

• Use UPS + surge protectors for critical devices

• Invest in an inverter generator if you’re working from home in suburbs like Banilad or Guadalupe

3. Water Supply and Plumbing

Mostly stable, but water pressure varies by elevation and infrastructure age

Provider:

• Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD)

Typical Issues:

• Low pressure during peak hours or in hilly areas (Maria Luisa, Busay, etc.)

• Temporary supply shutdowns for pipe repairs

• Limited hot water unless your building has centralized heating

Best Practices:

• Check if your building has a rooftop tank or booster pump

• For homes, consider installing a private water tank as backup

• Monthly water bills are low — usually ₱300–₱800 for small teams

4. Mobile Network and Telecommunications

Strong LTE/5G coverage in urban areas; patchy in remote barangays

Mobile Providers:

• Smart (owned by PLDT) – Better LTE coverage in most districts

• Globe – Strong in central areas, expanding 5G footprint

• DITO Telecom – Emerging player; cheap data, but limited in Cebu

What Founders Use Most:

• 5G hotspots as backup for fiber

• GCash and Maya for personal and business payments

• VoIP / virtual number apps like Skype, Viber, or Nextiva for global calls

• Slack/Zoom work reliably in city areas with fiber or strong LTE

5. ️ Roads, Traffic & Transport Infrastructure

Compact city, but traffic jams are a reality — plan accordingly

Road Network:

• Cebu’s major arteries: Archbishop Reyes Ave, Escario, Salinas Drive, M. Cuenco

• Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) opened in 2022 — better access to Mactan

• Side streets often congested or under construction

Common Modes of Transport:

Best Practice:

• Live within walking distance of your office/coworking space

• Use motorbike taxis for short meetings or quick hops

• Don’t rely on car ownership unless you’re based in suburbs

6. Office, Coworking, and Virtual Workspaces

Flexible options for every stage of your business

Coworking Highlights:

• The Company Cebu (IT Park, Mandaue) – community-driven, great for startups

• KMC Solutions – premium offices in Ayala and Skyrise

• Workplace Cafe – ideal for freelancers, branches in Oakridge & Banawa

• A SPACE Cebu – creative hub near Crossroads Mall

Virtual Office Services:

• Ideal for incorporation without physical presence

• Includes business address, mail handling, and secretary services

• Available from KMC, Regus, MyOffice Cebu, etc.

Price Guide:

7. Logistics, E-Commerce & Delivery Infrastructure

Well-supported ecosystem for physical product startups and remote fulfillment

Courier Services:

• LBC Express – reliable for nationwide COD

• J&T Express – popular with Shopee/Lazada sellers

• Ninja Van / Entrego / XDE – modern last-mile delivery

• Lalamove / GrabExpress – same-day delivery within Metro Cebu

Fulfillment and Warehousing:

• 3PL providers: KargaX, ShipIt, JRS Logistics

• Airport logistics via Mactan–Cebu International Airport (MCIA)

• Port access for inter-island cargo (to/from Manila, Mindanao, etc.)

E-Commerce Tools:

• EasyParcel, XPost, Locad

• Shopify/Shopline integrations available

• Cash on Delivery still dominates — structure your accounting accordingly

8. ⚠️ Infrastructure Challenges to Expect

Not everything is perfect — here’s what to prepare for:

Bonus tip: Read Google reviews of your building before signing — tenants often report recurring issues.

✅ Summary: Infrastructure Readiness Scorecard

Final Thoughts: Should You Build in Cebu?

Cebu may not yet have the infrastructure of major startup capitals, but it strikes a powerful balance between affordability, convenience, and a growing digital ecosystem. With thoughtful planning and a few smart workarounds (like backup power and dual internet), founders can operate smoothly — and even thrive — in this fast-developing tech hub.