Philippines mobile operator Smart Communications has allocated PHP9.57 billion ($199.9 million) to deploy a nationwide data communications network.
The company has filed an application with regulatory body the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
The company expects the new network will help it attract some 260,000 subscribers in year one, raising to around 670,000 by year five.
Smart already has the largest mobile subscriber base in the country.
In neighbouring Malaysia, broadband start-up Infolient has plans of its own to increase its subscriber base.
The company aims to increase its share of the country's broadband market to 10% by the end of next year.
The company has signed up nearly 8,000 subscribers and plans to reach 100,000 by 2010, according to The Edge.
Infolient is focusing on the small-to-medium enterprise (SME) market, and will target those businesses who have yet to upgrade from dial-up services.