Broadband cablegrid opens April
The $150-million or P8.25 billion Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network, the longest of its kind in the country, is on track for completion in April to improve countryside connectivity.
Globe, a member of the consortium undertaking the project, said Thursday that it is setting a fresh round of cable landings this month.
It partnered with Eastern Communications and InfiniVAN Inc. for the project to provide reliable connectivity across the country, especially in unserved and underserved areas.
“As the Philippines continues to build a digital economy, Globe is steadfast in its efforts to bring fast and reliable connectivity to all,” Globe Group president and CEO Ernest Cu said.
“We are committed to supporting the government’s initiatives towards innovation, e-governance, and greater digital adoption among Filipinos through our investments in PDSCN and other network infrastructure,” he added.
Soon to reach more sites
PDSCN, which has a total cable distance of 2,500 kilometers, will soon kick off landing cables in nine remaining segments that cover 13 sites: Calatrava, Romblon; Pasacao, Camarines Sur; Bulan, Sorsogon; Calbayog City, Samar; Palanas, Masbate; Mactan, Cebu; Maasin City, Leyte; Claver, Surigao del Norte; Kinoguitan, Misamis Oriental; Camiguin; Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte; Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte; and Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur.
The project kicked off in Subic Bay, Zambales in July 2022 and has already completed 15 segments across the country — including key cities and tourism destinations.
With the project nearing its completion, Globe said it will start reducing its capital expenditures budget to $1.3 billion in 2023 and $1 billion in 2024 from approximately $1.9 billion in 2022.