P2.53-B Clark ICT infra project underway

NEW CLARK CITY, Tarlac: This rising metropolis has set its goal to attract high-profile residents and businesses following the commercialization of its passive information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure.

The project, with an estimated cost of P2.53 billion, will form the foundation for robust fiber infrastructure and competitive retail internet services in the 9,450-hectare area.

In October 2023, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) jumpstarted the project by inviting prospective bidders to submit the pre-eligibility requirements for the disposition of the infrastructure, which is now in the process.

This will be undertaken through a joint venture that will handle its commercialization as well as its expansion, repair and maintenance in New Clark City (NCC).

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang said the agency extended the deadline of submission of eligibility requirements to Feb. 16, 2024 in response to the call of prospective bidders.

“We understand that to do this project effectively, we will need the expertise of the private sector who can help us create a vibrant and innovative competitive market for ICT services via an open access model (OAM),” he added.

The OAM allows multiple data transmission providers (DTPs) to use the passive ICT services to be made available by the joint venture through an underground network subject to associated costs.

The DTPs will then be able to offer retail active services over the same access network infrastructure while the OAM will provide subscribers with a wider array of internet service provider options.

“This project is key to unlocking the potential of New Clark City as a smart and sustainable metropolis where its citizens have equal access to fast, reliable and affordable internet services,” Bingcang said.

In a 2022 discussion paper released by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the socioeconomic policy think tank underscored the importance of partnerships between the private and public sectors in reducing the digital divide, including the delivery of government plans and programs.

The project will serve as an anchor for smart city development and e-government solutions, which are highly dependent on resilient fiber-grade connectivity and data centers.

Once fully developed, NCC is projected to become the home of about one million residents, with a projected employment of about 200,000 workers.

For more information about the bidding, interested private sector participants may contact the BCDA Joint Venture Selection Committee secretariat at jvsc_ict@ bcda.gov.ph or +632 8575-1765.