PLDT’s submarine cable project in Dipolog City strengthens Mindanao network

PLDT, the Philippines’ largest, fully integrated network company, fortifies its fiber network in Mindanao, as it began cable-laying operations in Dipolog City. Connecting the company’s submarine fiber optic cable from the municipality of Zamboanguita in Negros Oriental, this new segment will beef up services for Zamboanga del Norte and the whole of Mindanao.

During the ceremonial cable-pulling activity at the Dipolog Boulevard, Mayor Darel Dexter Uy said, “We thank PLDT for choosing Dipolog – which is a strategic area, for this submarine cable project. This development will boost our efforts to promote digital technology, generate jobs, support livelihood and recharge our economy. Dako kaayo nig katabang. Daghang salamat. (This is a huge help. Thank you.)”

“We are highly confident that expanding PLDT’s fiber network through this project in Dipolog City will allow us to provide better services for our customers in Mindanao. With this, we hope to further support the growing connectivity requirements of more enterprises and businesses who are central to the economic recovery of the region,” said Benbrackie Melasa, PLDT Mindanao Head for Corporate Relationship Management.

When completed, the project will loop in more than 700 kilometers to the company’s fiber network, improving resiliency and service quality for both fixed and wireless services in Mindanao. This enables more businesses to utilize a fast and reliable network, as local economies begin to recover from the effects of the pandemic.

“We continue to strive to level up our customers’ experience by expanding our fiber network, which powers our 4G and 5G mobile networks and our fixed broadband network, serving families and businesses nationwide,” said Mario G. Tamayo, Head of Technology at PLDT and Smart.

“As the economy continues to open up with the easing of pandemic restrictions, connectivity remains to be key to empowering Filipinos’ increasingly digital lifestyles, enabling livelihoods, online education, hybrid workplaces, day-to-day transactions and even entertainment needs. With and without the challenges of the pandemic, PLDT is here to support the connectivity needs of Filipinos, wherever they may be in the country,” Tamayo added.

This initiative is part of PLDT’s nationwide network expansion efforts. As of end-December 2021, PLDT’s fiber footprint has expanded to 743,700 kilometers. This fiber infrastructure also supports Smart’s mobile network, which covers 96% of the population from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. Network-related initiatives made up the bulk of the ?89 billion spend for 2021. For 2022, PLDT is expected to invest between ?76-80 billion in demand-driven capex.