PLDT plots data transmission capacity boost

With the heightened levels of digitalization in the country, PLDT Inc. has set sights on having a 1,000-terabit — equivalent to 1 petabit — international data capacity in the next five years through investments in subsea cable systems.

In a statement on Thursday, the telco giant said that laying down more cables would depend on the demand for international network capacity, which is seen to support the digital economy.

“PLDT’s continuous investments in international submarine cables not only provide our customers better online experience, but they also help boost the country’s digital economy including the proliferation of fintech, help create more jobs, and attract interested global tech giants or hyperscalers to invest here,” said Mitch Locsin, PLDT first vice president and head of enterprise and international business group.

The PLDT group tripled its international capacity to 60 terabits per second (Tbps) when it activated the US-Transpacific Jupiter cable system in July last year. The 14,000-kilometer (km) cable system links a landing station in Daet, Camarines Norte and Japan.

By the end of this year, it will reach 100 Tbps following the anticipated completion of the Asia Direct Cable (ADC) system.
From the Philippines, ADC will be connected to Tuas, Singapore; Chung Hom Kok, Hong Kong; Maruyama, Japan; Quy Nhon, Vietnam; Sri Racha, Thailand; and Shantou, China. The project seeks to boost delivery of data across East and Southeast Asia.

ADC is a global consortium comprising PLDT, China Telecom, China Unicom, National Telecom, Singtel, SoftBank Corp., Tata Communications and Viettel Group.

PLDT is also building the 12,000-km Apricot line, which provides connections to Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan and Guam. Set to be launched in 2025, the project will increase its international capacity to more than 130 Tbps.

“Together with our massive investments in data centers and newer technologies, these international cable infrastructures signify our commitment to provide customers faster and better digital services and help steer the country towards becoming a preferred digital hub for the expansion of tech giants and hyperscalers,” PLDT vice president and global capacity strategy head Gene Sanche said.

Recently, PLDT announced the 12-megawatt expansion in its VITRO Makati 2 data center. It will go live next month, bringing the facility’s capacity to 3,360 racks.