Converge ICT Solutions, a broadband specialist in the Philippines, aims to invest in new international cable networks to meet the growing need for data centers in Asia and other regions.
According to Jesus Romero, converge chief operating officer, in an interview with reporters, to increase its data capacity, the company may sign new contracts to install undersea cable infrastructure.
He claimed that numerous parties are speaking with them and that two cables would not be sufficient. As a result, they continue to consider more investments.
Romero noted that in order for the Philippines to develop as a hub for data center operations, international cable links are required. The country aspires to draw investments from internet giants like Amazon, Facebook, and Google, who are looking for more space to store customer data.
Converge and Singapore-based Keppel Midgard Holdings Pte signed a contract last year. Ltd. in order to join the Bifrost cable network. The business headed by billionaire Dennis Anthony Uy will spend P5 billion ($87.2 million) to connect to Bifrost, which when finished in 2024 will connect Singapore to North America.
According to the agreement, Converge and Keppel Midgard will collaborate to build a branch of the Bifrost cable system that will land in Davao City, giving Converge access to two international lines with a combined 15 terabits per second capacity—one in Singapore and the other in North America.
Given that it connects to Singapore, where Facebook is constructing a headquarters, Romero claimed that the Bifrost might be one of the catalysts that causes the Philippines to advance into a hub for data centers.
“We are in the middle of everything, so why are we not a data center hub? Part of it is because of the lack of submarine cable. That’s why an open cable system like Bifrost is important. When that happens, I think they (tech giants) will really begin to take a look at us,” said Romero
Converge will also be connected to the Southeast Asia Hainan-Hong Kong Express Cable System, a subsea cable link that is anticipated to be operational by 2024.
With at least eight fiber pairs in its infrastructure and a design capacity of 160 terabits per second, the subsea cable system will cross China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
