Globe Telecom, one of the major telecommunications services providers in the Philippines, will begin a fresh round of cable landings in the first quarter of the year as it gets ready to turn on the country’s longest subsea cable network by April.
Globe said that the $150 million project to build the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) is expected to be finished on schedule in April.
The PDSCN, the longest of its kind in the country, is anticipated to improve internet access in the regions, constituting a contribution from Globe to the government’s request to promote digitization even in rural locations.
According to Ernest Cu, Globe president and CEO, the PDSCN would soon connect to Calatrava, Romblon; Pasacao, Camarines Sur; Bulan, Sorsogon; Calbayog City, Samar; Palanas, Masbate; Mactan, Cebu; and Maasin City, Leyte. Likewise, it would also link to Claver, Surigao del Norte, and Kinoguitan, Misamis Oriental.
Cu said the PDSCN would land in Camiguin; Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte; Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte; and Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur. When completed, the project would extend for a total of 2,500 kilometers, touching on multiple points nationwide.
Since establishing a foundation in Subic, Zambales last year, the PDSCN has opened locations all around the archipelago, including in populated areas and popular tourist destinations. Cu stated that Globe is persistent in its efforts to provide quick and dependable access to everyone as the Philippines continues to develop a digital economy.
“We are committed to supporting the government’s initiatives towards innovation, e-governance, and greater digital adoption among Filipinos through our investments in the PDSCN and in other network infrastructure,” said Cu.
Moreover, to finish the infrastructure for the project, Globe collaborated with Eastern Communications and InfiniVAN Inc. In order to land the undersea fiber cables, the consortium has deployed the cutting-edge ship Cable Infinity, owned and operated by Japan’s Kokusai Cable Ship Co. Ltd.
The project was started by Globe, Eastern Communications, and InfiniVAN with the intention of enhancing internet access in places that aren’t well-served by telco companies. The company added that the move is a reaction to the government’s call for more funding for digitization initiatives.
Since the PDSCN is expected to be completed by April, according to Cu, Globe will have the fiscal space to reduce its capital expenditures this year from a record $1.9 billion to $1.3 billion.
Furthermore, the mobile industry major also wants to reduce its capital expenditures to $1 billion by 2024 as it tries to profit from its prior investments in fiber assets and shared infrastructure.
