PLDT Inc. is expected to maintain its lead on international bandwidth capacity in the country with the completion of two more international cable systems worth around $100 million in the next two years.
Last Friday, PLDT has activated the country’s link to the Jupiter Cable system, the newest international submarine cable and fastest direct data cable link to the United States and Japan.
“If you compare to other telcos in the Philippines, in terms of capacity, with the activation of Jupiter that puts us 65 percent market share,” Jojo Gendrano, PLDT and Smart Communications Inc. head of enterprise business group, said during a press briefing on the Jupiter Cable system’s activation.
At present, PLDT said, it has extensive participation in 16 international submarine cable networks and is set to expand further with the completion of two more major international cable systems, Asia Direct Cable (ADC) and APRICOT cable system, in the next two years.
Gendrano said the company has invested around $50 million each for ADC and APRICOT cable. This on top of PLDT’s investment of about $136 million or P7 billion for Jupiter.
Already ahead in terms of international capacities among Philippine telcos, PLDT said Jupiter will triple its international capacity to about 60 Terabits per second (Tbsp) from 20 Tbps, further cementing its lead in the industry and reinforcing its commitment to driving the country’s digital capabilities forward.
“Our investment in Jupiter will exponentially boost the Philippines’ international capacity, ramp up the global trade of digital services, and propel the nation’s digital economy, while increasing internet speed and reliability for Filipinos,” said Alfredo Panlilio, PLDT and Smart president and chief executive officer.
The 14,000-kilometer Jupiter Cable system is the newest international gateway connecting the Philippines directly from PLDT’s cable landing station in Daet, Camarines Norte to Japan and the US West Coast.
PLDT said its investment in Jupiter responds to the rapidly growing requirements for digital services and next-generation technologies; and supports data-driven industries, particularly those with global operations and high-bandwidth demands such as business process outsourcing, multinationals and global hyperscalers.
“It will also enable us to increase international capacity into our data centers — now a major component of the country’s digital ecosystem — and enhance the attractiveness of the country as an investment destination. Our network of VITRO data centers, with our newest to be built in Sta. Rosa, readies the country to service and drive this rising industry,” Gendrano said.
