PLDT Inc. and its wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. have ramped up initiatives to build resilient networks to provide critical connectivity services, especially in a country that is prone to disasters.
At the recent GSMA M360 APAC held in Seoul, Eric Santiago, PLDT and Smart network head, highlighted efforts to continuously enhance their integrated fixed and wireless networks to boost the Philippines’ overall digitalization thrust, while ensuring that no Filipino is left behind amid technological progress.
“Resiliency is embedded in the design of our network. Smart’s mobile services are enabled by PLDT’s extensive fiber infrastructure, which has been recently expanded with additional submarine fiber links. These additional links do not just bring connectivity and additional capacity; they also provide alternative routes for data traffic in the event of fiber breaks,” Santiago said.
The PLDT Group has also fortified its existing aerial cables with underground inland cables, which is essential in ensuring network resiliency, particularly in typhoon-prone areas, he added.
“Disaster-resilient network infrastructure is a must for a country like the Philippines, which experiences at least 20 typhoons a year, and where earthquakes are also common, owing to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire,” Santiago said.
It has solutions such as iLigtas Kit, an all-in-one emergency communications package that seeks to ensure continuous communication; Smart Infocast, a web-based SMS text-broadcasting solution; and Project Hotline, which provides local government units with their own dedicated Smart-powered hotline kits.
