In a groundbreaking move, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) of the Philippines has partnered with a prominent Japanese telecommunications giant, IPS Inc., and its affiliate, InfiniVAN Inc., to accelerate the nation’s digital transformation. This collaborative effort involves a substantial investment of USD 150 million, slated for 2023-2024, with the primary objective of expanding the Philippines’ undersea cable network.
Expanding PH Undersea Cable Network
The core of this ambitious project is the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network, a cutting-edge undersea cable system stretching over 2,500 kilometers. This network will interconnect key cities and popular tourist hubs across the archipelago, fostering a new era of digital connectivity.
DICT has outlined a comprehensive plan for expansion, which includes a vast network spanning 2,700 kilometers of state-of-the-art fiber optic cables. This extensive network will feature 26 hops or landing stations, strategically positioned to optimize connectivity and accessibility. These stations include vital locations such as Batangas-Mindoro, Mindoro-Boracay, Lucena-Marinduque, Marinduque-Tablas, and many more.
Building Resilient Infrastructure
The project’s significance extends beyond bolstering connectivity; it also plays a pivotal role in enhancing the nation’s infrastructure resilience. This initiative involves the laying of optical fiber lines and the development of inter-regional submarine cables, reinforcing the country’s digital backbone.
DICT Secretary Ivan Uy emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “This agreement shows how we collaborate with the private sector with the objective of establishing a contemporary and efficient network. This network is poised to play a role in enhancing the overall stability of infrastructure in the Philippines.”
With improved connectivity, more Filipinos will have the opportunity to participate in the digital transformation, aligning with the demands of the fourth industrial revolution.
The Department further revealed that InfiniVAN, in conjunction with IPS, will play a crucial role in establishing a secure network that connects the country’s diverse islands. This support will be part of a Public-Private Partnership proposal, expediting the implementation of the National Broadband Plan—a vital step towards achieving widespread digital inclusion in the Philippines.
