Philippines Launches P519-M Fiber Optic Project for Mindanao Connectivity

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has opened bidding for a P519.16-million contract to design and build the middle-mile fiber optic cable project, specifically for Phases 4 and 5, in the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This initiative is a crucial component of the National Broadband Program, aimed at enhancing internet connectivity across the Philippines. Bids for the project will be accepted until September 14. The DICT stated that the award criteria will be based on the lowest calculated bidder. The winning contractor will be responsible for preparing the detailed network design, work plan, work methodology, and technical specifications for the middle-mile fiber. The project is expected to deploy 1,000 kilometers of high-speed, government-owned fiber optic cables connecting key areas including Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, and Davao. This significant infrastructure development is poised to bring high-speed internet connectivity to Mindanao. In a related development, the DICT also launched the bidding for a P491.96-million contract for the design and build of the middle-mile fiber for the Visayas region in August, underscoring the government's commitment to accelerating digital infrastructure development nationwide. Source: BusinessWorld Nation