Philippine telcos unite for $500M national undersea cable project

Connectivity giants PLDT Inc., Globe Telecom Inc. and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. are joining forces for a $500 million national undersea cable project aimed at connecting all islands in the Philippines to broadband service. This collaboration marks a significant shift from their usual competitive stance, prioritizing national digital inclusion. The initiative, as revealed by Information Secretary Henry Aguda, seeks to bridge the digital divide, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, where internet penetration remains low. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicates that as of 2024, only 48.8 percent of Filipino households have internet access, with areas like the Zamboanga Peninsula (21.2 percent) and Bangsamoro (27.7 percent) showing significantly lower rates. The preliminary design outlines a cable route starting from Batanes, traversing to Palawan, and then linking to the Visayas and Mindanao, incorporating a loopback for network redundancy. The ambition is to extend fiber optic cables to even the most remote towns. The estimated $500 million cost will be borne entirely by the telecommunications providers, relieving the government of any additional financial burden. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has engaged with the telcos multiple times, targeting a completion by 2028, which necessitates construction to commence this year. Beyond connectivity, the project is designed to serve dual purposes: disaster resilience and national defense. The telcos plan to integrate a Digital Acoustic System (DAS) into the fiber cables. This system will enable the government to detect large-scale sea movements, aiding the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) in seismic activity monitoring and early warning for earthquakes and tsunamis. The Department of National Defense (DND) can also leverage the DAS for collecting data on vessel movements within national borders, enhancing its capability to deter unwanted incursions. This ambitious project is poised to significantly upgrade the Philippines' digital infrastructure, foster economic development, and bolster national security.