PLDT, Inc. has completed the landing of the Apricot submarine cable system in Baler, Aurora, and Digos, Davao, reinforcing its capacity to handle the country’s increasing data traffic and strengthening the Philippines’ position as a key digital hub in Asia.
The 12,000-kilometer Apricot cable system is designed to meet the growing demand for international data connectivity across the Asia Pacific and the U.S. Boasting a capacity of over 190 terabits per second (Tbps), it enhances network resilience and offers alternative routes for telecommunications traffic, bypassing the West Philippine Sea.
Strategically routed to avoid the earthquake-prone Luzon Strait and Bashi Channel, the system features two new cable landing stations in the Philippines. It establishes a direct connection between Singapore and Japan via the Pacific Ocean, with branches reaching Indonesia, Taiwan, and Guam. This setup positions the Apricot system as a critical intra-Asia hub for over-the-top (OTT) service providers and complements existing submarine cable networks.
Service News: PLDT Global, stc Group Extend Partnership for Premium Voice Services
Accelerating High-Capacity Data Services
Once fully operational, Apricot is expected to increase PLDT’s total international data capacity by 33%, exceeding 140 Tbps. The expansion enhances the telco’s ability to support digital services such as cloud computing, e-commerce, and content delivery, while also reinforcing domestic connectivity between Luzon and Mindanao.
"Our continued investment in our network, including our international submarine cable systems like Apricot, are part of our enduring commitment to ensure the success of our partners, boost the economy by propelling the country's digitalization aspirations, and help position the Philippines as a strategic data center hub in Asia Pacific," said Jojo Gendrano, Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Business Group at PLDT and Smart.
"Through initiatives like this, we continue to accelerate high-capacity data services, meeting the region’s growing demand for cloud, e-commerce, and content delivery. With these advancements, the Philippines is primed to support next-generation technologies like 5G, IoT (Internet of Things), and AI (artificial intelligence), elevating digital experiences for enterprises and consumers alike," Gendrano added.
The Need for Critical Network Infrastructure
In tandem with this prediction, according to industry analysts, the Asia Pacific is experiencing a rapid surge in demand for cloud computing, e-commerce, and content delivery, driven by digital transformation and increasing internet penetration. The cloud computing market is projected to reach USD 559.5 billion by 2030, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24% from 2025 to 2030, while the e-commerce sector is expected to generate USD 24.1 billion in revenue by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 18.9% from 2024 to 2030. Simultaneously, the content delivery market is expected to reach an 18% CAGR by 2031, with China leading the growth with a USD 5.54 billion surge, highlighting the region’s need for efficient and scalable digital infrastructure.
"International submarine cable systems are critical network infrastructure that are essential in supporting the exponential growth of data traffic brought about by the increasingly digital lifestyles of Filipinos," concluded Butch Jimenez, Chief Operating Officer at PLDT. “Aside from supporting international data traffic, the Apricot cable system’s route also provides resiliency to PLDT's domestic network between Luzon and Mindanao."
Also Read:
PLDT, Smart Lead National Drive to Protect Telecom Infrastructure
