Globe Telecom Inc has activated a significant portion of its Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN), which will improve connections for customers in key areas from Luzon to Mindanao. The activated segment of the PDSCN Express Route includes various cities such as Lucena City, Quezon; Boac, Marinduque; Calatrava, Tablas Island, Romblon; Roxas City, Capiz; Placer, Masbate; Palompon, Leyte; Mactan, Cebu; Talisay City, Cebu; Tagbilaran City, Bohol; and Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.
Joel Agustin, the Senior Vice President (SVP) and Head of Network Planning and Engineering at Globe, stated that the PDSCN Express Route supports the company's efforts to strengthen network connections, improve efficiency and security, and reduce service errors, particularly in geographically-isolated areas.
He also mentioned that it will enhance the reliability and resilience of their network, considering the country's vulnerability to disasters and calamities. The PDSCN is the longest submarine cable network in the Philippines, spanning 2,500 kilometers, and it is Globe's fourth domestic submarine network. It was launched in July 2022 in Subic Bay, Zambales, and consists of 24 segments with 33 landing sites connecting the entire archipelago.
Improving Digital Infrastructure
The project is a collaboration between Globe, Eastern Communications, and InfiniVAN, Inc. Agustin emphasized that the PDSCN is a crucial part of their network expansion program and demonstrates their commitment to bridging the digital divide in the Philippines. They believe in improving the country's digital infrastructure to create a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all Filipinos.
By leveraging advanced submarine cable technology, it will enable faster data transmission speeds and lower latency, resulting in improved overall internet performance for businesses and consumers alike.
Agustin's emphasis on the PDSCN as a crucial part of their network expansion program highlights its role in extending telecommunications infrastructure to underserved areas. This expansion contributes to narrowing the digital divide by providing more communities with access to high-speed internet services, empowering them to participate in the digital economy.
Subsea cables are less susceptible to disruptions caused by natural disasters or physical damage compared to terrestrial infrastructure. The PDSCN's deployment of a robust and redundant network architecture enhances the resilience of the country's telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring continuity of service even during adverse conditions.
The increased connectivity offered by the PDSCN creates new opportunities for businesses to thrive in the digital age. Improved internet access enables small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in e-commerce, access cloud services, and engage in global trade more effectively, driving economic growth and innovation.
According to Globe, around 90 percent of the cable landing stations for the USD 150 million subsea cable project have been completed, with the remaining stations expected to be finished by the end of this year. Agustin stated that their current focus is on connecting their inland facilities.
