Following the landmark Subic cable loading event in July, InfiniVAN Inc., in a joint-build project with two other Philippine telcos, completed the Siargao landing of a segment of the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) in Dapa, Siargao Island.
InfiniVAN, a subsidiary of Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed IPS Inc., took part in the ceremonial cable-pulling event of fiber optic cables that is part of the ongoing cable laying phase of PDSCN. Five of the 24 segments have been completed to date.
The cable-pulling ceremony was witnessed by Dapa Mayor Elizabeth Matugas, Vice Mayor Gerry Abejo and municipal officials along with representatives from InfiniVAN, Globe Telecom Inc. and Eastern Communications.
Once completed, the $150-million joint project that spans around 2,500 kilometers will provide ultra-fast and reliable connectivity across the country.
Alberto Espedido, InfiniVAN chief technology officer, said aside from connecting major islands in the country, the project is designed to bring connectivity to tourist destination islands to further boost tourism and other industries in those places.
Espedido added the fiber optic cable technology used in the country’s biggest and longest submarine cable installation is “future-proof.” This means unrepeatered 96-core fiber cables used in the project can handle large data throughputs that can be further expanded through advances in terminal equipment over the next 20 to 25 years.
This InfiniVAN-initiated submarine cable project is a cost-effective solution to building a massive and extensive transmission network through a joint-build arrangement with Globe and Eastern.
“We consider it an achievement, as a new entrant in the market, to be working with well-established partners on this project that will really make a difference in the next few years” Espedido shared
The express and western routes connecting Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will be ready by December this year and the remaining eastern routes will be completed by April 2023.
With additional report: Malaya Business Insight, Irma Isip
