PLDT activates trans-Pacific cable system seen to boost Philippine int’l data capacity

Telecommunications giant PLDT Inc. on Friday activated a trans-Pacific cable system that is seen to boost the country’s international data capacity.

PLDT invested about $136 million or P7 billion for the Jupiter Cable System — a submarine cable system spanning 14,000 kilometers connecting the company's cable landing station in Daet, Camarines Norte to Maruyama and Shima, Japan and Los Angeles, California.

The cable system is seen to boost the Philippines’ international data capacity and advance the digital infrastructure needed to further spur the country’s economic growth.

PLDT-Smart President and CEO Alfredo Panlilio said the Jupiter Cable System will triple PLDT’s international capacity to about 60 terabits per second, “further cementing its lead in the industry and reinforcing its commitment to driving the country’s digital capabilities forward.”

“Our investment in Jupiter will exponentially boost the Philippines’ international capacity, ramp up the global trade of digital services, and propel the nation’s digital economy, while increasing internet speed and reliability for Filipinos,” Panlilio said during a launching ceremony in Pasay City.

He said that PLDT’s investment in Jupiter “responds to the rapidly growing requirements for digital services and next-generation technologies; and supports data-driven industries, particularly those with global operations and high-bandwidth demands such as BPOs, multinationals, and global hyper scalers.”

“PLDT is committed to powering the digital future of the Philippines, and all our efforts align with the larger Mission across our Group: To empower Filipinos everywhere through digital innovations that unlock and share their infinite potential,” he said.

PLDT is part of an international consortium that built the cable system. The consortium includes global companies such as Amazon, Facebook, SoftBank, PCCW Global and NTT Communications.

Currently, PLDT has participation in 16 international submarine cable networks and is set to expand further with the completion of two more major international cable systems, namely Asia Direct Cable (ADC) and the APRICOT cable system, set to be completed in the next two years.

The telco also operates an expansive fiber optic network at 803,000 kilometers linking all islands in the archipelago with fiber connectivity and powering local economies and communities in the cities and regions. -- BAP, GMA News