Globe and its partners Eastern Communications and InfiniVAN, Inc. said Tuesday the $150-million Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network project has landed in Boracay Island, Aklan, providing better connectivity crucial to economic recovery.
The project deployed fiber cables in the popular tourist destination as part of the country’s longest domestic submarine fiber cable network, designed to improve mobile and broadband connectivity.
PDSCN also aims to bridge previously unserved and underserved areas with fast internet coverage to ensure equitable access across the country.
“The importance of widespread and reliable connectivity has become more apparent if we are to build a digital economy. We continue with our investments in fiber connectivity to our many islands so we can help in nation-building and drive economic growth,” said Globe Group president and chief executive Ernest Cu.
“We’re aiming to boost one of the Philippines’ greatest strengths— tourism. Boracay, being one of the most popular destinations in the archipelago, is a strategic landing point to strengthen our network capacity and resiliency. We believe improved connectivity in Boracay can help boost tourism again after the dragging impact of the pandemic,” said Globe Business vice president for strategic infrastructure investments Arlene Jallorina.
PDSCN tapped state-of-the-art ship Cable Infinity from Japanese vendor Kokusai Cable Ship Co. Ltd. to bring the cable sourced from global fiber optic cable maker Nexans across the archipelago, covering a total cable distance of 2,500 kilometers.
Boracay is the 20th landing point under the nine-month project, which targets 33 sites across the country.
PDSCN earlier landed cables in Lucena City, Quezon; Boac, Marinduque; Calatrava, Romblon; Placer, Masbate; Iloilo City; Bacolod City; Roxas City; Siargao, Surigao del Norte; Palompon, Leyte; Mactan, Cebu; Dipolog City; Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental; Talisay City, Cebu; Tagbilaran; Baclayon; Cagayan De Oro City; San Carlos; Toledo; and Caticlan.
The project kicked off at Subic Bay in Zambales last July 14 and is scheduled for completion by April next year.