Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is advocating for a nationwide transition toward underground telecommunications infrastructure, citing the recently completed Makati Central Estate Association (MaCEA) Underground Conduit Network (MUCN) as a model for global best practices.
The MUCN, a 25.1-kilometer shared raceway finished in December 2024, establishes a secure pathway for both power and telecom lines within the Makati central business district.
Converge ICT Solutions chief executive Dennis Anthony Uy said during a recent meeting with MaCEA that the network provides a robust structural backbone that will reduce service disruptions in the city’s primary business hub over time.
“Converge is actively supporting initiatives and practices that enhance efficiency across the telco industry. I’m a strong proponent of the ‘Dig Once’ policy, which is reinforced by the Konektadong Pinoy Act, for its advantages for service providers, local governments, and cities as a whole. The development of an underground conduit network here in Makati is highly appreciated and we always welcome collaborations for such initiatives,” Uy said.
The project was spearheaded by MaCEA, a civic body of property owners and developers, to modernize district infrastructure.
MaCEA general-manager Getty Granada said the shared underground pathway enhances network reliability and allows tenants to choose from multiple service providers, supporting the vision of Makati as a smart city.
“The MACEA Underground Conduit Network Project establishes a robust highway for telcos to significantly reduce service disruptions caused by frequent repair works,” Granada said.
“By providing a shared, underground pathway, this will enhance network reliability and enable residents and building tenants to choose from multiple service providers. This infrastructure fully supports the vision of Makati to be a smart and future-ready city,” she said.
Underground systems are currently the standard in advanced economies such as Singapore. By burying cables, providers gain network resilience and can streamline the provisioning and repair of lines.
Uy said these structures shield cables more effectively than overhead lines and help bypass the permitting hurdles that often delay repairs for internet service providers.
Uy said Converge ICT is positioned to provide both connectivity backbones and digital tools for building owners to prepare for future innovation. He emphasized that the company’s “Tech for Good” approach aims to use system integration to uplift the community and ensure business excellence contributes to a more connected society.
