PLDT Inc. said Thursday it signed a three-year contract with global technology leader Cisco to modernize its fiber network and prepare for 5G services in the country.
Under the partnership, PLDT and Cisco will deploy cutting-edge technology to design and build automated, highly reliable, highly scalable, software-defined, next-generation infrastructure utilizing telco’s existing fiber network to seamlessly deliver customized digital experiences to customers.
The large-scale investment with Cisco is a part of PLDT’s broader transport network transformation project which will be implemented over the next three years.
“This investment will raise PLDT’s fiber network to the next level. Today we mark another major milestone in PLDT’s efforts to help the country gear up for the Industrial Revolution 4.0, enabling us to move up to the next generation of digital technologies, such as 5G, software-defined networking, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things,” PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.
“At Cisco, we are committed to working with our customers to transform their infrastructure, so they can unlock growth opportunities as everything becomes connected. PLDT is at the forefront of this transformation, and we are proud to partner together to deliver best in class services across the Philippines,” said Cisco chairman and chief executive Chuck Robbins.
PLDT’s fiber network footprint of more than 244,000 kilometers is the country’s most extensive fiber infrastructure. With four cable landing stations linking the country to major international gateways worldwide, PLDT’s fiber network also supports the company’s array of digital services for both its fixed and wireless customers.
Under the project, PLDT and Cisco will deploy technologies across PLDT’s network to make it more efficient, more resilient, more scalable and easier to maintain and repair.
The software-defined architecture will also enable PLDT to fortify customer services with highly dynamic and agile networking capabilities as well as cybersecurity to safeguard customer data.
“We are building with Cisco one of the most modern transport networks in Asia by maximizing the capabilities of the fiber infrastructure that we have already put in place,” said PLDT chief technology and information advisor Joachim Horn.
The automated architecture of the network will also enable PLDT to manage traffic congestion, minimize network outages and launch new digital services faster.
“With this network transformation program, we can empower enterprises and businesses and address
their needs for speed, bandwidth and digital services quickly and seamlessly,” Horn said.
The network transformation project is also a part of PLDT’s 5G efforts, as it is also seen to support the Internet of Things and Smart City initiatives.
“This transformation program will not only increase the network’s capacity in anticipation for the upcoming mobile data traffic explosion. It will also make it more intelligent and ready for the deployment of real, standalone 5G,” Horn said.
“Through partnerships with global technology leaders like Cisco, we are continuously improving our network to ensure that PLDT remains to be the country’s technology enabler of choice,” said PLDT chief revenue officer Ernesto Alberto.
Cisco is leading the disruptor in the industry with technology innovations in software-defined networking, 5G, subscriber experience (mobile, cable, fixed), automation, optical and optics.