The Philippines' largest integrated telco network PLDT is further improving the quality of its service in the island provinces of Marinduque, Romblon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Panay, Cebu, Siquijor, Bohol, Samar and Negros after the activation of fiber optic cable (FOC) links connecting the islands to the rest of the country and the world.

Part of PLDT's continuous efforts to expand the reach of its network across the country, the Enhanced Resiliency of DFON Loops 4 and 5 (eRDL45) project includes more than 2,000 kilometers of submarine and inland FOC links, and also aims to make the network more resilient and ready to support future services, such as 5G.

With fiber links now connecting the island provinces, homes and businesses in the areas can start enjoying fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services via PLDT Home. Customers of PLDT's wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) can also look forward to improved mobile data experience, especially for customers using LTE and 5G phones.

PLDT's fiber infrastructure, which was at 743,700 kilometers as of end-2021, also supports Smart's mobile network by providing high-capacity links for its base stations.

"Fiber is the future, and we’re bringing it now to more Filipinos.  As we connect more islands in our country with fiber, we are able to deliver the best digital experience for our 5G/LTE and FTTH customers," said Mario G. Tamayo, Head of Technology at PLDT and Smart. 

"These submarine cable links also improve our network's resiliency by providing alternate routes for data traffic in the event of fiber breaks, so our customers are always connected," Tamayo added. 

This project is part of the PLDT Group’s sustained investments in their network.  Network-related initiatives made up the bulk of the ₱89 billion spend for 2021. This brings total capex spent over the last 10 years to ₱518.5 billion. For 2022, PLDT is expected to invest between ₱76-80 billion in demand-driven capex.