PH’s longest domestic submarine fiber cable project on track for April 2023 completion

The $150-million Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN), the longest of its kind in the country, is on track for completion in April this year to further boost digitalization in the countryside, Globe said as it geared for a fresh round of cable landings this new year.

Globe partnered with Eastern Communications and InfiniVAN Inc. for the project to provide equitable and reliable connectivity across the country, including previously unserved and underserved areas across the Philippines.

PDSCN, which has a total cable distance of 2,500 kilometers, will soon kick off landing cables in nine remaining segments that cover 13 sites: Calatrava, Romblon; Pasacao, Camarines Sur; Bulan, Sorsogon; Calbayog City, Samar; Palanas, Masbate; Mactan, Cebu; Maasin City, Leyte; Claver, Surigao del Norte; Kinoguitan, Misamis Oriental; Camiguin; Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte; Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte; and Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur.

The project kicked off in Subic Bay, Zambales in July 2022 and has already completed 15 segments across the country, including key cities and tourism destinations.

“As the Philippines continues to build a digital economy, Globe is steadfast in its efforts to bring fast and reliable connectivity to all.  We are committed to supporting the government’s initiatives towards innovation, e-governance, and greater digital adoption among Filipinos through our investments in PDSCN and other network infrastructure,” said Globe Group President and CEO Ernest Cu.

The PDSCN project is part of Globe’s network expansion, which aligns with its commitment to improve infrastructure and foster innovation towards development under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Its push for a #1stWorldNetwork is in support of the government’s push to improve connectivity across the country to fast-track digital transformation.

This is also a main pillar of the Digital Infrastructure sector under the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), a body created by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to boost public-private collaboration towards inclusive national development. Globe Group President and CEO Ernest Cu is a member of PSAC.

The Digital Infrastructure sector has set its eyes on ensuring greater internet access in the country and supporting the government’s digitalization goals, as the President had laid down as key targets in his first State of the Nation Address.

As the PDSCN project nears completion, Globe is shifting its focus towards capital efficiency and optimization, with plans to reduce its capital expenditures budget to $1.3 billion in 2023 and $1 billion in 2024 from approximately $1.9 billion in 2022.

This move aims to optimize spending in the next few years by maximizing the utilization of fiber assets and taking advantage of arrangements with tower companies to boost tower construction.