PH govt, Facebook continue ultra-high speed internet infrastructure

The government's internet deal with social media giant Facebook will push through within the third quarter of 2020.

File photo: Former DICT Undersecretary Eliseo Rio Jr.

DICT continues talks with Facebook for FREE internet access

Eliseo Rio Jr., now former Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) undersecretary, told The Philippine Daily Inquirer the government remains keen to pursue the deal with Google and Facebook, despite facing delays due to the US and China conflict.

The Trump government did not authorize the direct connection from Los Angeles to Hong Kong. But Facebook was able to get authorisation to connect the Philippines to LA, Rio told the Inquirer.

The project, dubbed as the Pacific Light Cable Network (PLCN), is being eyed to significantly reduce the cost of internet services in the country. 

The PLCN is a 12,800-kilometer undersea cable system that will connect the Philippines, the US, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Facebook will provide the Philippines with an annual internet capacity of two terabits per second free of charge with the condition that it would use the government's P975-million Luzon Bypass Infrastructure. 

As part of the national broadband plan, it is also envisioned to help boost government offices even in far-flung areas. 

Source: Inquirer