PLDT begins construction of Asia Direct Cable

Dominant telco player PLDT said it continues to expand its international cable network as it announced the initial phase of construction of the Asia Direct Cable (ADC).

PLDT constructing a new undersea cable network

New PLDT submarine cable

In a statement, PLDT said construction of the 9,400-kilometer subsea cable started in Batangas. Target completion of all landing links is eyed by the end of next year.

PLDT explained submarine fiber optic cables are among "the most critical components of the internet’s infrastructure" as they carry massive amounts of data across the globe.

Once fully operational, PLDT said ADC will provide an additional international network capacity of at least 36 Tbps for faster delivery of hyperscale data across East and Southeast Asia.

This would support the group's target of making the Philippines the next hyperscaler destination in Asia-Pacific, said PLDT SVP & Head of Enterprise Business Group, Jojo G. Gendrano.

ADC will link seven international cable landing points across East and Southeast Asia from Batangas, Philippines to Tuas, Singapore; Chung Hom Kok, Hong Kong; Maruyama, Japan; Quy Nhon, Vietnam; Sri Racha, Thailand; and Shantou, China.

Along with PLDT's existing international submarine cable systems, the Asia Direct Cable will boost and diversify the Philippines’ connectivity within the Asian region. ADC will strengthen not only PLDT’s global network, but will also further advance the country’s digitalization and growing digital economy, said PLDT President & CEO, Al S. Panlilio.

ADC is a global consortium comprised of leading communications and technology companies, including PLDT, China Telecom, China Unicom, National Telecom, Singtel, SoftBank Corp., Tata Communications, and Viettel Group.

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