PLDT-Smart reinforces support for Davao's underground cabling project

Local telco giant PLDT together with its wireless arm Smart recently shared that they are reinforcing its support for Davao City's Underground Cabling Project.

PLDT and Smart representatives join government officials, representatives of Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC), and other telcos, as they signal the start of the 2nd phase of Davao City’s Underground Cabling Project.

Bye, overhead cables in Davao City soon?

The project aims to remove unsightly overhead wires and cables from city streets.

Now in its 2nd phase, the project requires Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) and other telcos including the PLDT group to convert their respective overhead lines to an underground system.

Some of the advantages of underground cabling systems include longer life as it is almost unaffected by factors such as rough weather, and strong sunlight.

Usually, it also has lower maintenance costs as it is not that prone to wear and tear, fewer service interruptions as it is not prone to snapping of cables in the event of a storm or other accidents, and aesthetic superiority, among others.

Due to those reasons, it is expected to be much safer than older overhead cabling systems.

The underground cabling project is a clear testament of a public and private partnership that is undertaken with the welfare of the citizens in mind. Once completed, the project can boost businesses in Chinatown and further drive our city towards progress and development. Let us all continue to work together on initiatives and efforts towards a cleaner, safer and sustainable Davao City. Davao City Administrator Atty. Francis Mark Layog

Meanwhile, the PLDT Group said that it is also pushing initiatives that improve customer experience and protect its physical assets (more than 1.1 million kilometers of fiber infra as of end-June 2023). Along with other telcos, the company is spearheading the National Telecommunications Security Council, an informal alliance for the mutual protection of telecommunications infrastructure nationwide.

PLDT and Smart will continue to support this Underground Cable Project of our local government, as we push for a cleaner and more beautiful Davao. This project also helps reduce pilferage of telco facilities, which ultimately leads to service outages. By protecting and fortifying our physical infrastructure, we are able to continue providing the best connectivity to fellow Davaoeños, said Melvin Lacuna, PLDT Davao Zone Head.

PLDT noted that these clean-up and asset protection initiatives reinforce the Group's commitment as one of the founding members under the Digital Infrastructure group of the Government-mandated Private Sector Advisory Council, with programs such as GoDigital Pilipinas aimed at expanding access to digital technologies.

What do you guys think?