TELECOM | PLDT fires up US-Transpacific Jupiter Cable system
PLDT celebrated the activation of the country’s link to the newest international submarine cable with some of the top enterprises from the country’s major industries.
PLDT Inc. officially fired up the US-Transpacific Jupiter Cable system, the Philippines’
fastest, direct data cable link to the US and Japan. This latest cable system will
immensely boost the country’s international data capacity and advance the digital
infrastructure needed to further spur the country’s economic growth.
Held at the Marriot Hotel in Pasay City, PLDT celebrated the activation of the country’s
link to the newest international submarine cable with some of the top enterprises from
the country’s major industries, key officials from the government, and diplomatic
partners.
“The PLDT Group takes pride in leading our nation’s digital advancement,
made possible through dynamic synergies with government and private sector
partners,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT and Smart president and chief executive.
Among those present were PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, Department of
Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Atty. Ivan John E. Uy,
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual, Japan
Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, US Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson, and NTT
SVP and Head of Global Business Hideaki Ozaki. Major partners of corporate business
unit PLDT Enterprise, its ICT arm ePLDT, and international business unit PLDT Global
Corporation were also in attendance.
The 14,000-kilometer Jupiter Cable system is the newest international gateway
connecting the Philippines directly from PLDT’s cable landing station in Daet,
Camarines Norte to Japan and the US West Coast. PLDT’s investment in Jupiter
responds to the rapidly growing requirements for digital services and next-generation
technologies; and supports data-driven industries, particularly those with global
operations and high-bandwidth demands such as BPOs, multinationals, and global
hyperscalers.
“Our investment in Jupiter will exponentially boost the Philippines’ international capacity,
ramp up the global trade of digital services, and propel the nation’s digital economy,
while increasing internet speed and reliability for Filipinos,” Panlilio said.
Already ahead in terms of international capacities among Philippine telcos, Jupiter will
triple PLDT’s international capacity to about 60 Terabit/s, further cementing its lead in
the industry and reinforcing its commitment to driving the country’s digital capabilities
forward. “PLDT is committed to powering the digital future of the Philippines, and all our
efforts align with the larger Mission across our Group: To empower Filipinos everywhere
through digital innovations that unlock and share their infinite potential,” Panlilio added.
Submarine fiber optic cables are among the most critical components of the internet’s
infrastructure, serving as the backbone connecting countries, carrying communications,
and enabling digital services across the globe. Strengthening undersea cable links,
especially those landing in the US and Japan, is crucial as the bulk of internet content
and services being accessed by Filipinos — which are mostly offered by global
hyperscalers—are from servers in the US, while a material portion of demand for
content is served via Japan.
Together with a sound investment environment, robust ICT capabilities, and available
local data center infrastructure, the capacity offered by Jupiter is expected to help
promote the Philippines to global hyperscalers and position the country as the new
digital hub in the Asia-Pacific.
“This milestone immensely strengthens our thrust in helping us position the Philippines
as the next hyperscale hub of Asia-Pacific and enriching the country’s Hyperscale
Ecosystem,” said PLDT and Smart FVP and Head of Enterprise Business Group Jojo G.
Gendrano.
“It will also enable us to increase international capacity into our data centers — now a
major component of the country’s digital ecosystem — and enhance the attractiveness
of the country as an investment destination. Our network of VITRO data centers, with
our newest to be built in Sta. Rosa, readies the country to service and drive this rising
industry,” he added.
Currently, PLDT has extensive participation in 16 international submarine cable
networks and is set to expand further with the completion of two more major
international cable systems, namely Asia Direct Cable (ADC) and the APRICOT cable
system, set to be completed in the next two years. It also operates the most expansive
fiber optic network among local ISPs at 803,000 kilometers linking all islands in the
archipelago with fiber connectivity and powering local economies and communities in
the cities and regions.