PLDT to launch new broadband technology

MANILA, Philippines – Telecommunications giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) will launch later this year the most advanced broadband platform called fiber to the home (FTTH) for the delivery of high-speed data services to residences and buildings.

FTTH uses fiber optic technology transmit data through light signals sent through hair-thin strands of pure glass. Instead of the usual copper going to the homes of customers, thin fiber optic cables will be used.

The new platform will be able to deliver simultaneously voice, video and data services at much higher speeds and larger capacities than DSL or cable technologies.

“Fiber to the home is a quantum leap forward in terms of broadband services. This demonstrates PLDT’s commitment to offer its customers cutting edge communication technologies,” PLDT president and CEO Napoleon Nazareno said.

Initial tests done by PLDT at its demonstration facility showed an FTTH-enabled computer posted download speeds of up to 94.86 megabits per second (mbps) and upload rates of 69.39 mbps, according to PLDT network head Rolando Peña.

At those speeds, it would take only one second to download a five-megabyte mp3 file, three seconds for a 35-Mb video clip and only one minute to download an 800-Mb movie, Pena said.

“Depending on how we’ll design the product, we can provide gigabit speeds to homes, not just megabit speeds,” he added.

Company officials said PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan tested the new technology by watching the recent Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight via live video streaming using FTTH.

“Excellent reception. Excellent definition of the pictures,” Pangilinan, who also chairs the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP), said.

The new service will be initially marketed to high-bandwidth residential customers such as households in high-income subdivisions and condominiums.