NOW Telecom inks deal for fiber rollout

MANILA, Philippines — NOW Telecom Co. Inc., an affiliate of publicly-listed NOW Corp., has entered into a partnership with a Singapore-based company for the rollout of a shared fiber optic cable network that will support the government’s National Broadband Program.

NOW told the Philippine Stock Exchange yesterday that its affiliate has executed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Philippine Fiber Optic Cable Network Ltd. Inc. (PFOCN).

“The MOU will enable the parties to collaborate for the commercial use of shared fiber infrastructure assets nationwide including access to fiber optic cores and other related facilities,” NOW said.

The parties also plan to collaborate on the fiber optic cable network rollout that will strengthen and support NOW’s nationwide expansion.

NOW said PFOCN’s rollout of a shared fiber optic cable network in phases, which the company will be a part of, aligns with the government’s National Broadband Program.

The National Broadband Plan is a blueprint which seeks to accelerate the deployment of fiber optic cables and wireless technologies in the country, as well as improve the overall internet speed and affordability nationwide.

NOW Telecom is a grantee of a 25-year congressional franchise during the 17th Congress to carry on the business of providing telecommunications services throughout the Philippines and other countries and territories.

It is also a grantee of an authority to install, operate and maintain cellular mobile telephone system from the National Telecommunications Commission.

NOW Telecom is currently offering broadband internet access in Metro Manila, through a fixed wireless microwave transmissions network which the company said enables it to provide guaranteed internet speeds of up to 2.40 gbps to enterprise customers.

The company said it is keen on expanding its service offerings to new geographical markets, as it also seeks to provide new generation technologies, including 5G, with deployment plans underway to serve the greater Metro Manila.