Largest PLDT data center gets boost

MANILA, Philippines — Telco giant PLDT Inc. has tapped broadband provider Radius Telecoms Inc. to bolster connectivity in its 11th and biggest data center set to be activated in 2024.

PLDT’s technology unit ePLDT said Radius Telecoms is providing internet services to bolster the quality and speed of connectivity in VITRO Sta. Rosa once it is finished next year.

VITRO Sta. Rosa is expected to be completed by the first half of 2024 and it is set to become the largest data center in PLDT’s portfolio.

Under the partnership, Radius Telecoms would establish a point of presence in VITRO Sta. Rosa to provide it with connectivity solutions. The services would be offered to enterprises and hyperscalers that choose to store their data in the facility.

Radius Telecoms is also working with ePLDT to expand the fiber connection of the data centers. Further, it will build a fiber facility that would connect VITRO Sta. Rosa with other data centers in Metro Manila.

ePLDT president and CEO Victor Genuino said the partnership supports the growth of VITRO Sta. Rosa given the potential of the facility to be a hyperscale magnet.

Hyperscalers refer to tech giants like Amazon, Google and Meta who are always on the lookout for colocation spaces, such as VITRO Sta. Rosa, where they can store their data.

“The addition of Radius Telecoms would undoubtedly enhance the hyperconnectivity, resilience and scalability of VITRO Sta. Rosa, ensuring our clients can navigate the digital landscape with confidence and seize endless growth opportunities,” Genuino said.

VITRO Sta. Rosa is extending an initial capacity of 14 megawatts once it is switched on in 2024 but could be increased to as much as 50 MW in its full operations.

ePLDT currently maintains a total capacity of 34 MW across its portfolio of 10 data centers in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.

PLDT’s technology arm projects to hit 62 MW by the end of 2024 with the completion of VITRO Sta. Rosa as well as the expansion of VITRO Makati 2 and VITRO Parañaque.

ePLDT serves as the unit of PLDT tasked to build and enhance data centers with the objective of supporting the ongoing shift to digital transactions nationwide.

Based on estimates, the data center industry in the Philippines is set to grow by at least 25 percent every year until 2027, providing a boost not just to the economy, but also to employment.