Globe activates new submarine cable network

MANILA, Philippines — Globe Telecom Inc. has activated a new submarine cable segment of what is set to be the longest underwater cable in the Philippines.

The Ayala-led telco said the segment of the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) from Luzon to Mindanao has been activated early this month, signaling the start of on-ground connections to serve more customers.

Globe’s segment in the PDSCN Express Route that was fired up cover various points in Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, Capiz, Masbate, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol and Misamis Oriental.

“The activation of the PDSCN Express Route marks another milestone in our journey toward providing inclusive connectivity across the archipelago, especially in underserved and unserved areas. It will also enhance the reliability and resilience of our network given the country’s vulnerability to disasters and calamities,” Globe network planning and engineering head Joel Agustin said.

PDSCN is a joint project of Globe, Eastern Communications and InfiniVAN Inc. covering a total cable distance of 2,500 kilometers, the longest of its kind in the country.

Agustin said Globe has completed 90 percent of cable landing stations across the archipelago under the $150-million subsea cable project.

“The wet segment was finished as scheduled last year. Our focus now is connecting our inland facilities. So far we have completed 90 percent and we are completing the rest by this year,” he said.

According to Globe, cable landing stations are crucial landing points for undersea fiber-optic cables, which transmit vast amounts of internet data across oceans.

As Globe’s fourth domestic submarine backbone, the PDSCN would help boost connectivity to improve customer experience for both household and business clients.

Seen as a key addition to Globe’s network infrastructure amid increasing connectivity needs, the subsea cable project will minimize service downtime, help ensure business continuity as well as improve network security and overall efficiency.

PDSCN kicked off in Subic Bay, Zambales in July 2022 and laid cables in 24 segments with a total 33 landing sites connecting Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

“PDSCN is a vital component of our network expansion program and proof of our unwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide in the Philippines. We firmly believe in improving the country’s digital infrastructure to achieve a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all Filipinos,” Agustin said.

Globe said PDSCN is a critical pillar of the Digital Infrastructure sector under the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), an organization formed by President Marcos to enhance public-private collaboration toward inclusive national development.

As a member of PSAC, Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu helps ensure that the benefits of the country’s digital transformation are accessible to all Filipinos.