Singaporean firm to invest USD2bn for fiber optic cables in Philippines
In a bid to boost the Philippines’ internet services, a Singaporean company will invest around USD2bn to deploy fiber optic cables in the country in the next ten years, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Network infrastructure firm Hyalroute Group will roll out fiber optic cables in phases between 2019 and 2028 through the Fiber Optic Cable Network program of its subsidiary, Philippine Fiber Optic Cable Network (PFOCN). The rollout is part of DICT’s Free Public Wi-Fi network to reach the unserved and under-served regions in the country. DICT said it will assist the PFOCN in getting the necessary permits and licenses to implement the project. Eliseo M. Rio Jr., DICT acting secretary, said the partnership is expected to enhance the country’s telecommunication services and that it is in line with the National Broadband Plan, which aims to improve internet connectivity in the entire country.
