Converge broaches shared underground cables to decrease internet costs
Converge ICT Solutions Incorporated floated the idea of shared underground cables saying this could significantly cut infrastructure cost for telecommunications providers.
According to a statement from the telco firm including telecommunications cables whenever new roads or any underground infrastructure are built would aide in cutting costs.
To attain this goal, “multi-stakeholder coordination among government, information and communications technology players, and utility companies” is necessary, the company’s statement read.
This statement comes as with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently began the constriction of an underground utility cable system which will run along EDSA, Radial Road 10 and Circumferential Road 5.
The project involves relocating the overhead utility lines on major roads underground.
“This can be done in expressways linking parts of the metro together. Submarine cables are expensive. We could do with a lot more diversity and connectivity. This joint use of infrastructure will go a long way,” Converge Chief Operating Officer Jesus C, Romero mentioned.
“As an internet service provider, we’re willing to pay for our share (of the cost),” he added.
Furthermore, utility service providers urged that they will transition to an underground cable system if the government provides subsidies and if they are provided with adequate planning of the infrastructure.
