PLDT-Smart brings fiber optic link to typhoon-prone Catanduanes

PLDT, Inc. and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. is launching a fiber optic link to reach customers in typhoon-prone Catanduanes.

The project would expand LTE (long-term evolution) coverage in the island province, and backs the firm’s network through new alternate fiber routes, PLDT-Smart said in a press release on Friday.

The alternate fiber routes, the company said, would help resume connectivity for its customers in case of multiple fiber breaks caused by typhoons.

Typhoon Rolly and Typhoon Ulysses hit parts of Luzon in early November, leaving extensive infrastructure damage in areas like Catanduanes.

“Typhoons are getting stronger and behaving differently, so we have invested significantly in strengthening our network,” Smart Communications President and CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Alfredo S. Panlilio said.

PLDT’s fiber infrastructure spans 422,000 kilometers nationwide and supports Smart Communications mobile networks.

The PLDT Group expects P70 billion in capital expenditures for 2020. Its capital expenditures from 2011 to September 2020 have reached a total of P432 billion.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Jenina P. Ibañez