As part of its domestic fiber optic network (DFON) expansion, PLDT Inc. recently started laying submarine cables in the islands of Socorro and Siargao, Mindanao.

At the same time, the telco is also installing complementary inland fiber cables in the towns of Santa Monica and Del Carmen in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.

Fiber cable deployments in other Siargao towns and the Dinagat Islands will soon follow.

Its fiber presence in Siargao Island will eventually enable PLDT to offer fiber-to-the-home services in the island, supporting the internet needs of homes, resorts, and businesses.

This will also enhance PLDT's wireless arm, Smart Communications, Inc.'s mobile network services in the island, particularly for Long Term Evolution (LTE ) and 5G.

Fiber connectivity will boost Siargao's bid to support other industries, such as IT and business process outsourcing (BPOs), as the island continues to recover from the effects of Super Typhoon Odette late last year.

“The deployment of fiber in Siargao is part of our long-standing commitment to connect our country's islands and provide quality connectivity to more Filipinos," remarked Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT Head of Technology.

Aside from enabling hybrid workplaces, remote learning and e-commerce, the project will enhance the resiliency of PLDT's network by providing alternate routes for data traffic, making sure customers are always connected, he added.

It is part of the PLDT Group’s network-related initiatives, which made up the bulk of the telco's ₱89 billion spend for 2021.

This brings total capex spent over the last 10 years to ₱518.5 billion. Capex guidance for 2022 is P85 billion.

As of end-March 2022, PLDT's fiber infrastructure was at 803,000 kilometers.

This also supports Smart's mobile network, which has 76,600 total base stations nationwide, supporting its 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G customers from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi, including around 7,300 5G base stations.