PLDT network infrastructure ready to host AI, Cloud
Amid the gradual integration of Cloud-based systems and artificial intelligence (AI) in the global corporate landscape, PLDT Inc. said its network infrastructure is ready to meet the demands and challenges of these new technologies.
During a media briefing with reporters on Nov. 7, PLDT Enterprise Head Mitch Locsin said its infrastructure is “readily available for Cloud and AI to grow in the country,” noting the telco giant’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its networks.
“If its really on the Cloud and AI, [you have to look at] infrastructure as a whole. That includes all our submarine cables that we’ve invested in, [the] domestic fiber backbone that we keep fortified, and the data centers to store all the data for the Cloud to operate properly and AI to be stored so that it can be operated in the country,” Locsin explained.
He cited its three submarine cable projects – the US-Transpacific Jupiter Cable system which was activated in July 2022, as well as the Asia Direct Cable (ADC) and the APRICOT cable system, both of which will be activated by early 2024 and early 2025 respectively.
The 14,000-kilometer Jupiter system connects the country’s data cable links to the US and Japan; and the 12,000-kilometer APRICOT system connects to Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Guam.
The 9,400-kilometer subsea ADC link connects seven international cable landing points across East and Southeast Asia from Batangas, Philippines to Tuas, Singapore; Chung Hom Kok, Hong Kong; Maruyama, Japan; Quy Nhon, Vietnam; Sri Racha, Thailand; and Shantou, China.
The VITRO data centers aim to provide stable, high-speed internet connected ecosystems for industrial establishment to spur further economic growth.
Existing VITRO sites are in Makati 1, Makati 2, Pasig, Taguig, Paranaque, Clark, Subic, Cebu 1, Cebu 2, and Davao.
Last year, PLDT broke ground for VITRO Sta. Rosa, its 11th and largest hyperscale data center. Located in Laguna, the facility is expected to go live by June 2024.
On the wireless front, PLDT Network Head Eric Santiago said the group is “continuously optimizing our current assets but at the same time evaluating all of the new technologies out there such as land terrestrial networks [and] how it can complement our current terrestrial infrastructure.”
“We are also looking for new technologies like the massive MIMO antenna active units that can provide higher gigahertz (GHz) that will equate to increased coverage and capacity. In that way, we can be able to penetrate in building coverage from outdoors,” he added.
Santiago stressed that the group is continuously evaluating its networks’ resiliency and looking at possibilities to provide more backhaul transport, and support the increase in traffic.
“At the same time, during times of calamity, [we are looking at] how we can evolve to automate and restore services as soon as possible by utilizing AI, machine learning, and other new technologies,” he said.
PLDT Chairman Manny Pangilinan underscored the importance of building infrastructure first to guarantee connectivity, and following with a robust IT layer.
“IT systems and solutions – that is probably the next battleground, and the brains will come into play. The guy with the next big idea will win the contest,” said the chairman.
In terms of a long-term perspective, PLDT President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio added that the group can maximize its assets moving forward.
“You have power, water, tollways, hospitals. The power of that information is something that I think we have to look at. Since one customer cuts through a lot of our companies as a group,” he said.