The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) spearheaded the launch of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) Phase 1 on Friday, April 19.

"Phase 1 of the National Fiber Backbone signifies more than just laying cables, and establishing connections, it represents a monumental leap forward in our journey toward digitally empowered society," DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said in his opening remarks at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City.

"With the activation of these nodes, we are bringing high-speed internet across to under-served communities, unlocking opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic development," he added.

The initiative activated 28 nodes from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to Roces, Quezon City, in collaboration with organizations such as the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

"With the activation of these nodes, we are bringing high-speed internet across to under-served communities, unlocking opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic development," he explained.

Uy also highlighted DICT’s future plans under this initiative, such as broadening the network coverage and extending connectivity across regions.

“The implementation of a robust national broadband infrastructure will enable the government to support a two terabyte of connection originating from the western seaboard of the United States, to our eastern shoars,” he said.

President Marcos attended the event, encouraging the people working on the NFB project, specifically the DICT, to remain committed.

"I call upon everyone involved in this mega project to remain committed to our regime's vision to bring our businesses closer to consumers, our nation closer to the rest of the world and our people closer to their loved ones, all through the connections we are building through the National Fiber Backbone," Marcos said.

In December 2023, the DICT spearheaded the soft launch of the first phase of the NFB program.

The NFB is a vital component of the government's National Broadband Program (NBP) under the DICT, which aims to enhance the country's ICT infrastructure and improve internet connectivity.

Phase 1 of the project spans from Laoag to Metro Manila, encompassing a 1,245-kilometer fiber optic cable network.

"Upon full activation of the project by March 2024, we will be able to establish optical spectrum capacity for a minimum of 14 provinces spanning Northern and Central Luzon along with Metro Manila, four BCDA (Bases Conversion and Development Authority) eco-zones, and two National Government Data Centers," DICT Undersecretary for Connectivity Cybersecurity and Upskilling Jeffrey Ian C. Dy said.

The NFB will activate the NGCP dark fiber (unused fiber-optic cables) and commission the laying out of fiber optic cables along 123 sites in the Philippines.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/22/dict-leads-soft-launch-of-1st-phase-of-fiber-backbone-program