Fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is considering partnering with local telecommunications firms such as PLDT and Globe Telecom to expand its network.
In an interview, Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy said the company plans to share its network with other telecommunications firms because of “the tendency, if you share the network with others, Filipino homes will be connected faster.”
“So, why should a company build infrastructure when it is already there? This way, we can also sa on costs. So capital expenditures will be lower, and the customer can be given a cheaper price for the service,” he explained.
Uy said they contemplated a partnership with a local telecommunications that already has a nationwide fiber optic network.
“We can partner with everyone who has a network already. So you just have a proper technology to splicing the network,” he said adding that they have are not yet at the stage where they are planning to sell a portion of their fiber network although they are open to anyone who will offer the infrastructure.
Uy said what they are looking at is similar to the shared tower concept of mobile telecommunications service providers, where tower companies build the infrastructure and then offer it to everyone who needs it.
Bloomberg News earlier reported that Converge is planning to spin off its fiber network, which could be valued at as much as $1 billion, with the possibility of selling up to a 40 percent stake. Converge has already hired investment banks to study options for the spin-off.
Meanwhile, in a groundbreaking move to redefine enterprise connectivity in the Philippines, Converge is working with Starlink to deliver broadband internet to remote regions in the country.
This collaboration aims to bring unparalleled, high-speed, low-latency satellite solutions nationwide to businesses and government sectors.
Uy said that this move is vital in the company’s evolution from a telecom provider to a full-fledged technology powerhouse.
“We’re among the few in the Philippines authorized by Starlink to resell its services—an acknowledgment of our deep market expertise and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of both enterprise and government clients.
“More importantly, this is about transforming the way businesses operate. We’re bringing solutions that empower industries to scale and innovate, even in the most remote areas,” he noted.
“Converge already has a formidable fiber network across the country. But we believe that by beefing our satellite-powered connectivity solutions, we can charge full speed ahead in expand our Global Business portfolio. This collaboration with Starlink is a key pillar to this aspiration,” said Sherie Ng, Managing Director, Converge Singapore, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Converge ICT Solutions, Inc.
She added that, “Many businesses operating in remote and underserved regions still struggle with unreliable internet. By integrating Starlink into our suite of products, we’re unlocking new opportunities for these industries and the countless Filipinos who depend on them.”
Converge is also enhancing its nationwide fiber network with an advanced data transmission technology from NASDAQ-listed Ribbon Communications Inc. to strengthen its network in response to the growing need for high-speed, low-latency, and reliable connectivity.
It will leverage Ribbon’s advanced Muse Multilayer Automation Platform (MAP) designed to maximize the value of IP Optical network investments through comprehensive control, analysis, design, and planning applications.
Its powerful low-code automation and customization engines allow Converge to optimize its resources and maintain peak network performance. Converge is accelerating its network automation journey by leveraging Ribbon’s Muse platform and AI capabilities.
“We are planning important developments in the products and services we offer to our customers, and it's vital that our infrastructure can support these. Adopting this new technology is essential for effectively managing large amounts of data from IoT applications, cloud services, and future innovations,” said Uy.
“Our cutting-edge technology delivers exceptional performance, enabling companies like Converge to even strengthen their competitive advantage,” said Ribbon Communications CEO and President Bruce McClelland.
This collaboration expands nationwide the initial tie up between Converge and Ribbon to integrate the US firm’s cutting-edge 5 nanometer (nm) - 140Gbaud transmission chipset, which boosts the firm’s network capacity to 1.2 Terabits per second (Tbps). This technology was first rolled out in the metro and regional sites of Converge across North and Central Luzon.
Now, the said optical transmission solution will be implemented throughout the rest of the network infra sites of Converge across the country, bringing about substantial improvements in the company’s overall data transmission capacity and operational efficiency nationwide.
Uy highlighted that deploying this technology will ensure that their fiber network is equipped to support next-generation services such as high-speed broadband, cloud applications, and enterprise solutions.