Telco-to-tech provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is calling for a shift towards underground conduit systems, where internet cables are buried, to protect telco assets and ensure more reliable connectivity.

Converge Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dennis Anthony Uy said his company supports making underground conduit systems the standard for network infrastructure in the country, as is the case in other countries.

Uy said this system offers network resilience by enabling quicker downtime during cable repairs and upgrades.

“Converge is actively supporting initiatives and practices that enhance efficiency across the telco industry. I'm a strong proponent of the ‘Dig Once’ policy, which is reinforced by the Konektadong Pinoy Act, for its advantages for service providers, local governments, and cities as a whole,” he said in a statement.

Instead of traditional overhead lines, which are prone to cuts and damage, buried cables help reduce the need for repairs.

Uy said this also helps reduce safety risks and improve the community’s aesthetics, as underground cables are hidden from view, freeing up space above ground and eliminating unsightly poles and wires.

He added that this also reduces the need to request permits from local authorities, unlike with aerial-installed cable lines.

For Uy, the model project for underground conduit systems is the MACEA Underground Conduit Network (MUCN) project of the Makati Central Estate Association Inc. (MACEA).

The MUCN, completed in 2024, established a single raceway for all data providers operating in the Makati Central Business District, streamlining the delivery of telco services across its 25.1-kilometer coverage area.

Uy said the system's development enabled robust internet services in the area while minimizing potential disruptions from repairs.

“We believe in ‘Tech for Good.’ That means everything we do, from connectivity to system integration and innovation, is geared toward not just advancing business but uplifting the community as a whole,” he said.

Through underground cables, Uy said Converge would be uniquely positioned to empower the country with digital tools and services into the next wave of digital progress.

By the end of last year, the company secured the fastest average speeds, the lowest latency, and the most consistent performance among all internet providers, according to an analysis report by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Converge recorded an average speech of 193.61 Mbps in Metro Manila across 700,000 speed tests.