The move was made in a bid to strengthen the country’s digital backbone and improving connectivity to global cloud networks.
The upgrade will see PLDT deploy Ciena’s 6500 platform powered by WaveLogic 5 Extreme (WL5e) coherent optical technology to efficiently and reliably backhaul local traffic from hyperscalers and international content providers.
The deployment will enable multi-terabit, low-latency, high-capacity connectivity between the ADC landing station and PLDT’s nationwide backbone network, supporting the Philippines’ expanding digital economy.
“PLDT is committed to strengthening the country’s digital backbone by ensuring that the international capacity carried by the ADC system translates into world-class connectivity for users nationwide,” said Blums Pineda, SVP and head of enterprise business group, PLDT and Smart.
“With the support of Ciena’s optical technology, we can provide faster, more resilient, and more secure services, powering the Philippines’ digital economy from individual users to enterprises and hyperscalers.”
Ciena said its advanced optical solutions would help drive more seamless connectivity and enable economic growth in the region.
“The Philippines is a key destination for many global cloud providers and enterprises seeking to expand their presence in Asia,” said Matt Vesperman, vice president, Asia Pacific, Ciena. “Ciena’s market-leading optical technology provides a seamless connectivity link to advance international trade and digital transformation within the Philippines.”
Alongside the WL5e platform, Ciena’s Navigator Network Control Suite (Navigator NCS) will enhance PLDT’s operational efficiency by simplifying network planning, provisioning, and assurance processes across its optical infrastructure.
The project complements PLDT’s ongoing investments in next-generation infrastructure through PLDT Enterprise, including its VITRO data centre network.
The ADC system connects directly to VITRO Santa Rosa (VSR), the country’s first AI-ready data centre. In 2024, Ciena’s coherent optical technology also powered VITRO’s Data Center Interconnect (DCI) solution, linking VSR with other VITRO facilities to bolster enterprise resilience and scalability.
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