Eastern Communications has activated the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) Express Route, a joint venture that aims to fortify connectivity services, particularly in regions vulnerable to typhoons and natural disasters.
The PDSCN Express Route, which went live last 09 February 2024, encompasses key locations such as Lucena City, Quezon; Boac, Marinduque; Calatrava, Tablas Island, Romblon; Roxas City, Capiz; Placer, Masbate; Palompon, Leyte; Lapu-Lapu, Cebu; Talisay City, Cebu; Tagbilaran City, Bohol; and Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.
“We celebrate the completion of Eastern’s PDSCN Express Route with all Filipinos. Together, we welcome a new era of possibilities and build a more reliable connectivity infrastructure for all,” according to Delfin Lopez, Eastern Communications’ AVP and Head of Network Planning, Engineering and Implementation.
With a network spanning 1,000 kilometers of submarine and terrestrial fiber optic cables, the PDSCN Express Route strategically connects South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The design, with 80% submarine cables and less than 20% terrestrial cables, aims to minimize network faults caused by cable cuts on road networks, especially in areas prone to typhoons.
Eastern Communications, in collaboration with co-owners Globe Group and InfiniVAN Inc., launched the PDSCN initiative in July 2022 in Subic, Zambales. The total cable distance covers 2,500 kilometers, with landing cables established in 32 Point of Interconnect (POI) sites.
The completion of the PDSCN Express Route positions Eastern Communications to facilitate on-ground connections and provide improved bandwidth, catering to the diverse needs of Filipinos in areas susceptible to cable faults and natural disasters.
“While roadwork development is in place in these areas, the completion of the PDSCN Express Route becomes pivotal in laying a solid groundwork for a more reliable connectivity and driving digital empowerment nationwide,” said Eastern Communications’ PDSCN Consultant Albert Tuason.
Recognizing these infrastructure efforts, Eastern Communications received accolades at the 2023 Asian Telecom Awards for its entry, “Eastern Communications Strengthens Infrastructure & Product Portfolio to Swiften Digitalization of Philippine Businesses,” winning the B2B Client Initiative of the Year. The company also secured the Philippines Customer Experience of the Year award in the Telecommunications category at the 2023 Asian Experience Awards, emphasizing its commitment to delivering high-tech and high-touch service.