Singapore-based shared fiber network provider HyalRoute has signed an agreement with the Philippines’ Department of ICT to invest up to $2 billion expanding to the market.
The company’s subsidiary Philippine Fiber Optic Cable Network (PFCON) signed a memorandum of understanding with the department committing to deploy the network in various phases between 2019 and 2028.
The DICT has in turn agreed to provide assistance in providing the required permits and licenses, and to closely coordinate with PFCON on the implementation of the project.
HyalRoute was established with the goal of creating the first region-wide, independent shared fiber network platform in emerging Asia. The company currently provides domestic fiber solutions in Myanmar and Cambodia.
DICT acting secretary Eliseo M. Rio Jr said the planned deployment will support the government’s own telecommunications ambitions.
“There is a need for more fiber optic cables in this country, thus this partnership will greatly improve our telecommunication services. We can now have cable networks that anybody can use and this jives with our National Broadband Plan,” he said.
The deployment will also support the DICT’s Free Public Wi-Fi initiative by allowing its expansion to unserved and underserved areas of the country, Rio added.