Eastern Communications turns on the PDSCN “Express Route” submarine cable, enhancing dependable communication in typhoon-prone areas

The Philippines’ connectivity reliability has been improved with the completion of Eastern Communications’ “Express Route” project, which was part of the joint venture that is the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN). The initiative’s goal is to provide robust and inclusive internet connectivity, with an emphasis on improving services in regions that are frequently affected by typhoons and natural calamities.

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 are locations covered by the PDSCN Express Route, which went into effect on February 9.

With the PDSCN Express Route active, Eastern Communications is ready to facilitate on-ground connections and offer improved bandwidth to meet the varied needs of Filipinos, particularly in areas prone to cable faults, typhoons, and natural disasters.

“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,” said Delfin Lopez, Eastern Communications’ AVP and Head of Network Planning, Engineering and Implementation.

The PDSCN Express Route is a 1,000-kilometer network of submarine and terrestrial fiber optic cables connecting South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The route was strategically designed to be composed of at least 80 percent of cables laid via submarine and less than 20 percent of cables laid in-land. By minimizing the terrestrial fiber network, the Express Route aims to reduce the likelihood and frequency of network faults caused by cable cuts on road networks.

“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.

The entire PDSCN initiative, which commenced last July 2022 in Subic, Zambales, has been a collaborative effort with co-owners Globe Group and InfiniVAN Inc., and spans a total cable distance of 2,500 kilometers, with landing cables established in 32 Point of Interconnect (POI) sites.

As the PDSCN initiative continues to unfold, it holds the promise of transforming the digital landscape of the Philippines, paving the way for a more connected and resilient nation.

Building a digitally empowered Philippines

Eastern Communications’ winning entry at the 2023 Asian Telecom Awards, entitled “Eastern Communications Strengthens Infrastructure & Product Portfolio to Swiften Digitalization of Philippine Businesses,” highlighted the PDSCN project as one of the infrastructure and product expansion efforts recognized. The winning entry highlights Eastern’s support for digitizing cities and urban centers primed for rapid growth and opportunities. The B2B Client Initiative of the Year award went to the submission.

Additionally, at the 2023 Asian Experience Awards, Eastern Communications received recognition as the recipient of the Philippines Customer Experience of the Year award in the Telecommunications category. The company highlights its commitment to satisfying client demands and providing “high-tech and high-touch service,” and as it grows across the country, it hopes to recreate its unique and genuine customer experiences.

For additional information regarding business-grade ICT and internet solutions offered by Eastern Communications, please visit www.eastern.com.ph or call 5300-7000.