Why a new India–Singapore subsea cable matters for Indo-Pacific connectivity
Optical & Fixed Networks
Why a new India–Singapore subsea cable matters for Indo-Pacific connectivity
Latest News & Articles
PLDT
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PLDT injects US$20.5m into data unit Kayana to fuel new growth
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PLDT’s Smart tests Lynk’s D2D satellite service in Catanduanes
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PLDT reports sharp drop in cable theft across Philippines
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PLDT hails early digital transformation in weathering pandemic
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PLDT doubles tower footprint
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PLDT highlights network speed boost
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Are PLDT’s data centres and towers for sale?
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Could robotic arms improve remote coverage in the Philippines?
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PLDT taps Nabstract to quit OTPs with network API platform
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PLDT strengthens data capacity with Ciena optical technology
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PLDT’s Smart partners with Lynk Global for D2D messaging
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PLDT’s Smart launches ViLTE-powered video calls
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PLDT addresses remote connectivity and MR healthcare in the Philippines
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PLDT expands grassroots anti-theft programme outside of Manila
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PLDT deploys Google Taara’s free-space optics in three remote areas
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PLDT Enterprise connects Camarines Sur govt with Starlink
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Konektadong Pinoy law cracks Philippines’ data services market wide open
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PLDT Enterprise to resell Starlink LEO satellite services
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PLDT and Smart test FWA solutions from Radisys
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PLDT’s Smart tests optical transport network disaggregation tech
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PLDT steps up fight against telecoms theft and vandalism
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Philippines mobile service revenue to exceed US$5 billion by 2029
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Amdocs and Microsoft support customer service solution for PLDT
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PLDT opens first hyperscale data centre, second one in the works
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PLDT cuts network infrastructure vandalism in half
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Philippines operator NOW loses its licence
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Vitro and Nokia start PoC trials for AI data centre solutions
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Smart moves to AWS cloud to get its data platform AI-ready
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PLDT eyes KKR’s stake in Maya Innovations
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PLDT Enterprise to launch long-Range FWA in underserved areas
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PLDT completes Philippines branches for Apricot subsea cable
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Open RAN lab backed by USAID soft-launched in the Philippines
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PLDT/Smart gets ready to relaunch Smart Money app
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PLDT promises “always on” fibre access with FWA LTE backup
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PLDT gets US$34.4m social loan from HSBC to bridge digital divide
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PLDT, CICC launch public-private alliance to protect telco infrastructure
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PLDT/Smart and First Gen shift Mindanao sites to renewable energy
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PLDT’s Smart banks on affordable devices to drive 5G growth
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Telecom players urge Philippines govt to do more on rollout permits
![Telecoms players in the Philippines say that the government’s recent moves to streamline the permit process for faster network equipment rollouts are helping, but that stakeholders need to do more to make the process smoother. Last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr issued Executive Order No. 32, which – along with its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) – streamlined the permit process for the construction, installation, repair, operation and maintenance of telecoms and Internet infrastructure in the Philippines. The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said during its fourth telco workshop last week that EO 32 and the IRR have had a positive impact on network rollouts, citing a 48% rise in approved telco-related permits between May 2022 and May 2024. Attorney Pamela B. Felizarta, head of joint strategic operations at PLDT’s wireless arm Smart Communications, acknowledged that the guidelines, rules and regulations now in place have paved the way for faster rollouts of telecom infrastructure. However, she said that telcos still face formidable permit-related challenges, including securing Mayor's and Business Permits, unreasonable fees, and difficulties in obtaining consent from homeowners' associations, among others. Ricky James Steyn, COO and interim president and CEO at tower company Miescor Infrastructure Development Corporation (MIDC), agreed that uncooperative homeowner associations often hinder site development and connectivity improvements. He also emphasized the importance of standardizing Lease and Right of Way Agreements with landowners to prevent excessive fees and construction delays. Felizarta urged industry stakeholders, including government agencies, local government units, tower companies and other telco operators, to intensify collaboration in order to address these challenges. "We continue to collaborate with local government units toward a full appreciation of EO 32, and we look forward to the enactment of local ordinances that adopt in full the IRR's provisions," she added. "Together with ARTA and our partners in the public and private sectors, we trust that we will continue to work closely together, since there is still so much work to be done." "ARTA in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will draft a template ordinance for LGUs [local government units] to adopt in order to expedite the approval process," said ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez.](/images/stories/NewsPix/PLDT_Smart_Pamela_Felizarta_ARTA_workshop_600.jpeg)
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PLDT arm acquires for digital payments boost
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Sky and Converge partner for Philippines fibre services
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Nokia, PLDT partner for enterprise push
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PLDT and Smart hop on GSMA Open Gateway bandwagon
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PLDT may sell almost half its data centre business to NTT
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PLDT/Smart says energization fast-track will speed up rural rollouts
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PLDT-Smart launches centre to build up workforce cloud skills
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Smart deploys AI in base stations to lower energy usage
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ePLDT’s first hyperscale data centre on track to go live in July
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PLDT to switch 33 Metro Manila facilities to renewable energy
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PLDT broadband acquisition collapses
