Globe prepares first of 3 undersea cables
Globe Telecom Inc. is preparing to switch on the first of its three new international submarine cable systems by 2027, as it seeks to beef up its network capacity and redundancies against disruptions caused by cable cuts.
In a media briefing on Wednesday, the Ayala-backed telco said the Asia Link Cable (ALC) is on track to become operational next year.
ALC is a 6,000-kilometer system that Globe agreed to build in 2022 along with DITO Telecommunity Corp., China Telecom Global Ltd., Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. and Brunei Darussalam’s Unified National Networks Sdn. Bhd.
The $300-million project will connect Hong Kong and Singapore with the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam and Hainan, China.
According to Globe, ALC’s activation will coincide with the inauguration of its fifth international cable landing station in Luna, La Union.
This was after the National Telecommunications Commission granted Globe a permanent certificate of public convenience and necessity to operate the facility.
Two other submarine cable systems are in the pipeline—the Candle Cable System, which is expected to go live in 2028, and Asia United Gateway East, targeted for 2029.
These new undersea systems are expected to provide Globe with additional capacity and alternative routes for international data traffic, therefore helping maintain connectivity when existing cables are damaged or disrupted.
Cloud and AI
The investments are also intended to support growing demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Further, Globe is expanding its domestic digital infrastructure through STT GDC Philippines, its data center venture with Ayala Corp. and ST Telemedia Global Data Centres.
STT GDC Philippines is targeting more than 30 megawatts (MW) of data center capacity by the end of 2026.
At its Fairview 1 facility, the first two levels that represent 12 MW have been completed and fully contracted. Another 16 MW across the building’s remaining two levels are undergoing fit-outs for completion next year.
Meanwhile, the first 3 MW at Cavite 2 have also been completed and fully contracted, with another 3 MW being readied for 2027.
Globe said the phased expansion would allow the venture to respond to customer demand while managing capital requirements.
A complete tariff system is needed for success