PLDT’s Vitro beefs up internet exchange tie-ups
PLDT Inc.’s data center arm is strengthening its internet exchange network through a new partnership aimed at speeding up online traffic across the Philippines.
In a statement on Wednesday, the telco said Vitro Inc.’s Vitro Internet Exchange (VIX) had forged a direct peering partnership with BBIX Philippines Inc., allowing networks connected to both platforms to exchange internet traffic more efficiently.
Practically, direct peering allows internet networks to connect directly with one another instead of routing traffic through third-party providers, thus shortening the path data travels and helping improve internet speed and reliability.
Through the agreement, the companies said they would improve routing efficiency, reduce latency and enhance access to online content and digital services for enterprises connected to the exchanges.
As part of the partnership, the firms deployed an initial 100-gigabit network-to-network interconnection at Vitro Makati 2, which they said could be expanded further as internet traffic grows.
Beyond the interconnection, Vitro said the partnership would give BBIX access to its local ecosystem of enterprises, carriers and hyperscalers hosted within the company’s carrier-neutral data centers.
VIX currently reaches more than 98 million internet users in the Philippines through its network ecosystem, according to Vitro.
For its part, BBIX said it would contribute its international network of cloud providers, content delivery networks and digital platforms, allowing local users to access regional and global content more efficiently.
“Through this direct peering partnership with BBIX, we are enriching the country’s digital ecosystem in a way that delivers more seamless and responsive online experiences for Filipinos,” Vitro chief commercial officer Gary Ignacio said.
BBIX Philippines general manager Toya Oba said the partnership aims to “bring the power of the internet closer to every Filipino” through improved internet exchange infrastructure.
BBIX is a subsidiary of Japanese telecommunications firm InfiniVAN Inc., which operates submarine cable networks in the Philippines. These include the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network, a $150-million joint-build with Eastern Communications and Globe Telecom Inc.
Apart from Vitro Makati 2, BBIX also operates in Vitro Makati 1 and Vitro Pasig. The company likewise maintains services in the data centers of PLDT rival Globe in Makati and Quezon City.
