PLDT backs underground cabling project

PLDT Inc. and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) on Thursday said they are backing the city government of Davao in its underground cabling project, which aims to improve the city’s physical appearance and attract more investors and tourists to the city.

In a statement, the company said the underground cabling project mandates all telecommunication companies and Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) to convert overhead lines to an underground system.

PLDT and Smart representatives joined city government officials and representatives from DLPC and other telecommunication companies or telcos in the recent ceremonial switch-on.

The project began its implementation in 2018 at C.M. Recto Street, City Hall and Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council).

“In addition to boosting the city government’s efforts at attracting tourists and investors by eliminating unsightly wires, putting cables underground is also aligned with PLDT and Smart’s initiatives to improve and maintain our network across the country. This also helps make our network safer and more secure. We will continue to support Davao City’s Business Development Plan, as partners in helping improve the lives of Davaoeños,” Melvin Lacuna, PLDT Davao Zone head said, adding that PLDT and Smart were also recently recognized by Davao City for their support for the city’s business development activities.

Other streets that would soon become visibly wire-free will be Ponciano, Bonifacio and Pelayo and Quirino Avenue.

PLDT is also supporting similar initiatives in other cities, such as Baguio, Cebu, Bacolod and Cagayan de Oro.

PLDT operates the country’s most extensive fiber infrastructure, which was at 1.09 million kilometers as of end-September 2022, including both domestic and international fiber.

This fiber infrastructure also supports Smart’s mobile network, which covers about 97 percent of the population with 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G.

This cable cleanup initiative is aligned with the PLDT Group’s endeavors to anchor initiatives on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.