International data capacity and digital infrastructure will reap benefits from the recently activated US-Transpacific Jupiter Cable system that links the country to the United States and Japan through a direct cable link.
PLDT Inc. and Smart president and CEO Alfredo Panlilio said on Friday the company’s investments in Jupiter tripled its international capacity to about 60 Terabit per second — reinforcing its commitment to complement the drive to ramp up digital services nationwide.
“Our investment in Jupiter will exponentially boost the Philippines’ international capacity, ramp up the global trade of digital services, and propel the nation’s digital economy while increasing Internet speed and reliability for Filipinos,” Panlilio said.
He said it also responds to the growing requirements for digital services and next-generation technologies. Likewise, it stimulates data-driven industries, particularly those with global operations and high-bandwidth demands like that of multinationals.
The 14,000-kilometer Jupiter Cable system is the newest international gateway connecting the Philippines directly from PLDT’s cable landing station in Daet, Camarines Norte to Japan and the US West Coast.
PLDT said the capacity offered by Jupiter also promotes the Philippines to global hyperscalers and positions the country as the new digital hub in the Asia-Pacific.
Deep sea cables essential
Submarine fiber optic cables are among the most critical components of the Internet’s infrastructure, serving as the backbone connecting countries, carrying communications, and enabling digital services worldwide.
PLDT reiterated that strengthening undersea cable links, especially those landing in the US and Japan, is important as the bulk of internet content and services being accessed by Filipinos — which are mostly offered by global hyperscalers — are from servers in the US. A material portion of demand for content is served via Japan.