PLDT Inc. is set to activate the Philippines’ first three Google Taara laser communication sites, introducing a cutting-edge technology that delivers fiber-like internet speeds without the need for undersea or underground cables.
Developed by Google’s X Moonshot Factory, Taara uses beams of light to transmit data at speeds of up to 20 Gbps, providing high-speed internet even in remote and hard-to-reach areas. The initial installations are located in Talim Island (Rizal), Dipaluda (Isabela), and Bagong Pag-asa (Quezon City).
Talim Island’s site spans 11.8 km across Laguna de Bay, connecting the island to the mainland. In mountainous Dipaluda, Taara covers 13 km of challenging terrain where fiber rollout is difficult. In Quezon City, it will serve as a backup link to resolve single points of failure in the network.
PLDT executives hailed the technology as a “game-changer” for digital inclusion. “It allows us to bring fiber-quality internet to places where laying cables is impractical or too expensive,” said Butch Jimenez, PLDT COO.
After more than a year of testing, PLDT became the first in the country to deploy Taara, outpacing others still in trial phases. The company plans to expand the use of laser-based connectivity to support its nationwide fiber network, particularly in underserved areas.
With this move, PLDT reinforces its commitment to bridging the digital divide and delivering reliable internet access across the Philippines.
