PLDT Inc. has partnered with US-based Ciena Corp. to deploy advanced optical technology aimed at enhancing data transmission from the Asia Direct Cable (ADC) system to local users. The initiative leverages Ciena’s 6500 platform, powered by WaveLogic 5 Extreme (WL5e) coherent optical technology, to efficiently and reliably backhaul traffic from global cloud providers.
“PLDT is committed to strengthening the country’s digital backbone by ensuring that the international capacity carried by the ADC system translates into world-class connectivity for users nationwide,” said Blums Pineda, senior vice president and head of enterprise business group, PLDT and Smart. “With the support of Ciena’s optical technology, we can provide faster, more resilient, and more secure services, powering the Philippines’ digital economy from individual users to enterprises and hyperscalers.”
Matt Vesperman, vice president for Asia Pacific at Ciena, noted the Philippines’ strategic role for global cloud providers and enterprises. “Ciena’s market-leading optical technology provides a seamless connectivity link to advance international trade and digital transformation within the Philippines,” he said.
Ciena’s WL5e technology enables PLDT to transport multi-terabit traffic, providing low-latency, high-capacity connectivity from the ADC landing station to the company’s national backbone. Complementing this, Ciena’s Navigator Network Control Suite (Navigator NCS) streamlines network planning, provisioning, and assurance workflows, enhancing operational efficiency.
Through its corporate arm, PLDT Enterprise, the company continues to invest in digital infrastructure to optimize enterprise operations and foster innovation. The ADC system is connected to VITRO Santa Rosa (VSR), the Philippines’ first AI-ready data center, built and operated by VITRO Inc. In 2024, Ciena’s coherent optical technology facilitated VITRO’s Data Center Interconnect (DCI) solution, linking VSR to other VITRO flagship centers. The DCI solution allows enterprises to securely connect racks across multiple sites, improving disaster recovery capabilities and operational efficiency.
