Eastern Communications scales up resilience against natural disasters with strengthened network backbone 

Its PDSCN project has made robust internet access more inclusive across the archipelago.

The wake of Typhoon Rai, known in the Philippines as Odette, in 2021 exposed critical weaknesses in the country's communication infrastructure, severely hampering disaster response in several areas in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. This highlighted the urgent necessity for robust communication infrastructure during the onslaught of typhoons.

As a response to these challenges, premier telecommunications company Eastern Communications launched the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project.

PDSCN is a landmark initiative that addresses the country’s vulnerabilities in the communication infrastructure by strengthening its telecommunications backbone. With a PHP4.3b investment, the project has deployed extensive terrestrial and submarine cables in order to enhance connectivity resilience against natural disasters and support the country's ongoing digital transformation.

A joint venture with telecommunications company Globe Group and internet service provider InfiniVAN, PDSCN is a key component of Eastern Communications’ broader strategy to expand its reach, meet diverse business needs, democratise internet access, and enhance connectivity resilience.

The company has also increased its fibre cable network by 105% compared to 2018, reaching over 9,760km and with 180 nodes in 42 business cities across the Philippines. PDSCN is now the country’s longest undersea fibre-optic cable project, connecting multiple regions with 33 points of interconnection and providing alternative routes for data transmission to minimise communication service disruptions during natural disasters.

In February 2024, the PDSCN Express Route has become operational, encompassing the following points: Lucena City, Quezon; Boac, Marinduque; Calatrava, Tablas Island, Romblon; Roxas City, Capiz; Placer, Masbate; Palompon, Leyte; Lapu-Lapu, Cebu; Talisay City, Cebu; Tagbilaran City, Bohol; and Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.

The route is strategically designed to have at least 80% of cables laid via submarine and less than 20% inland, reducing the likelihood and frequency of network faults caused by cable cuts. This allows Eastern Communications to enhance on-ground connections and provide better bandwidth to meet the varied needs of Filipinos, especially in areas prone to cable faults, typhoons, and natural disasters.

“This expansion supports the growth of local economies by facilitating access to digital services and resources and deploying more technical engineers in the areas to ensure proper installation and integration. It is enhanced by an education series that teaches more businessmen how to make use of this network and other information and communications technology tools,” the company said.

With the achievements brought by the PDSCN project, Eastern Communications and partners showcase their commitment to nation-building by bolstering the Philippines' digital infrastructure. The project democratises connectivity, mitigating natural disaster risks and supporting the country's digital transformation.

The company’s significant step forward in achieving a more connected and resilient Philippines has been acknowledged, with the company bringing home the Philippines Technology Excellence Award in the Infrastructure Technology - Telecommunications category.

“By 2024, Eastern Communications has made significant steps towards its planned expansion, creating a network that supports current demands and anticipates future needs,” it said.

Now in its fourth year, the Asian Technology Excellence Awards is the region’s premier awards programme that celebrates top technological innovators and solutions that are redefining industries and leading the charge in digital transformation.

The Asian Technology Excellence Awards is presented by Asian Business Review. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding retail initiatives, please contact Jane Patiag at [email protected].