Huawei Marine has commenced the second phase of its Sorsogon-Samar Submarine Fiber Optical Interconnection Project (SSSFOIP) for the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
The phase two rollout, which involves the deployment of a 12.8Tbps subsea cable connecting Sorsogon and Samar, is expected to be complete in the third quarter.
The dedicated cable will replace the existing microwave technology for the power transmission network.
NGCP selected Huawei for the upgrade project through a public tender in 2016, aimed at enhancing branch network data exchange capabilities for the national grid. The first phase of the project, involving a marine route survey, was completed in 2016.
“The transmission line between Sorsogon-Samar is an important branch of the network for the country,” NGCP network director for telecoms Ferdinand Dicon said.
“During the first phase of exploration, Huawei Marine demonstrated their project delivery capabilities and experience as a world-class turnkey submarine cable supplier. We believe that in the second phase of construction, Huawei Marine will successfully deploy their leading-edge product technology with their customer focus support services.”
Huawei Marine chief executive Mike Constable added that this project is the company's first power grid project.
“Based on the results of the first phase of exploration, we will deploy the latest technology to build a fit-for-purpose communication network which will transform the NGCP’s network capabilities,” he said.