The Philippines' PLDT has engaged Cisco to help the operator transform its IP transport infrastructure to a 5G-ready software defined transport network.
Under the agreement, PLDT and Cisco will use the latest technology to design and build a fully-automated, scalable networking infrastructure utilizing PLDT's existing fiber network.
The project is expected to be implemented over the next three years. Cisco’s Customer Experience team will lead the end-to-end design, build and deployment of the new infrastructure.
PLDT's fiber footprint currently spans over 244,000 route kilometers and is supported by four cable landing stations to major international gateways.
“We are building with Cisco one of the most modern transport networks in Asia by maximizing the capabilities of the fiber infrastructure that we have already put in place,” PLDT CTIO Joachim Horn said.
“With this network transformation program, we can empower enterprises and businesses and address their needs for speed, bandwidth and digital services quickly and seamlessly.”
Horn said the automated architecture of the network will also help the operator manage traffic congestion, minimize network outages, and launch new digital services faster.
The upgrade forms part of PLDT's network transformation project, which has also seen the operator recently switch on the Philippines' first 5G cell sites.