PLDT picks Ciena for PHP1.3bn network upgrade

Dow Jones Newswires reports that telecoms giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) has today announced the signing of a PHP1.3 billion (USD30.9 million) contract with Ciena Corporation to upgrade the carrier’s fibre-optic infrastructure in the country. Under the plan, the vendor intends to upgrade PLDT’s network with 100 gigabit technology – a first for the Philippines – enabling it to increase bandwidth capacity and putting its services on par with those of regional neighbours such as Japan and Singapore. In a news conference, PLDT president Napoleon Nazareno said the upgrade will allow the firm to offer next generation services such as fibre-to-the-home (FTTH), amongst other advanced services.