PHILIPPINES VIETNAM

PLDT, the Philippines’ largest fully integrated telco, is strengthening the country’ s digital infrastructure using Ciena’ s optical technology to enhance data transmission from the Asia Direct Cable( ADC) system to local end users.

PLDT has deployed Ciena’ s 6500 platform powered by WaveLogic 5 Extreme( WL5e) coherent optical technology to efficiently and reliably backhaul local 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 at PLDT and Smart.“ With Ciena’ s optical technology, we can provide faster, more resilient, and more secure services, powering the Philippines’ digital economy.”

Matt Vesperman, Vice President for Asia Pacific at Ciena, said:“ The Philippines is a key destination for global cloud providers and enterprises expanding in Asia. Ciena’ s optical technology provides seamless connectivity to advance digital transformation and international trade.”

Ciena’ s WL5e technology enables PLDT to deliver multi-terabit, low-latency, high-capacity connectivity from the ADC landing station to PLDT’ s national backbone. Its Navigator Network Control Suite( Navigator NCS) further enhances operational efficiency by simplifying network planning, provisioning and assurance.

Through PLDT Enterprise, the company continues to accelerate digital investments. The ADC system connects to the new VITRO Santa Rosa( VSR), the country’ s first AI-ready data center, operated by VITRO Inc. Ciena’ s technology also powers VITRO’ s Data Center Interconnect( DCI) solution, linking its flagship data centers for secure, efficient enterprise connectivity.

Nokia has extended its long-term partnership with Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group( VNPT) through a new agreement to upgrade and expand radio infrastructure across Vietnam. The project will focus on the Hanoi area, border provincesand the southern region, marking a major step in advancing the nation’ s digital connectivity.

Under the agreement, Nokia will deploy equipment from its industry-leading AirScale portfolio, powered by energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology. This will deliver faster, more reliable connectivity with low latency and higher network capacity while reducing power consumption. The scope also includes comprehensive network management services to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

The upgrade will significantly improve mobile coverage, particularly in border regions and key economic and social hubs. It will enhance access to telecommunications and digital transformation services, supporting Vietnam’ s goals for economic growth and digital inclusion.

The contract also reinforces Nokia’ s long-term commitment to Vietnam’ s telecom sector, highlighted by its decision to establish the country as a manufacturing hub for AirScale equipment in 2024. The facility will supply both domestic and international markets, strengthening regional supply chains and creating new economic opportunities.

“ Extending our partnership with Nokia strengthens Vietnam’ s telecommunications and digital infrastructure,” said Huynh Quang Liem, CEO, VNPT.

Hiro Miura, Head of Southeast Asia Market Unit, Nokia, said:“ Our technology enables VNPT to deliver world-class connectivity, supporting Vietnam’ s digital transformation and improving quality of life.” www. intelligentcio. com INTELLIGENTCIO APAC

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