Phl Navy taps PLDT for communications system

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Navy has tapped the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) to set up an integrated communications system that will link the country’s naval forces.

The Navy now relies on PLDT’s IP VPN (Internet Protocol - Virtual Private Network) backbone for video conferencing, data and voice transmissions of its six naval groups stationed in different parts of the archipelago.

IP VPN is delivered using PLDT’s IP network infrastructure to provide a secure network that is more cost-efficient compared to traditional solutions.

“We hope to be one Navy with one network, for better service to our country. With this system, we are able to transmit real-time information from our Flag Officer In Command down to the Naval Forces Commanders and troops,” Lieutenant-Commander Marcos Imperio, commander of the Naval Communications Electronics and Information Systems Center, said.

Imperio said the Navy looks forward to more support from the PLDT Group, especially since naval troops must be able to communicate across the 7,107 islands of the country.

For his part, PLDT customer sales and marketing group senior vice president Eric Alberto said they are very glad to be part of the Navy’s efforts to improve its services. This is also an opportunity for PLDT to demonstrate a robust and resilient network that can assist the Navy in bringing peace and security to our nation,” he added.

The Navy is composed of two types of commands, the Philippine Fleet and the Philippine Marine Corps. It is further divided into seven Naval Operational Commands, five Naval Support Commands, and seven Naval Support Units.

Considering the vast territorial waters of the country, there is a need to deploy naval resources quickly and efficiently when the need arises.

“This agreement is only the beginning. We hope to be of service to the Navy in whatever way possible, with the use of our unmatched telecommunications network,” Alberto said.

Last year, PLDT held a two-day training seminar for the Philippine Navy at the PLDT Innolab in Mandaluyong City. Attendees were able to assess the various communications solutions that PLDT offers.

Alberto said PLDT hopes to educate more government agencies and potential clients through a quick trip to PLDT Innolab.

“We want them to learn about the most appropriate solution for their needs. And if we don’t have the solutions, that’s not a problem. In PLDT, we customize solutions for our clients,” he added.