Noy leads launch of Globe’s $400-M cable system

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino led the launch of Globe Telecom’s $400-million Southeast Asia-Japan Submarine Cable System that would enhance the telecommunication connectivity between the Philippines and the rest of the world.

Aquino said the system would help Filipinos, especially those with families and relatives abroad, to have closer ties despite the distance.

In his message during the event held at the Globe Tower in Taguig City Friday night, the President thanked Globe for modernizing its infrastructure for the benefit of the Filipinos and the country’s economy.

“I extend my gratitude and congratulations to Globe. Hand in hand with your ongoing network modernization program, I am extremely confident that you will improve your services even more,” the President said.

Aquino expressed optimism that other telecommunications companies would soon follow to provide the nation with seamless and reliable connectivity.

He said Globe has lived up to its name with the launching of the new project. He expressed hope that the company would continue to innovate and make the latest technology available for the Philippines, especially for future generations.

The President said the system would make it easier for the 10 million Filipinos abroad to connect with their relatives back home and strengthen their family ties.

“The benefits of this project extend even to our personal lives. After all, many of us here have friends who must have first shared the news of their engagement by uploading a photo on Facebook. Many of us have corresponded through email with childhood classmates we had previously lost contact with,” he said.

“What this cable promises us goes beyond infrastructure; it promises to make the Philippines – a country with 10 million overseas workers ― even more closely knit than before,” he added.

The submarine cable system, which spans some 8,900 kilometers underwater, will strengthen the region’s connectivity with other cable systems. It was laid out to avoid quake-prone areas in the Pacific and to protect the region during earthquakes.

In 2006, connectivity in Asia was compromised when two earthquakes off the coast of Taiwan damaged the cables.

With this modern telecom infrastructure, the President is expecting more reliable text messaging and voice services, higher-speed Internet links between countries linked with Globe’s system.