Insider Spotlight
The integration of Ciena’s 6500 platform, powered by WaveLogic 5 Extreme (WL5e) coherent optical technology, will allow PLDT to efficiently and securely backhaul massive data volumes from global cloud providers into its national fiber network.
“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,” Blums Pineda, senior vice president and head of enterprise business group at PLDT and Smart, said in a press release on Oct. 28, 2025.
Why it matters
The ADC system—linking the Philippines with other major Asian economies—serves as a critical infrastructure for the country’s expanding digital economy. By deploying Ciena’s high-capacity optical network, PLDT aims to reduce latency, boost reliability, and enable seamless cloud connectivity for enterprises and hyperscalers.
“The Philippines is a key destination for many global cloud providers and enterprises seeking to expand their presence in Asia,” said Matt Vesperman, Ciena’s vice president for Asia-Pacific. “Ciena’s market-leading optical technology provides a seamless connectivity link to advance international trade and digital transformation,” he said.
Driving data center integration
The backhaul upgrade also complements the VITRO Santa Rosa (VSR) facility—the country’s first AI-ready data center—which connects to the ADC through PLDT’s network. Using Ciena’s technology, PLDT’s Data Center Interconnect (DCI) solution links VSR with other VITRO facilities, enabling faster disaster recovery and optimized enterprise operations.
As PLDT accelerates digital investments under its enterprise arm, the collaboration underscores its long-term goal: building a resilient, high-speed digital infrastructure that powers the Philippines’ transition into the AI and cloud era. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
