Telco giant PLDT, MMDA to bury fiber cut fiascos

As it turns out, some disruptive fiber cuts are due to a lack of coordination, prompting PLDT Inc (PLDT) to partner with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to protect its infrastructure. 

“PLDT is collaborating more closely with the MMDA and its acting chair Atty. Don Artes to ensure that fiber optic cables are not accidentally damaged during road works,” Joan A. De Venecia-Fabul, PLDT first vice president, deputy chief legal counsel, and head of regulatory and strategic affairs, said in a statement on Monday. 

Accidental fiber cuts from construction activities disrupt services, causing significant inconvenience to subscribers.

“We look forward to working hand-in-hand with MMDA and the government in crafting protocols for prior coordination and alignment before excavation permits are issued and diggings are done to ensure that service interruptions due to accidental damage to telco cables are avoided,” Venecia-Fabul said.