PLDT is the first telecommunications operator in the Philippines to successfully test a 50G Passive Optical Network (50G PON), which provides power for the company’s Fiber to Home (FTTH) services nationwide.
50G PON will enable PLDT to provide a speed of 50Gbit/s for each device port, which is several times faster than the current technologies GPON (2.5 Gbit/s) and XGS PON (10 Gbit/s).
“After successfully testing XGSPON in 2021, we are currently testing the latest 50G PON, which will be 5 times faster than XGSPON and 20 times faster than GPON, the most widely used technology by Filipino fiber suppliers,” said Arvin Siena, Vice President and Head of Network Strategy and Transformation at PLDT and Smart.
As of the end of September 2023, the total fiber optic coverage area of PLDT Group has exceeded 1.1 million kilometers, of which the international fiber optic coverage area exceeds 200000 kilometers and the domestic fiber optic coverage area is about 900000 kilometers.
According to PLDT, its network has covered over 17.3 million households in 69% of cities/towns across the country, and the total number of PLDT’s fiber optic ports has increased to 6.15 million, covering more than 18000 villages nationwide.
“This latest milestone demonstrates the group’s commitment to always be at the forefront, utilizing the best technology and innovation to provide enhanced services and enhanced customer experience to the Philippine public,” said Eric Santiago, Network Director of PLDT and Smart, in a statement.
He added, “Although we have been providing customers with faster speeds even before the pandemic, this new technology further ensures that we can provide the best and fastest services to households across the country.”
At the same time, PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications announced that their critical network infrastructure on Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines has received new international certification for business continuity.
The newly certified facilities are located in Ponciano and Matina Shrine Hills in Davao City, while the key network sites of Bulua and J Pacana in Cagayan de Oro have also been re certified.
“These certifications demonstrate that PLDT and Smart have the ability to continue providing basic services in emergency situations, disasters, and climate related risks,” said Oliver Carlos Odulio, Director of Business Continuity and Resilience for PLDT and Smart Enterprises.

PLDT Group currently has 22 ISO 22301:2019 certifications. This certification defines the requirements that Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS) must meet to ensure that organizations can continue to operate during and after crises, such as natural disasters, cyber attacks, epidemics, armed conflicts, or any other events that may interrupt their activities.
“We believe that no matter what happens, no matter where we are, we have a plan in place, and we believe that people are ready to respond. The ISO certification process helps establish teamwork between different departments of the company,” said Claro Landeta, Director of Facility Management at PLDT Mindanao.