Telco PLDT Inc. (PLDT) announced the operational and commercial readiness of the Asia Direct Cable (ADC) System, a 9,988-kilometer submarine cable designed to improve international connectivity.
The ADC links the Philippines to key markets, including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. By providing direct connections to major business hubs, the system enhances the country’s appeal to global companies looking to expand in the Asia-Pacific region. The new cable supports industries that require stable and efficient international links.
The ADC is designed to reduce data transmission delays and offers a direct route to PLDT’s Vitro Sta. Rosa, the company’s largest data center. It complements existing trans-Pacific cables, such as the Jupiter Cable System, which connects the Philippines to Japan and the United States. This new addition strengthens PLDT’s ability to provide alternative routes for businesses and digital services.
“As we fortify our investments in our international submarine cable systems like the ADC, we empower businesses, enhance content access for consumers, drive economic growth, support the Government’s digitalization efforts, and position the country as a strategic Hyperscale Hub in Asia-Pacific,” said Jojo Gendrano, senior vice president and head of Enterprise Business Group at PLDT and Smart.
Gendrano added that network infrastructure, including the ADC, plays a key role in making the Philippines an attractive location for multinational companies and data-driven businesses.
“The PLDT Group’s network investments demonstrate our commitment to support the connectivity needs of homes across the country, increasingly digital lifestyles of Filipinos, and the digital transformation requirements of businesses and Government on the whole,” said Butch Jimenez, chief operating officer at PLDT.
The ADC is expected to be ready for service by the first quarter of 2025, increasing PLDT’s international capacity by over 100 terabits per second.