Phase 2 of fiber project granted green-lane status

PHILIPPINES Fiber Optic Cable Network Ltd., Inc. (PFOCN) was awarded a green-lane certificate by the Department of Trade and Industry for its P49.56-billion fiber optic cable infrastructure network project.

Awarded last week, the certificate grants the second phase of PFOCN’s nationwide fiber optic expansion project green-lane status as the government strives to fast-track strategic investments in digital connectivity.

“The project’s open-access, carrier-neutral model reflects the administration’s commitment to fast-tracking strategic investments that strengthen digital connectivity and broaden opportunities for Filipinos,” Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said in a social media post.

According to the One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSACSI), it received the endorsement for the project on Nov. 10 and subsequently granted it green-lane status.

“This project represents a significant milestone in the Philippines’ digital transformation journey with a billion-peso-scale project and a construction timeline spanning five years from 2024 to 2029,” OSACSI said.

The company proposes to deploy a 20,000 route-kilometers metropolitan fiber-optic network.

“This phase focuses on strengthening urban connectivity, building on the national backbone established in Phase 1 while preparing for the access network to be rolled out in Phase 3,” it added.

The company ultimately hopes to develop around 60,000 route kilometers of fiber infrastructure across the archipelago. — Justine Irish D. Tabile