What's Happening?
Globe Telecom, a major telecommunications operator in the Philippines, has joined the Candle Cable System consortium. This consortium is developing an approximately 8,000-kilometer submarine cable system that will connect Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia,
Malaysia, and Singapore. The system is expected to begin operations in 2028. The consortium includes SoftBank Corp, Meta, IPS Inc, TM Technology Services, and PT XLSmart Telecom, with NEC Corporation contracted as the system supplier. Globe's involvement includes investment and the establishment of a landing station in Batangas, Philippines. The Candle system aims to expand infrastructure and provide redundant routes to meet the growing demand for data communications driven by 5G and generative AI. It will feature a 24-fiber pair configuration, offering up to 570 terabits per second of total capacity, enhancing connectivity across Asia.
Why It's Important?
The participation of Globe Telecom in the Candle Cable System consortium is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it aligns with the Philippines government's digitization and Cloud First strategy, which emphasizes the need for diversified subsea paths and stronger international gateways. The enhanced connectivity provided by the Candle system will support advanced analytics, cross-border collaboration, and cloud-based operations, which are crucial for economic growth and technological advancement in the region. Additionally, the infrastructure expansion will cater to the increasing demand for high-capacity routes, driven by the proliferation of 5G technology and generative AI applications. This development is expected to bolster the Philippines' position in the global digital economy and improve its telecommunications infrastructure.
What's Next?
As the Candle Cable System progresses towards its operational phase in 2028, stakeholders including Globe Telecom will focus on the planning, financing, and construction of the new landing station in Batangas. The consortium will continue to work on the infrastructure expansion to ensure the system meets the anticipated demand for data communications. The successful implementation of this project could lead to further collaborations and investments in similar initiatives, enhancing regional connectivity and digital infrastructure. Additionally, the project may prompt other countries in the region to explore similar partnerships to improve their telecommunications capabilities.
