PLDT Inc. said it has secured a $1 million grant by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to fund a fiber optic network and transmission infrastructure modernization training program under US-based IT and networking leader Cisco. 

The training program would further equip PLDT with certified professionals in its preparation to roll out and manage a modernized network for 5G and other advanced systems.

“This landmark grant agreement between PLDT and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency for training purposes will enable PLDT to utilize fully the cutting-edge technologies that Cisco will deploy to transform our fiber transmission network into a 5G-ready infrastructure,” Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman and chief executive of PLDT said.

“This will definitely benefit the Philippines, and raise its efforts in adopting and deploying technologies in the next wave of digital innovation,” he added. 

PLDT has been investing in its fiber optic network expansion across the country to deliver ICT and fast connectivity to businesses and homes in both for fixed and wireless. 

Recently, PLDT has been implementing multiple modernization projects with several carrier partners to ready the network in the advent of 5G technology. Last year, it launched a 5G-capable network at the PLDT headquarters in Makati as well as in Clark, Pampanga.

It also announced recent agreements with institutions like the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC), to develop and study possible used cases of 5G technology. 

“5G is a new technology that is opening exciting new opportunities for digital services. This training program will help us deliver the new skills and capabilities needed to take full advantage of these opportunities,”  Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT senior vice president and head of Network Services said.

In April this year, PLDT signed a three-year contract with global technology leader Cisco to  modernize its fiber network and prepare for 5G services in the country.

Under the partnership, PLDT and Cisco will deploy cutting-edge technology to design and build automated, highly reliable, highly scalable, software-defined, next-generation infrastructure utilizing telco’s existing fiber network to seamlessly deliver customized digital experiences to customers. 

The large-scale investment with Cisco is a part of PLDT’s broader transport network transformation project which will be implemented over the next three years. 

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