PLDT, Smart Lead National Drive to Protect Telecom Infrastructure

In partnership with public and private stakeholders, including local government units and communities, the companies aim to ensure reliable connectivity and uninterrupted service across the nation.

“Protecting our infrastructure is not just about safeguarding our business operations; it is about ensuring that our customers and communities can rely on uninterrupted connectivity and technology that are essential for our country’s development within a safe and secure cyber environment,” said Atty. Roy Ibay, Vice President and Head of Regulatory at Smart and convenor of PROTECTA Pilipinas, a public-private partnership dedicated to safeguarding technology and telecommunications infrastructure nationwide.

PLDT, Smart, and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) spearheaded the launch of a coalition focused on telecommunications infrastructure protection. The launch brought together key stakeholders, including the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators; advocacy group, CITIZENWATCH Philippines; think-tank, Infrawatch PH; the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group; the Federation of International Cable TV Association of the Philippines (FICTAP); and the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).

In collaboration with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), PLDT has taken proactive measures to protect fiber optic cables from accidental damage during roadworks, particularly during excavation and digging activities.

Beyond partnerships with government agencies and industry players, PLDT Group has been encouraging its customers and communities to report illegal activities such as cable theft, breakage, and related incidents to local authorities.

These initiatives reflect PLDT and Smart’s commitment to enhancing telecommunications infrastructure protection, improving customer experience nationwide, and supporting the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, which focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

These efforts also align with the government’s push for digital transformation, which aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure internet access for more Filipinos across the nation.