NTT WORLD Engineering Marine Corp. expressed optimism regarding prospects in the Philippines, highlighting an increasing requirement for connectivity as the economy transitions to digital.
The firm revealed its intention to inaugurate its latest submarine telecommunications cable installation vessel, CS VEGA II, in April.
According to the company, this vessel will be registered under the Philippine flag and will be responsible for the upkeep of domestic submarine telecommunication cables, including international cables in adjacent waters.
“With the introduction of this new vessel, we will also be able to facilitate the maintenance of international submarine cables,” stated the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer Mamoru Watanabe during a press encounter at an event last week.
The firm is involved in the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN), which is co-owned by Eastern Telecommunications Philippines, Inc., Globe Telecom, Inc., and InfiniVAN, Inc.
The parent company of Eastern Communications, Vega Telecom, Inc., is possessed by PLDT and Globe.
The PDSCN submarine cable infrastructure aims to bolster connectivity, especially in underprivileged regions. The initiative spans a total cable length of 2,500 kilometers and is recognized as the longest in the Philippines.
“The current situation presents even stronger opportunities due to global security being highly unpredictable and the occurrence of many unforeseen events, which drives the need for submarine cables. There is a demand from the Philippine sector for us to commence the laying of submarine cable,” he noted.
The company identifies potential for submarine cable maintenance in an expanding Philippine market, he added.
PLDT Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Menardo G. Jimenez, Jr. mentioned that PLDT established a contract last year with the Japanese firm to repair and maintain its submarine cables.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a branch of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund’s subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., holds a controlling interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it oversees. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
