NGCP set to formalize deal for National Broadband Plan

MANILA, Philippines - The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is preparing to formalize its agreement for the government’s national broadband program by using the fiber optics network in the transmission grid to improve internet speed in the country.

NGCP president and chief executive officer Henry Sy Jr. said the grid operator is fully supportive of the program and would soon formalize its deal with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

“We can welcome a partnership for the national broadband program without compromising our primary function as grid operator and transmission service provider,” Sy said.

“A well-connected nation enables a fast-paced exchange of knowledge and information needed to further propel our country’s growth,” he added.

NGCP’s fiber optic cables covering 6,154 kilometers will form the primary network of the national broadband program to bring wi-fi connection in the country.

The unused portion of the cables will help ease the infrastructure burden faced by DICT as it can piggyback on NGCP’s existing network.

“NGCP has made significant upgrades to aging, outdated telecommunication facilities inherited from TransCo to ensure reliable power transmission services through efficient communication within NGCP and with its customers,” Sy said.

The grid operator, however, insists that that there is still a need for the government to provide last-mile connections and telecommunications-grade redundancies, to deliver services to the end-users.

DICT earlier said the amount of investment needed for the national broadband program may go down as NGCP expressed willingness to allow the government to use the existing fiber optics network in the transmission grid for the implementation.

It wants to sign a memorandum of understanding to formalize the agreement with the NGCP this year.