02 July 2024

The Philippine government has launched the first phase of its National Fibre Backbone (NFB) project which aims to enhance public service delivery and drive economic growth in the country through reliable Internet connection.

The Philippine Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) led the kick-off of the (NFB) Phase 1 which comprises a 1,245km cable network from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to Roces, Quezon City, illuminating 28 nodes and delivering an initial 600Gbps optical spectrum capacity. This will connect 14 provinces across Northern and Central Luzon, Metro Manila, four Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) eco-zones, and two National Government Data Centres.

“More importantly, we understand that for Filipinos to reach their full potential, we must invest in a fast and reliable internet. It gives me pleasure to lead the grand launch of Phase 1 of the first and only government-owned National Fiber Backbone,” said Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

Upon completing the remaining phases of the NFB by 2026, the DICT expects to increase the penetration rate from 33% to 65% and reach 70 million Filipinos out of the current 115 million population nationwide. This initiative will also lower the price of internet connectivity to as much as $5 per Mb.

“The next phases of the National Fiber Backbone project will focus on broadening our network coverage, extending connectivity across regions, and providing broadband internet access to government institutions and public spaces. By extending the reach of our digital infrastructure, we are leveling the playing field and empowering every Filipino to participate in the digital economy,” said DICT secretary Ivan John Uy.