Converge ICT Solutions Inc. announced a major milestone for the Philippines, as it solidified its role in the international data exchange network by landing the Southeast Asia-Hainan-Hong Kong Express Cable System (SEA-H2X) on Philippine shores.
The undersea cable system, designed with a massive 160 terabits per second (Tbps) capacity, promises faster internet and more efficient data transfer, connecting the country to six other critical points across the Asia-Pacific region.
During ZTE Day PH 2024, Converge ICT also introduced Southeast Asia’s first cutting-edge WI-FI7 ONU. With the unveiling of the Wi-Fi 7 technology, in the coming years, Converge will collaborate with ZTE in expanding the commercial presence of this new technology, significantly advancing the evolution of the local network infrastructure.
Converge ICT sets sight on enhancing PH’s digital backbone
The Philippine branch of the SEA-H2X project is part of a broader initiative to strengthen international connectivity.
Converge, as the project’s domestic contractor, is responsible for building the necessary infrastructure to connect the Philippines to this undersea cable network, which is part of a vital system that enhances the country’s digital backbone.
The landing site for the SEA-H2X cable is located in Bauang, La Union. This site connects the Philippines to other key locations in the region, including China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, establishing a network of six landing points across Asia-Pacific.
These undersea cables enable direct data transfer between economies, significantly enhancing international bandwidth. The improved infrastructure benefits both businesses and consumers by providing faster access to global data, reducing latency, and enhancing the overall internet experience.
Meeting the demand for faster, more reliable connectivity
Dennis Anthony Uy, CEO and co-founder of Converge, emphasized the importance of this development in meeting the country’s growing demand for faster and more reliable connectivity. “Increasing Converge’s capacity for international cabling has always been a long-term investment, and we see a major development on that front today,” Uy stated. He further highlighted that Converge is planning for future capacity needs, ensuring that the infrastructure can support increasing data demands over the next 10 to 15 years.
Uy acknowledged the strategic importance of expanding the Philippines’ capacity to handle international data traffic, which is critical for the country’s digital transformation. “We are planning for the capacity needs of the region as early as now,” he added, pointing to the long-term benefits this infrastructure project will provide for both domestic and international data exchange.
The SEA-H2X cable spans over 5,000 kilometers and is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year. It is being developed in collaboration with major partners including China Unicom Global, China Mobile International Ltd., and H2X Sdn Bhd.
SEA-H2X to play critical role in facilitating faster communication
Once completed, the SEA-H2X will play a critical role in facilitating faster and more efficient communication between countries in the region, ensuring that the Philippines remains connected to vital global markets.
In addition to the SEA-H2X, Converge is also co-developing another significant subsea cable project—the Bifrost Cable System. The Bifrost cable will stretch over 19,000 kilometers, linking Singapore and the United States, and is expected to significantly bolster data transfer across the Asia-Pacific region.
With a system capacity of 10.4 Tbps, Bifrost will further enhance international connectivity, making it a key player in data exchange within the region.
Converge ICT has made substantial investments in these projects, aiming to stay ahead of the growing demand for broadband services. As of June, the company had invested ₱4.7 billion in capital expenditures, focusing on the expansion of its network infrastructure and low-cost rollout to capture a larger share of the broadband market.
Looking ahead, Converge ICT is set to increase its capital spending in the second half of the year to support the development of the SEA-H2X and Bifrost subsea cables. These investments reflect the company’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the telecommunications industry and meeting the future needs of a rapidly growing digital economy.
With these ambitious projects, Converge ICT is well-positioned to play a leading role in the Philippines’ digital future, bridging the gap between the country and global data markets, and ensuring that businesses and consumers alike can benefit from faster, more reliable internet connectivity.