Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi to gain connectivity boost

Philstar.com

December 15, 2025 | 12:00am

ISABELA CITY, Basilan — Faster and more reliable internet access is coming to Isabela de Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi after one of the country’s major telecommunications firms announced its upcoming submarine cable project that would cater to this purpose.

Globe Telecom said it is expanding high-speed internet access in homes, businesses and communities across the Basulta region via its Submarine Cable Project, a 48-core, 175-kilometer network connecting Zamboanga to Isabela City, Basilan and extending to Sulu.

The company said the project includes installation of the cable, inland and fronthaul infrastructure, landing stations and access transport, as well as deployment of core and access network nodes to support both broadband and mobile services.

“This is more than infrastructure. It is a bridge to opportunity,” said Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz. “As data consumption continues to grow beyond 30GB per user each month, we are expanding fiber and broadband not just to connect homes, but to empower small businesses and fuel the broader digital economy.”

Globe said the submarine cable survey is scheduled to start in early 2026, with full construction expected by mid-2027. Once operational, Isabela City will serve as a resilient hub for high-capacity internet in the region. These investments, according to the company, complement government efforts under the National Broadband Plan to bring connectivity to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

“Reliable connectivity is transformative. It opens doors for education, supports local enterprises, and helps communities participate fully in the digital economy,” said Jowin Marquez, senior director, territory lead for Network Technical Group said.

Globe said its broader network modernization program has migrated over 600 towns across 70 provinces to full fiber, gradually replacing older copper lines to provide faster and more stable service while reducing environmental impact.

Over the past three years, the company said it has invested P228 billion in capital expenditures and P236 billion in operating expenses to strengthen and future-proof its network.