Converge to double the data transmission capacity

Richmond Mercurio (The Philippine Star) – July 7, 2021 – 12:00 am

MANILA, Philippines – Fiber internet service provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. plans to double the data transmission capacity of its metro backbone, enabling high-speed data transfers to accommodate next-generation technologies.

Converge is preparing to increase the data transmission capacity of its metropolitan backbone to 800 gigabits per second (Gbps) from the existing 400 Gbps.

The network upgrade, he said, is another investment in infrastructure aimed at improving the services the company offers to customers and sustaining its network.

“Developments in cloud computing, big data, virtual reality, combined with increasing demands for remote storage and streaming technology are creating massive demand on our network and data centers,” said Dennis Anthony Uy, CEO of Converge.

“We want to meet the high capacity needs of our network and our customers, and be able to support any next generation technology they may have,” he said.

Last year, Converge activated the country’s first 400 Gbps metropolitan backbone using state-of-the-art optical solutions from a US networking systems, services and software company.

The deployment provided Converge with a programmable and dynamic configuration of connections that increases adaptability and resiliency.

Converge said the metro backbone connects multiple networks together, allowing them to communicate with each other and push traffic between and among them.

By upgrading the backbone to 800Gbps, the company said it would result in significantly more data being transmitted through data centers, reduced latency, and high-speed data transfers needed for next-generation technologies such as the Internet of things and smart cities.

Converge chief executive Jesus Romero said the capacity upgrade would also be enough to download more than 20 high-definition movies in a second.

“At the same time, this latest technology allows us to use less hardware to efficiently deliver our services, limits the possibility of congestion in both normal and outage situations, and reduces our energy consumption and costs.” Romero said.

By the end of March, Converge had passed seven million households, or about 28% of the country’s total households.

It aims to end the year with up to 1.7 million subscribers.

The company continues to introduce innovations in broadband fiber optics as it aims to reach 55% of total Filipino households with its pure fiber connectivity by 2025.

Converge is also in talks with companies such as Space Exploration Technologies Corp. from tech mogul Elon Musk, as she explores the latest satellite technologies to bring high-speed broadband to remote areas of the country.