As PLDT Inc. continues its nationwide fiber network upgrade, the integrated telecommunications company has also launched a cleanup drive to remove copper cables that are no longer in use.

In a statement on Wednesday, PLDT said its cleanup drive complies with national and local laws that require utility companies to repair or remove sagging cables and tilted poles in the country’s streets.

It said the activity would result in “a more pleasant environment” and safer streets for the community.

Alfredo Panlilio, PLDT chief revenue officer, said PLDT’s migration of its services from copper to fiber lines was necessary to meet the demand for high-speed internet connection amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

With the ongoing modernization program, he said PLDT has committed to removing idle copper cables that have been left behind during the migration.

“As a good corporate citizen, PLDT is doing this clean-up drive, mindful of the safety and well-being of the residents as well as the community in general,” Panlilio said.

Debbie Hu, Smart network operations vice president, said the company has begun its cleanup drive through the inspection of 46 priority barangays and preventive maintenance activities.

“We are implementing the programmed preventive maintenance on the barangay level, starting with those having high trouble index and poor line condition,” Hu said.

Its preventive maintenance activities, she said, include the replacement, relocation, or re-attachment of network access points, distribution points, local convergence points, closures, and poles; replacement, relocation, and rehabilitation of cross-connect cabinets and main distribution frames; replacement and repair of manhole covers; re-tensioning and re-grooming of fiber and copper cables; and recovery of idle cables.

Earlier, PLDT said its fiber network currently spans 382,500 kilometers and covers 8.1 million homes through its fiber modernization program. (PNA)

Photo Credit: www.pia.gov.ph