MANILA: Telecommunications (telecom) provider PLDT has partnered with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in safeguarding telecom infrastructure, particularly fiber cuts caused by road diggings and excavation activities. In a statement on Monday, PLDT's first vice president Joan de Venecia-Fabul said fiber cuts due to construction works are among the causes of service interruptions. 'We look forward to working hand-in-hand with MMDA and the government in crafting protocols for prior coordination and alignment before excavation permits are issued and diggings are done to ensure that service interruptions due to accidental damage to telco cables are avoided,' she said. PLDT, and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, have also been working closely with the Anti-Red Tape Authority, local government units, and other government agencies to streamline the permitting process in the rollout of telecom infrastructure across the country. 'This collaboration is in line with PLDT's long-standi ng partnership with government and industry stakeholders in helping safeguard telco infrastructure and equipment to ensure service delivery and elevate the quality of customer experience,' she said. Source: Philippines News Agency