MANILA: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has announced that Phases 2 and 3 of the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) are expected to be completed by 2025, following the successful completion of Phase 1 last year. The expansion aims to significantly improve internet connectivity across the Philippines, particularly in underserved regions.
According to Philippines News Agency, DICT spokesperson Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso revealed in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview that procurement for Phases 2 and 3 has been finalized and the implementation is ready to commence. Paraiso expressed optimism that these phases will be completed by March or April this year.
Funding for subsequent phases has been secured through a USD288-million loan from the World Bank, Paraiso noted. He elaborated that Phases 4 and 5 would utilize these funds, with Phase 6 providing comprehensive coverage to Regions I, III, IV-B, and particularly the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Once fully deployed, the NFB will enhance internet connectivity from the farthest northern areas to the southernmost provinces. The network will offer improved connectivity to both local and national government offices and extend to households in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), thereby bridging the digital divide in the country.
