Converge selects Infinera for Bifrost Cable System project

Converge ICT Solutions has chosen Infinera to supply submarine line terminal equipment for its stake in the Bifrost Cable System.

Converge ICT Solutions, a key fibre broadband and technology solutions provider in the Philippines, has selected Infinera to provide its GX Series Compact Modular Platform and next-generation 1.2T ICE7 optical engine. This choice applies to the fibre pairs for which Converge has secured an Indefeasible Right of Use on the Bifrost Cable System.

The Bifrost Cable System is a trans-Pacific project spanning over 15,000 kilometres, connecting North America's west coast through Guam with several Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore. Converge has entered into agreements with Keppel, the system's developer, to secure an IRU for one fibre pair on the main trunk and the entire Davao branch. Converge also owns the cable landing station in Davao, Philippines.

In addition to the submarine venture, Converge will use Infinera's solutions to upgrade its nationwide terrestrial fibre network across the Philippines. The network infrastructure will modernise as Infinera's technology allows the handling of high demand through enhanced high-speed optics and 5-nanometre technology.

With over 70,000 kilometres of fibre assets and servicing 16 million homes, Converge is notably the fastest-growing fibre broadband and ICT provider in the Philippines. The company claims that Infinera's technology will facilitate monetising these fibre assets through high-capacity service provision over extensive distances at reduced costs.

Dennis Anthony Uy, CEO and Co-Founder of Converge, said, "We are excited to leverage the latest generation of Infinera's technology for our terrestrial and subsea cable assets. Infinera provides the most advanced subsea networking solution with industry-leading capabilities including advanced power management. Leveraging Infinera's innovative solution, Converge will be able to effectively scale to meet rapidly growing bandwidth demands across the Philippines and the entire Asia-Pacific region."

David Heard, CEO at Infinera, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership. "By selecting Infinera's ICE7 as the SLTE for the fibre pairs utilised by Converge in the Bifrost Cable System and to modernise its terrestrial backbone, Converge will benefit from the industry's latest technology, enabling them to provide their customers with access to cost-effective, high-performance, and high-capacity services," he stated.

This collaboration between Converge ICT Solutions and Infinera represents a strategic advancement in telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in enhancing the connectivity landscape across the Asia-Pacific region. By integrating Infinera's cutting-edge technology for submarine and terrestrial networks, Converge is positioning itself to meet the increasing demand for high-capacity broadband services.