THE Lapu-Lapu City Government is urging a telecommunications firm to facilitate the installation of internet services in Olango Island.
This, after the City Council approved during its regular session on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, a resolution authored by Councilor Marciano Alforque Jr., requesting Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan to negotiate with the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) to install a submarine fiber optic cable line from the mainland to Olango Island.
Alforque mentioned that some residents in Olango Island are forced to go to the shoreline to look for a signal coming from mainland Cebu or Mactan Island.
“The Lapu-Lapu City Government needs to provide communication facility and internet connectivity to the Island of Olango by installing the submarine fiber optic cable line and establishing a cell tower thereon, serving its, more or less, 42,000 residents,” said Alforque.
Once installed, the telecommunication company can then deliver broadband services to homes at faster speeds.
“This representation is of the knowledge that PLDT is currently embarking on a nationwide expansion and upgrading of its telecommunications facilities in order to bring our country at par with international standards in terms of internet connectivity,” he said.
Alforque stressed that Olango Island must not be left behind and must be included in the technological advancement or modernization of PLDT.
The councilor said PLDT will install the submarine fiber optic cable line at its own expense while the City Government’s role is to give business permits to the telco during the operation.
The PLDT will also be requested to submit its plan lay-outs, engineering designs and the specific designated area for the laying of submarine fiber optic cable line to the City Engineering Office and the City Planning and Development Office.
Apart from that, PLDT will also have to coordinate with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture , Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Maritime Industry Authority to ensure the safety of the city’s marine resources.