PLDT Inc. is set to activate the Philippines’ first three Google Taara laser communication sites, bringing breakthrough technology that delivers fiber-like connectivity without the need for undersea or underground cables.
Developed by Google’s X Moonshot Factory, Taara uses beams of light to transmit data across long distances, similar to fiber optics but without the physical cable. Each site is capable of delivering up to 20 Gbps of capacity—enough to provide high-speed internet for thousands of users.
The first installations are at Talim Island in Rizal, Dipaluda in Isabela and Bagong Pag-asa QC. On Talim Island, the technology spans an 11.8-kilometer stretch across Laguna de Bay, linking the island to the mainland. In Dipaluda, Isabela, the Taara system covers 13 kilometers of mountainous terrain where rolling out fiber is costly and logistically challenging. In Bagong Pag-asa QC, the Taara system will be used provide alternative route and resolve single point of failure (SPOF) issues.
“This is a game-changer for us in connecting remote areas,” said Butch Jimenez, PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Head of Network. “It makes it easier to provide fiber-like internet to new areas. And we’re excited for the people of Talim Island and Dipaluda to enjoy the benefits of FTTH connectivity.”
“We’ve evaluated this technology for over a year,” added Erick Santiago, PLDT-Smart Head of Network Strategy. “We’re proud of our Network team, who made it possible for us to launch this while others are just announcing their testing phase.”
Beyond speed, Taara also presents significant cost savings compared to traditional infrastructure. For Talim Island, deploying Taara avoids the high expense of laying fiber optic cables underwater, while in Dipaluda it bypasses the challenges of installing fiber across rivers and mountains.
These sites mark the start of PLDT’s larger plan to explore laser-based connectivity as a complement to its nationwide fiber network, especially in hard-to-reach areas such as islands, lakesides, and rugged inland communities.
With Taara, PLDT strengthens its leadership in digital inclusion, ensuring that more Filipinos—even in the most remote areas—can access reliable, high-speed internet.
