PLDT Inc. (PLDT) has been hailed at the Green All-Optical Network Forum during Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona for its pioneering approach to building a sustainable, AI-ready digital future.
The award, which also celebrated PLDT’s best practices in home broadband networks, was received by Alvin S. Ilano, Vice President for Network Facilities and Field Operations at PLDT and Smart. Ilano also delivered a keynote titled “GRIT: Green. Resilient. Intelligent Technology,” outlining PLDT’s vision for transforming from a traditional telco into a fully digital, AI-ready company.
“To operate in an archipelagic country like the Philippines, which is among the world’s most disaster-prone regions, it is imperative for us to build a resilient network that can withstand extreme challenges such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and landslides,” Ilano said.
PLDT’s approach leverages advanced automation and self-healing optical networks, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even when multiple fiber routes are disrupted. Technologies like Sub-Network Connection Protection (SNCP) and Wavelength Switched Optical Network (WSON) dynamic routing, enabled by technology partner Huawei, allow the network to determine the best available route in real time.
Building an AI-Ready, Sustainable Network
PLDT is also future-proofing its network for the AI era. Using Huawei’s Blade Optical Cross Connect (OXC) technology, the company consolidates multiple racks into a single intelligent optical layer—reducing power consumption, saving space, lowering site visits, and creating ultra-low latency, AI-ready metro Optical Transport Networks (OTN). These networks support future AI-driven applications while significantly reducing the network’s carbon footprint.
“GRIT is our compass. Green reduces our energy intensity and operating expenses. Resilience protects continuity, lives, and livelihoods. Intelligent Technology accelerates our transformation to autonomous operations. With this approach, PLDT is not just keeping up with the future, but powering it,” Ilano said.
PLDT’s investments align with its broader goal to enhance nationwide services, bridge the digital divide, expand digital access, and support the delivery of essential services. The initiatives also contribute to the Philippines’ progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.