wiredinUSA September 2013

INDEX

Napoleon Nazareno

Rod production shows slight increase

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co (PLDT) has laid at least 5,000km of fiber optic cable to support the rollout of high-speed data services on its fixed and mobile networks. In a statement, PLDT said the expansion of its fiber optic network is accelerating the deployment of its FTTH service, as well as its Smart Communications Inc unit’s mobile data service, Long Term Evolution (LTE). “If we include our international fiber optic links and leased facilities, the PLDT Group now has more than 71,000 kilometers of fiber assets,” said Napoleon Nazareno, PLDT president and chief executive. By the end of 2012, PLDT had over 54,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable in its domestic fiber optic network. That figure was increased to over 60,000 by mid-2013. In addition, PLDT has almost 7,200 kilometers of international submarine fiber optic cable and over 4,000 kilometers of domestic submarine fiber cable. PLDT Technology Group head Rolando Pena said the FTTH service had already reached two million homes by the end of June. Philippines’ 5,000km fiber rollout

A recent survey of 21 major Chinese domestic wire rod producers, carried out by Shanghai Metals Market, revealed that the average operating rate was up to 77.23 percent during July, with raw material inventories down to 14.44 percent of production. The rate in July was the highest monthly average this year, but was chiefly due to a single company in the survey restarting production on a previously suspended production line. This company aside, the average operating rate for July was 75.7 percent, the same level as June. Most consumption of wire rod during July was by electricwireandcablemanufacturers, with consumers of enameled wire, automotive and electronic wire beginning a seasonal low demand period. With copper prices depressed by over-supply, Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) will hold a conference in Ningbo on 5 th and 6 th September to provide insight into copper price trends.

ASIA / AFRICA NEWS

wiredInUSA - September 2013

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