PLDT, Globe Telecom and Converge ICT Solutions have reportedly submitted a proposal to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to build a new US$500-million subsea fibre network to boost connectivity across the Philippines. Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda revealed the proposal at a roundtable briefing last week, the report said. Aguda said DICT is evaluating the proposal, which would complement the government’s National Fiber Backbone project. Phases 4 and 5 of that project are scheduled to be finished before the end of this year, the report said. If the project is approved, it will take up to two years to complete, the report added.