MANILA — Telco giant PLDT has launched a new hybrid modem that offers an uninterruptible fiber internet connection, which it said is the first-of-its-kind device in the world.

PLDT Home described it as a ‘Fiber Always On’ device, which automatically shifts from fiber to LTE if there is an accidental fiber cut in an area or if there is a service interruption. PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business- Home Jeremiah De La Cruz said this will provide a reliable internet connection to users if someone cuts a fiber line, which happens sometimes.

“Maybe someone, unfortunately, hit a hole, it happens. Maybe someone was doing some digging and cut your cable as well… The modem will detect that something happened and it will actually switch you over,” De La Cruz said.

The service is an add-on to the current internet plans of PLDT Home, but they said they will come up soon with bundles that already include the new hybrid modem.

“As soon as your fiber connectivity dies, then you will have insurance in the form of connectivity via LTE only for P299 [per month],” said Roy Victor Añonuevo, PLDT Vice President and Head of Home Broadband Product Management.

LTE will be the backup internet connection and will be powered by PLDT’s sister company Smart. Officials said they will first test a customer’s area if the LTE signal in their area is good before they proceed with installing the hybrid modem. The LTE service will be unlimited with no data cap, depending on the location.

Part of the service is the automatic detection of PLDT if one suddenly switches to LTE. The telco will send a repairman within 24 to 36 hours even if the customer did not call the hotline.

“You’d be able to know that a ticket number has automatically been generated as well without you informing our get help channels. With that, it will trigger PLDT to send a repairman to your home,” said Añonuevo.

PLDT is earmarking up to P78 billion this year for capital expenditures to upgrade its fiber network, data centers, and submarine cable among others.