PLDT, Smart: Apps, websites slower due to unforeseen int'l cable systems issue

Telecommunications firm PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications on Monday asked patience from its customers due to slower loading when accessing some websites and applications.

In an advisory, PLDT and Smart said there could be an unforeseen issue with one of their "international cable systems."

"We are now working with our partners to address this issue and have utilized other channels to minimize impact. We will provide more details as they come. Thank you for your patience," read the advisory.

In an evening statement to GMA News Online, PLDT management said they have yet to give a timeline on the repairs.

"It's an unexpected problem in one of our international submarine cable providers, ASE [Asia Submarine-cable Express]. We are awaiting their assessment and advice on the extent of the fault/issue and repair timelines, as they are the ones managing the maintenance and repair of these cables. We are basically leasing capacity from them," PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Group Head of Corporate Communications Cathy Yang wrote.

For the repairs, PLDT also said it is working with a consortium, of which Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia are also a part.

The National Telecommunications Commission previously alerted telecommunications companies to fast track maintenance efforts as there could be expected rise of internet traffic during the holidays.—Consuelo Marquez/AOL, GMA News