Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – Electricity du Laos (EDL) and Best Telecom Company Limited signed a cooperation agreement to launch a modernization and expansion project for the national power transmission system's fiber-to-the-ground (OPGW) network. This move is a key step in Laos' transformation from a digital landlocked country into a regional digital interconnection hub.
The signing ceremony was presided over by Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, and attended by Minister of Science, Technology and Communications Santisouk Simmalavong, Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaythong Kommasith, Deputy Minister of National Defense Major General Saichai Kommasith, EDL General Manager Akhomdeth Vongsay, and representatives from both companies, highlighting the project's strategic importance to the nation. The agreement was signed by Akhomdeth Vongsay and Best Telecom General Manager Dr. Lithikhong Phumasak.
The project will leverage the fiber optic ground wires on high-voltage transmission lines to construct a nationwide, modern, high-capacity telecommunications backbone network, upgrading the existing fiber optic network of the Lao Electricité de la République (EDL). The aim is to attract foreign investment, improve operational efficiency, and create new revenue streams for this state-owned power company and the national economy. The cooperation originated from a feasibility study initiated in May 2025. Both parties signed a memorandum of understanding to assess the application of the fiber optic ground wire system, and it has now been decided to utilize the thousands of kilometers of existing north-south transmission lines in Laos to advance the project.
Ahomed Ongsay stated that the cooperation will maximize the value of national assets, contribute to the realization of a smart, stable, and secure digital strategy, and achieve optimal benefits by upgrading the existing transmission line fiber optic system.
Santhiso Semaravong pointed out that the project is a concrete measure to implement Laos' National Digital Economy Vision 2021-2040 and its 10-year Digital Strategy 2021-2030. Against the backdrop of global digital economic transformation, Laos needs to strengthen its telecommunications infrastructure to meet data demands and support the development of new technologies. This project will build a robust national digital backbone network, ensuring continuous domestic and international interconnectivity and supporting services requiring stable, high-capacity transmission lines, such as digital banking, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence.
Marathon Kommasy stated that the project pioneers a new development model of energy infrastructure empowering information superhighways, reducing costs, avoiding redundant investment, and facilitating regional trade and investment under frameworks such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
According to Best Telecom, the project will utilize dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) technology, enabling multiple data signals to be transmitted through a single optical fiber, constructing a scalable transmission backbone network with a capacity of 10 terabits per second, adaptable to Laos' long-distance and cross-border interconnectivity needs. The planned network will connect key routes between China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, helping Laos become a regional data bridge; it will also support public-private partnerships, creating opportunities for future investments in green data centers, advanced digital services, and other areas, thus propelling Laos from a digital landlocked country to a digital land-connected nation.
