PLDT Smart taps six common tower builders for 200 cell sites

PLDT has tapped six common tower builders to establish 200 cell sites as it seeks to further enhance its services across the Philippines.

200 common towers are coming

PLDT-Smart seal deals with common tower providers

Ramon Isberto, PLDT-Smart public affairs, said on Wednesday, August 12, the Pangilinan-led telco inked business deals with six tower companies, supporting the government's initiative to ramp up the deployment of cell sites nationwide.

Many countries have adopted that policy and we are receptive and supportive of that policy as well, Isberto said during the virtual Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum. 

According to Isberto, PLDT continues to explore potential agreements with other firms as the group "want[s] to take advantage of the opportunity that the common towers will offer."

The country has less than 20,000 towers, way below the ideal 50,000 figure. 

Isberto stressed that telco firms have been investing heavily in their respective networks, but they also need assistance from the government, from the national level to local. 

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier hit the slow process of securing permits. Following that, local government units acted quickly on his order, approving more than 1,000 applications from telco firms.

See also: Smart fast tracks mobile network rollout with the help of 6 tower companies

Source: Inquirer