PLDT-Smart to build 200 cell sites with 6 common tower companies

MANILA, Philippines — Telecommunications giant PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications are set to build a maximum of 200 cell sites with six telecommunication tower companies in a bid to improve its services.

During the online Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday, PLDT-Smart Public Affairs head Ramon Isberto said the company recognizes that the use of common towers is a common practice worldwide.

“Many countries have adopted that policy and we are receptive and supportive of that policy as well. That is why actually, we have already signed agreements with six tower companies and we have an initial target rollout of about 180 to 200 cell sites,” Isberto said, without disclosing the tower firms he was referring to.

However, Isberto said the initial agreements are just the “starting point” as PLDT-Smart would still see how the use of common towers would go.

“We are still exploring agreements with several other companies and we hope to sign them soon because we certainly want to take advantage of the opportunity that the common towers will offer,” he added.

To recall, President Rodrigo Duterte, during his fifth State of the Nation Address on July 27, warned telecommunication giants Globe Telecom and PLDT-Smart of expropriation if they will not improve their services by yearend.

Isberto said PLDT and Smart are “certainly committed” to improving its services and are investing “significant amounts” of capital.

However, he pointed out that improving the state of telecommunications in the country should involve not just telco companies.

“We need everybody, government, private sector, local communities, local government, as well as the national government agencies. Sana magtulong-tulong po tayo. We can make this work effectively because we need to build an ecosystem of many moving parts that can work together,” he said. [ac]