Duterte grants 3rd telco Dito Telecommunity a 25-year franchise

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has granted a 25-year franchise to the Philippines’ third telecommunications player Dito Telecommunity Corp.

The President signed on Tuesday Republic Act No. 11537, renewing for 25 years the franchise granted to Dito, previously known as Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company.

Its current congressional franchise expires in April 2023.

The law allows Dito to “construct, install, establish, operate and maintain for commercial purposes and in the public interest, radio and/or television broadcasting stations” in the Philippines for another 25 years.

It also requires the firm to secure permits and licenses for the construction, installation, and operation of its telecommunications systems or facilities from the National Telecommunication Commission.

Dito, owned by Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corp. and China Telecom, made its commercial debut in Cebu and Davao in March this year.

READ: Dito makes its debut as 3rd telco, launches in Cebu, Davao

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