PLDT Inc., Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), and DITO Telecommunity have agreed to share parts of their network infrastructure to improve mobile and internet services for more Filipinos.
The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that allows them to use each other’s existing network facilities instead of building separate ones in the same areas. No money will be exchanged under the agreement.
The partnership covers three areas.
First, the companies can use each other’s cell towers where possible. This can help them expand coverage faster, especially in places where building a new tower would take time.
Second, they will share equipment inside buildings such as malls, offices, hospitals, and hotels. This could improve mobile signal and internet service in places where indoor reception is often weak.
Third, they will share capacity on submarine cables, which carry most of the Philippines’ internet traffic to and from other countries. By sharing available capacity, the companies can make better use of existing connections instead of building new ones.
The companies said the agreement will help them expand their networks more quickly, improve service reliability, and give customers better connectivity while avoiding unnecessary construction.
“Connecting the country is a responsibility that we all share as Philippine telcos. This agreement reflects that, even as we compete in the marketplace, we can collaborate where it matters the most: accelerating digital inclusion, helping connect every Filipino, and creating greater opportunities for our people and our nation,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, chair and CEO of PLDT.
“This partnership that we are forging today is a modest one. It allows both companies to deliver much better services for all our respective customers,” said Eric Alberto, president and CEO of DITO Telecommunity. “May this partnership grow into many more initiatives so that we can achieve meaningful results for our companies and, more importantly, provide better services for all our respective customers.”
Sharing network infrastructure is already common in many countries. It helps telecommunications companies save time and money because they can use existing facilities instead of building new ones from scratch.
For customers, the partnership could eventually mean stronger mobile signals, better coverage inside buildings, and more reliable internet service in more parts of the country.
