The country’s largest integrated telecommunications company PLDT and telco newcomer DITO recently entered into an agreement for the construction of a transmission facility that will serve as the point of interconnection for their subscribers.
The announcement came a day after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) confirmed that DITO passed its first technical audit in preparation of its commercial launch this March.
In a press statement PLDT said that under the agreement the telco giant will establish and manage the interconnection facility that will operate as the primary physical interface for both companies.
According to PLDT Chief Revenue Officer and Smart Communications President and CEO Al Panlilio it is important for PLDT-Smart this interconnection capability between PLDT-Smart and DITO customers as mandated by NTC and to make sure that subscribers are able to communicate.
He added: “During this pandemic, technology has been a lifeline for our customers so we want to make sure that our connectivity is solid in helping our fellow Filipinos and the entire nation during these crtictical times. We thank DITO for this partnership and I am looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”
PLDT said that the planned facility is expected to be completed by end of March, just in time for the commercial operations of the third telco.
For its part, DITO Telecommunity Chairman and CEO Dennis Uy acknowleged that in order for DITO to deliver its committment to the Filipino, they needed to work hand-in-hand with the pioneers of the telco industry linke PLDT. He added: “I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone in making the interconnection agreement between DITO and PLDT possible.”