PLDT, DITO ink interconnection deal

Pangilinan-led telecommunications giant PLDT Inc. and new telco player DITO Telecommunity Corp. have signed an interconnection deal to enable both their subscribers communicate in their networks.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Tuesday, PLDT said the agreement involves the construction of a transmission facility that will serve as the point of interconnection for the two telcos’ subscribers.

Under the deal, PLDT will establish and manage the interconnection facility that will operate as the primary physical interface for both companies.

"It is important for us that we establish this interconnection capability between PLDT-Smart and the customers of DITO as mandated by the NTC (National Telecommunications Commission), and principally to make sure that our customers are able to communicate,” PLDT chief revenue officer and Smart Communications president and CEO Al Panlilio said.

“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 critical times. We thank DITO for this partnership and I am looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship," Panlilio said.

Using PLDT’s technology and expertise, the interconnection hub will deliver the intercarrier requirements of DITO. The facility is seen to benefit all fixed and wireless subscribers of both telco by enabling them to communicate and connect to all the services needed.

The planned facility is expected to be completed by end-March in time for the commercial operations of DITO, the Pangilinan-led telco saiid.

"Being chosen as the country’s third player, DITO knew from day 1 that in order for us to deliver our commitment to the Filipino, we needed to work hand-in-hand with the pioneers of the telco industry like PLDT. I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone in making the interconnection agreement between DITO and PLDT possible,” DITO Telecommunity chairman and CEO Dennis Uy said.

“It’s been a privilege to work alongside all of you in providing the Philippines with the world-class connectivity that we all deserve,” Uy added.

PLDT said it has been heavily investing in its network and expanding its coverage to service more businesses and consumers, both in the country and abroad.

It operates the most expansive fiber optic network among local ISPs reaching over 429,000 kilometers.

The PLDT Group has spent over P286 billion in the last five years which further boosted its network coverage to benefit more subscribers, helped the nation manage and cope amid the global pandemic, and accelerated the roll out of more digital services including the roll out of 5G.—AOL, GMA News