2 more firms join common tower roster

MANILA, Philippines — Two more companies are joining the growing pool of firms that are keen on helping the country improve telecommunication services through the construction of at least 5,000 new common towers annually.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) signed yesterday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with JS Cruz Construction and Development Inc., a local Triple A contractor, for common tower development cooperation.

 “DICT recognizes JS Cruz Construction as a capable company and has the financial capability to put up towers so that they can be rented out by the telcos,” Information and Communications Technology Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio said.

“Our broadband needs improvement. One of the key areas that needs improvement is the installation of passive infrastructure, including towers. This effort by the government, we’re confident this will hasten the improvement of broadband services in the country,” added Enrico Delos Reyes, vice president of special projects of JS Cruz Construction.

Delos Reyes said the company is set to take in a foreign partner to help bolster its offering under the common tower program.

 As far as technical know-how, we have the knowledge already. But we feel that we need foreign expertise, because this is a specialized project,” Delos Reyes said.

JS Cruz Construction is now the 12th company which the DICT has inked another MOU with.

Rio said his agency is expected to sign an MOU with the 13th aspiring common tower provider next week.

The tower firms are mandated to secure first a business contract from the telcos for the DICT to provide assistance through facilitation of permits, right of way, and other government permits for infrastructure.  

“We badly need these towers. Our target is to have 50,000 towers made in seven to 10 years, or roughly 5,000 towers a year,” Rio said.

“Shared or passive facilities through this policy would cut back unnecessary expenses from the telco operators and subscribers will benefit from this,” he said.