Globe expands network of tower provider partners

MANILA, Philippines — Globe Telecom Inc. is expanding its network of tower provider partners as it entered into an agreement with Aboitiz InfraCapital and Frontier Tower Associates Philippines (FTAP) to improve connectivity in Cebu, Davao and Olongapo.

The partnership will explore the possibility of leasing build-to-suit sites, towers, and other passive telecommunications infrastructure and facilities.

A memorandum of understanding was signed among the parties on July 2 in support of the common tower initiatives of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu in a statement said the firm’s common tower agreement with Aboitiz and FTAP will focus on improving connectivity in Cebu, Davao, and Olongapo by building and deploying the needed telco infrastructure in the most efficient way.

“Tower sharing is a means to address the demand for better internet experience. Our collaboration with tower experts will enable us to fast track the construction of cell sites and towers in unserved and underserved areas as well as congested urban centers,” Cu said.

Aboitiz InfraCapital chief operating officer Cosette Canilao said the collaboration would augment the existing coverage and capacity of Globe.

Canilao said the passive infrastructure, which include towers and support structures among others, would also be made available to other telecommunication service providers in the Philippines.

“Our partnership with Globe represents a significant first step in our effort to ramp up the country’s connectivity through infrastructure. Through the new common towers that will be built, Aboitiz InfraCapital, in partnership with FTAP, aims to build the right infrastructure that will advance the digitalization of businesses and communities,” Canilao said.

Aboitiz InfraCapital is expected to bring to the partnership the Aboitiz conglomerate’s extensive experience in building and operating provincial utility networks like the Visayan Electric Co. Inc., Davao Light and Power Co. Inc., and Cotabato Light and Power.

FTAP, a member of established international tower firm Frontier Tower Associates Group, is expected to bring the experience gained from rolling out and operating thousands of towers in the ASEAN region.

A cooperation agreement was signed between Aboitiz and FTAP on June 19 for the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of a common tower network.

FTAP chairman Patrick Tangney is optimistic about the anticipated changes in the Philippine telecom sector and the quality gains that will be facilitated by independent tower companies.