Tower companies line up P30 billion projects until 2028

MANILA, Philippines —  Independent tower companies (towercos) are committing P30 billion in projects through 2028 to support government efforts to improve internet services in underserved markets.

Towercos yesterday said they have put up independent towers with an investment value of more than P200 billion over the past five years.

Over the next three years, the towercos said this pipeline would receive a boost of P30 billion to bring more towers that could expand mobile reach in underserved areas.

Towercos sign sale and leaseback arrangements with telco providers for the shared use of towers. This model delivers a cost-efficient way of expanding connectivity services in both high-density districts and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

Recently, towercos met with Information Secretary Henry Aguda to discuss their expansion plans and how it aligns with his agenda of digital inclusion. Towercos said they support Aguda in his push to bring quality connectivity to more Filipinos.

Kalvin Parpan, spokesman for the towercos, said they look forward to collaborating with Aguda in projects that narrow the digital gap, especially in GIDAs.

“We see in him the kind of leadership that doesn’t just build infrastructure, but builds bridges for every Filipino to thrive in a digital economy,” Parpan said.

Apart from infrastructure partnerships, Parpan said the towercos are ready to work with Aguda in crafting telco policies and reforming the regulatory landscape.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) aims to set up 50,000 free WiFi sites across the archipelago before the end of the Marcos administration. This rollout is expected to benefit more than 12.5 million Filipinos.

The DICT, under Aguda, also seeks to generate as much as $9 billion in investments for digital infrastructure. The agency expects these investments to create up to 18,000 jobs.

Moreover, the DICT is aiming to trim internet prices by as high as 50 percent with the arrival of more providers through the Konektadong Pinoy Act.

Now approved by lawmakers, the measure eliminates the requirement for new data transmission players to obtain a legislative franchise to operate in the Philippines, easing business barriers and improving telco competition.