iSON Group investing $300 million to construct telco towers

MANILA, Philippines — Global technology conglomerate iSON Group is set to invest $300 million over the next decade for the rollout of 3,000 to 4,000 new telecommunication towers aimed at enhancing connectivity in the Philippines.

In a statement yesterday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the expansion plan was announced following a meeting between President Marcos and iSON Group chairman Vivek Gupta in India.

The group’s expansion will involve the construction of new telco towers, particularly in underserved rural areas.

The group’s telco arm iSON Tower will build 300 to 400 new towers annually under the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s common tower initiative, which seeks to promote infrastructure sharing for cost-efficient network expansion.

Apart from improving connectivity, particularly in underserved areas, the project is expected to support the country’s efforts to transition to a digitally connected and sustainable economy.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque welcomed iSON’s expansion in the Philippines, noting that the move supports the administration’s push for inclusive growth.

To support the group’s expansion plan in the country, the Department of Trade and Industry will be working with relevant agencies to facilitate regulatory approvals and applicable incentives under the CREATE MORE Act and the Strategic Investment Priority Plan.

“iSON’s decision to broaden its investments in the Philippines is more than a vote of confidence in our economy — it is a partnership in nation-building,” Roque said.

“Their work in building telecom towers directly supports our goal of bringing reliable mobile and internet services to remote communities, bringing high-quality jobs for Filipinos,” she said further.

At present, iSON Group operates in 35 countries and employs over 20,000 workers globally.

In the Philippines, iSON Tower has built 400 towers nationwide.