DITO backs new administration's push for universal connectivity

One of the country’s three major telecom players, DITO Telecommunity expressed its full support for President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s marching order to boost connectivity across the Philippines.

"We promise to deliver to the new administration's goal of ensuring every Filipino thrives as the digital world grows, especially highlighted during the pandemic," DITO Chief Administrative Officer Adel Tamano said.

"We have been aggressively building our network to meet our commitments, earmarking massive investments to address Filipino consumers' rising demand for reliable and high-speed internet connectivity," he added.

In his first State of the Nation Address on Monday, President Marcos emphasized the need to push for universal connectivity as he warned the digital divide might be "more pronounced" amid the acceleration of digitalization.

"Universal connectivity will be a vital component in order to ensure that no citizen is left behind," he said.

President Marcos said he mandated Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan Uy to develop the connectivity in remote areas and islands through the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, the common tower program, and the 'Broadband ng Masa' project.

"All relevant modes of digital transport should be utilized. These may be through a combination of terrestrial or submarine fiber optics, wireless and even satellite technology," President Marcos said.

For its part, DITO has been actively participating in the government's tower-sharing market to help bolster its reach nationwide.

After over a year of commercial operations, the third telco player has established more than 5,500 towers, connecting more than 600 cities and municipalities with quality telco services.

The first phase of its submarine cable system, which links the three major Philippine islands, has been up and running since March 2021. As of June 2022, the group has already laid out over 30,000 kilometers of fiber cable link.

DITO Chief Technology Officer Rodolfo Santiago also bared the group's plan of tapping satellite technology to reach underserved and unserved areas.

"With the expansion of our digital infrastructure, DITO is ready to help the Philippines emerge stronger from the pandemic," Santiago said.

For more information on DITO Telecommunity, visit DITO's official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/DITOphofficial) or website (www.dito.ph).