FIBER solutions provider Converge ICT Solutions and third telecom operator DITO Telecommunity Corp., yesterday forged a landmark agreement that will allow the two companies to share select terrestrial and submarine fiber optic cable assets to increase operational efficiencies and reduce capital expenditure requirements.
The companies yesterday signed a Master Facilities Provisioning Agreement for a resource exchange arrangement that will strengthen the network of both operators.
The arrangement is seen translating to expanded coverage and increased redundancy.
“We want to leverage our respective existing facilities through this resource sharing agreement to bring us closer to our goal of empowering every Filipino home with quality broadband connectivity. Our collaboration will allow us to reach more customers and deliver a better service with increased resiliency,” said Dennis Anthony Uy, Converge chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder.
Ernesto Alberto, DITO Telecommunity CEO, said both firms have investments infused into the partnership that will benefit their customers.
“Under the spirit of forging alliances and healthy competition, this agreement is a testament to both our organizations’ shared commitment to provide the best user experience that our customers deserve — whether consumer or enterprise.” Alberto added.
Jesus Romero, Converge chief operations officer, noted this milestone agreement propels both networks as the robust state-of-the-art pure fiber network of Converge matches the brand new network of DITO Telecommunity.
As of November 2023, the total fiber assets of Converge spans 682,000 fiber kilometers and passes over 16.7 million homes, with its household coverage now at 62.3 percent of the total households in the Philippines.
DITO Telecommunity has over 7,000 cell sites reaching over 80 percent of the population located in over 850 cities and municipalities in the country. It now has over 9.5 million subscribers enjoying access to a pure 4G/5G network unhindered by any legacy infrastructure.
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Rodolfo Santiago, DITO Telecommunity chief technology officer, said both firms have initially identified six locations for network sharing.
“This agreement strengthens both our networks and eliminates the costly time, motion, financial, and manpower resources involved for such a network enhancement undertaking,” Santiago said. 30
