THIRD telecom player DITO Telecommunity Corp. plans to invest around P9 billion for the expansion of its network coverage nationwide in the next two to three years.
Following the recent completion of its fifth and last regulatory technical audit, DITO has exceeded its five-year network commitment rollout with the government, with a network coverage of 86 percent of the population and the completion of over 7,000 towers nationwide.
Eric Alberto, DITO chief executive officer, said in the next two to three years, the company aims to expand its network coverage to 90 percent of the population, with the construction of additional 800 cell site towers nationwide to reach 8,000 towers.
“We continue our growth trajectory, now that we completed our fifth and final audit with over 86 percent population coverage, we continue to expand our network. We continue to refine the network and maybe get into 90 percent of the population,” Alberto said in an interview on the sidelines of DITO’s launch of its free Wi-Fi at Clark International Airport through a partnership with Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD).
Alberto said currently, the average industry cost per tower is around $200,000 or over P9 billion for the rollout of 800 additional towers, which will be funded through internal cash flow.
DITO also eyes to reach earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization breakeven by next year, and be profitable in 2028, he added.
Last Thursday, DITO announced its partnership with LIPAD through a P50-million investment in high-speed Wi-Fi services for the next two years.
With DITO’s free Wi-Fi at Clark International Airport, passengers can experience secure, seamless and optimized use of fast internet access
DITO has achieved 86 percent population coverage and a minimum average broadband speed of 92.87 megabits per second (Mbps) for 4G and 587.70 Mbps for 5G, exceeding the mandated coverage and speed of 84 percent and 55 Mbps, respectively.