Smart taps tower firms to build 200 sites

Smart Communications Inc. seeks to hasten its mobile network deployment by tapping at least six common tower builders.

In a statement on Wednesday, the wireless arm of PLDT Inc. said about 200 macro cell sites were expected after signing deals with the Phil Tower Consortium, ISOC edotco Towers Inc., Frontier Tower Associates Philippines Inc., ALT Global Solutions Inc., Communication and Renewable Energy Infrastructure Phils. Inc. and Ison Tower Ltd. Inc. It is also in talks with four others.

“The common tower strategy is part of parent company PLDT and Smart’s broader effort to improve services, particularly for data, across the country,” Smart said.

“The agreements are also in support of the government’s common tower program aimed at improving internet speeds and coverage nationwide through the construction of new cell sites,” it added.

Smart claims the Pangilinan-led telecommunications giant has been delivering “the widest range of connectivity services as the country’s only fully integrated telecoms and digital services provider”

Smart says its mobile broadband service now covers 93 percent of the country’s municipalities, serving 95 percent of the population.

PLDT shares fell by P7 or 0.48 percent to finish at P1,441 each on Wednesday.

Source: TheManila Times