Mislatel seeks proposals from common tower firms

MANILA, Philippines — The Mislatel consortium is seeking proposals from experienced common tower providers as part of the ongoing preparatory works on its network.

Mislatel published yesterday an invitation to interested common tower companies to submit proposals on construction of towers which would be helpful in fulfilling the group’s commitment as the industry’s new major player.

“While Mislatel’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) is currently being processed by the NTC (National Telecommunications Commission), Mislatel intends to move forward with its roll-out plan pursuant to its commitments as the new major player,” the consortium said.

Mislatel is open to partnering with local or foreign companies, but is limiting it only to those that have experience in operating telco towers, have paid-up capital of at least P1 billion, and have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

The group has set a deadline of April 10 for the submission of proposals from interested tower providers.

The pool of the country’s aspiring common tower providers is currently composed of 15, all of which have signed respective MOUs with the DICT.

Mislatel has commenced preparatory works on its network while still waiting for finality on Congress resolution involving its franchise to ensure that there would be no delay in its rollout plan.

The deadline for the Mislatel consortium to submit to the NTC the necessary post-qualification requirements for the issuance of its CPCN, which will give it the authority to operate as a telco, had lapsed on Feb. 17.

With the delay in the resolution of its franchise, Mislatel’s planned start of commercial operations was earlier seen being moved further to early 2021 from the initial expected commencement date of late 2020, under the consideration that its CPCN would be awarded by March.