PLDT, Globe to link with Dito

MANILA, Philippines — Telecommunications giants PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc. have signed interconnection deals with telco newcomer Dito Telecommunity Corp. to ensure seamless communication of their customers.

PLDT said it has entered into an agreement with Dito for the construction of a transmission facility that would serve as the point of interconnection for their subscribers.

Under the agreement, PLDT will establish and manage the interconnection facility that will operate as the primary physical interface for both companies.

“It is important for us that we establish this interconnection capability between PLDT-Smart and the customers of Dito as mandated by the NTC, and principally to make sure that our customers are able to communicate,” PLDT chief revenue officer and Smart Communications Inc. president and CEO Al Panlilio said.

Dito chief technology officer Rodolfo Santiago said the company has also signed an interconnection deal with the Ayala-led Globe.

“The infrastructure for both interconnections (PLDT and Globe) are being built already and being tested. We’re hoping that within March, both interconnections will be established already,” he said.

Santiago said Dito is also in talks with other telcos on how to establish interconnection.

“It’s an interconnection agreement so that their subscribers can call our subscribers and our subscribers can call their subscribers,” he said.

The interconnection hub will deliver the intercarrier requirements of the new telco player and will benefit all fixed and wireless subscribers of PLDT and Dito by enabling them to communicate and connect to all the services needed.

The planned facility is expected to be completed by end-March, according to PLDT.

“Being chosen as the country’s third player, Dito knew from day one that in order for us to deliver our commitment to the Filipino, we need to work hand-in-hand with the pioneers of the telco industry like PLDT,” Dito chairman and CEO Dennis Uy said.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone for making the interconnection agreement between Dito and PLDT possible. It’s been a privilege to work alongside all of you in providing the Philippines with the world-class connectivity that we all deserve,” he said.

Dito chief technology officer Rodolfo Santiago said the company has also signed an interconnection deal with the Ayala-led Globe.

“The infrastructure for both interconnections (PLDT and Globe) are being built already and being tested. We’re hoping that within March, both interconnections will be established already,” he said.

Santiago said Dito is also in talks with other telcos on how to establish interconnection.

“It’s an interconnection agreement so that their subscribers can call our subscribers and our subscribers can call their subscribers,” he said.