Dito completes interconnection with Smart, Globe

MANILA, Philippines — Dito Telecommunity has completed the interconnection of its mobile network with major telecommunications providers in the Philippines.

This means subscribers of Dito can send text messages and make voice calls to those using PLDT Inc.-Smart Communications and Globe Telecom.

“This effort is a reflection of Globe’s commitment to fair and healthy competition in the telco industry, as well as its adherence to the rules and regulations prevailing in competition and telecom laws,” Froilan Castelo, Globe general counsel, said in a statement.

Globe said it was further working to finalize the interconnection of fixed landline service with Dito, a telco startup owned by Davao-based businessman Dennis A. Uy and China Telecom.

Interconnection among telco providers is in line with provisions for compulsory interconnection of authorized public telecommunications carriers under Republic Act 7925.

Dito Telecommunity made its official market debut last March 8 in Visayas and Mindanao. It also expanded its coverage area last week to include parts of Luzon.

The new areas covered by Dito are General Santos City in South Cotabato, Compostela and Cordova in Cebu, Malvar, Tanauan, Lipa City, Santo Tomas in Batangas, Silang and Tagaytay City in Cavite, Los Banos and Calamba in Laguna, Baliuag in Bulacan, Palayan, Santa Rosa, Science City of Munoz, Talavera, Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecjia and Tarlac City, Capas, Concepcion and Gerona in Tarlac.

Under a five-year commitment period that ends in 2024, Dito said it would provide network coverage to 84 percent of the Philippine population and offer a minimum average internet speed of 55 megabits per second.

TSB