DITO Telecommunity Corp. is spending P15 billion this year to further expand its 5G coverage nationwide, aiming to deliver high-speed mobile broadband services.
Eric Alberto, DITO president said the company’s capital expenditure for 2025 is between P10 billion and P15 billion, with the final amount depending on demand.
“Most of our investment will be in 5G. Naturally, not only here in the Philippines but all over the world, people are investing more in 5G technologies, particularly in markets like ours where fiber isn’t viable,” he said.
DITO’s network covers over 86 percent of the population, with 25 percent of its network being 5G-capable.
Alberto said DITO expects to generate over P20 billion in revenue this year, attributing this to effective cost management.
“ We’ve managed to keep our cost down,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alberto voiced his support for the industry’s stance on the Konektadong Pinoy Bill.
“I share the industry’s views. As I’ve heard some senior regulatory executives express, especially in a developing country like ours, it’s crucial to maintain a level playing field and apply the same rules to all players, including incumbents,” he said.
Alberto emphasized the rigorous process DITO underwent.
“We had to go through a rigid selection process, satisfy regulatory audits on coverage and speed, and we pay supervisory and regulatory fees, and so on.”
He argued against altering existing regulations without careful consideration.
“There are many rules governing telco players in this country. To liberalize them with complete disregard for the rules imposed on existing players doesn’t create a fair and level playing field,” Alberto said.
“This is essential if we want to entice serious investment and avoid changing the rules for an industry that, as I mentioned, is capital-intensive, even more so as technologies advance,” he said.