en.Wedoany.com Reported - Philippine operators PLDT and DITO have signed an infrastructure sharing agreement, under which both parties will optimize network deployment by sharing various forms of infrastructure and capacity, rather than paying each other.
Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by both parties, PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications will grant DITO reciprocal rights to use eligible tower sites under a mutual macro base station access arrangement. The MoU also covers in-building solutions (IBS) co-location, enabling both parties to share telecommunications infrastructure in commercial buildings and other indoor venues. Additionally, the MoU involves submarine cable capacity through Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) arrangements, allowing both companies to optimize the use of existing international connectivity assets.
Both companies stated that by maximizing the use of existing infrastructure, this collaboration will expand network coverage, improve service reliability, and provide better connectivity experiences for customers nationwide. Instead of building independent infrastructure at the same locations, PLDT, Smart, and DITO will maximize the use of existing macro base stations and in-building facilities, reducing redundant waste in network investments. The two companies believe this will enable them to deploy capital more efficiently, accelerate network expansion, provide broader coverage and more reliable connectivity for Philippine consumers, while supporting a more resilient and future-ready telecommunications ecosystem.
Some local news outlets noted that this partnership also reflects the increasing cost of next-generation infrastructure construction amid fierce competition and low average revenue per user, putting growing pressure on operators to control network costs. This arrangement comes as operators simultaneously invest in 5G networks and prepare to handle compute-intensive AI services, which raises the cost of digital infrastructure expansion.
Latest subscriber data is difficult to obtain. According to data from late 2025, the PLDT Group had approximately 59 million mobile subscribers, 3.7 million fixed-line subscribers, and 4.1 million fixed and fixed wireless broadband subscribers. News service Insider PH noted that as of the end of September 2025, DITO had 15.2 million mobile subscribers and 319,000 fixed wireless access subscribers. Another major player in the market, Globe Telecom, had an estimated 63.1 million subscribers as of last November.
