en.Wedoany.com Reported - PLDT Inc. and DITO Telecommunity have signed an infrastructure sharing agreement to expand network coverage and enhance service reliability by sharing existing telecommunications infrastructure.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines the intent of both parties to share infrastructure and capacity on a reciprocal basis, without involving mutual payment. Under the agreement, PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications will grant DITO the right to use qualified macro base stations, enabling each operator to maximize the utilization of existing macro base stations and avoid redundant infrastructure construction.
The collaboration also includes co-location deployment of In-Building Solutions (IBS), allowing enterprises to share telecommunications infrastructure in commercial buildings and other indoor venues. The MoU further covers submarine cable capacity through Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) arrangements, a permanent and irrevocable contractual agreement in the telecommunications industry, allowing both operators to optimize the use of existing international connectivity assets.
Both companies stated that maximizing the use of existing infrastructure will expand network coverage, enhance service reliability, and provide better connectivity experiences for customers nationwide. By reducing unnecessary duplicate network investments, operators expect to deploy capital more efficiently while supporting a more resilient and future-ready telecommunications ecosystem.
The agreement was signed against the backdrop of cost control pressures faced by Philippine telecommunications operators. Multiple Philippine news outlets noted that intense competition and relatively low Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) have forced operators to cut costs, making the construction of next-generation infrastructure increasingly expensive. Meanwhile, operators are continuously investing in 5G networks while also preparing for higher computing intensity artificial intelligence services, further driving up the cost of digital infrastructure construction.
According to the latest publicly available user data from the end of 2025, the PLDT Group has approximately 59 million mobile users, 3.7 million fixed-line users, and about 4.1 million fixed and fixed wireless broadband users. DITO reported 15.2 million mobile users and approximately 319,000 fixed wireless access users as of the end of September 2025.
