PLDT, DITO Interconnection Deal Stirs Social Media

The recent interconnection deal between giant telecommunications company PLDT and newcomer DITO has stirred social media and caused users to rant.

Many did not understand the context of the agreement made by PLDT and DITO. Some netizens even merged their names and created "PLDITO" memes.

PLDT's press release about the deal reads:

The country’s largest integrated telecommunications company PLDT and telco newcomer DITO have recently entered into an agreement for the construction of a transmission facility that will 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.

PLDT Chief Revenue Officer and Smart Communications President and CEO Al Panlilio emphasized how “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.”

“During this pandemic, technology has been a lifeline for our customers so we want to make sure that our connectivity is solid in helping our fellow Filipinos and the entire nation during these critical times. We thank DITO for this partnership and I am looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship,” he added.

Through PLDT’s technology and expertise, the interconnection hub will deliver the intercarrier requirements of DITO which 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 in time for the commercial operations of DITO.

DITO Telecommunity Chairman and CEO Dennis Uy shared during the virtual signing how “being chosen as the country’s third player, DITO knew from day 1 that in order for us to deliver our commitment to the Filipino, we needed to work hand-in-hand with the pioneers of the telco industry like PLDT. I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone in 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,” Uy added.

PLDT has been heavily investing in its network and expanding its coverage to service more businesses and consumers, both in the country and abroad. Currently, PLDT operates the most expansive fiber optic network among local ISPs reaching over 429,000 kilometers.

Collectively, the PLDT Group has spent over P286 billion in the last five years which further boosted its network coverage to benefit more subscribers, helped the nation manage and cope amid the global pandemic, and accelerated the roll out of more digital services including the roll out of 5G.

By Wikipedia definition, "interconnection is the physical linking of a carrier's network with equipment or facilities not belonging to that network. The term may refer to a connection between a carrier's facilities and the equipment belonging to its customer, or to a connection between two or more carriers."

As far as we know, in layman's terms, telcos do this normally as required by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)  for subscribers to connect and be able to communicate with (call or text) one another.

We believe that the two companies need to explain the deal further to eliminate doubts and criticisms from subscribers and the general public.