DICT Eyes Subsidies On Common Towers

The Department of Information and Communications Technology plans to grant subsidies to common tower companies that will build cellular towers in underserved and unserved areas.

DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr. said at least three tower companies had shown interest in signing an agreement with the agency to build more cell sites across the country.

ISOC Infrastructure Inc. was the first to sign an agreement with DICT in December, while at least three others were expected to follow suit.

The agreement will pave the way for the DICT to support a common tower company in facilitating permits, right of way, and provide other government support for infrastructure if it secures a contract with any of the telco operators.

The agreement will take effect for a period of 12 months from signing. Darwin G. Amojelar―Manila Standard