ABOITIZ InfraCapital Inc., in partnership with Frontier Tower Associates Philippines Inc. (FTAP), further strengthened its presence in the tower-sharing market after signing on August 19 a common-tower agreement with Smart Communications Inc., almost two months after inking a similar deal with Globe Telecom Inc.
In a statement on Monday, the infrastructure business arm of the Aboitiz Group said that under the memorandum of understanding they signed, the parties “agreed to discuss and negotiate the lease of build-to-suit sites, towers and passive telecommunications infrastructure and facilities for Smart’s installation of telecommunications facilities and equipment….”
While the deployment of the telco’s facilities would be nationwide, the focus would be on the Visayas and Mindanao, it added.
Aboitiz InfraCapital also said it would leverage its distribution utilities Visayan Electric Co. Inc., Davao Light and Power Co. Inc., and Cotabato Light, while FTAP would bank on its experience of rolling out and operating thousands of towers the in region.
“This latest collaboration with Smart is in step with Aboitiz InfraCapital’s goal to ramp up the country’s connectivity through infrastructure,” Cosette V. Canilao, Aboitiz InfraCapital chief operating officer, was quoted as saying in the statement.
“Through these new common towers, Aboitiz InfraCapital, in partnership with FTAP, aims to build the right infrastructure that will advance business and communities,” she added.
For his part, Smart President and Chief Executive Officer Alfredo Panlilio said in the statement the deal would help his company “accelerate the delivery of wireless services to more areas nationwide.”
Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/aboitiz-unit-smart-ink-common-tower-deal/606672/