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By APD writer Melo M. Acuña
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company (MISLATEL) signed a memorandum of agreement that allows the new telecom provider to build its communications facilities inside military camps and installations.
In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said the agreement was signed yesterday at the AFP General Headquarters by Major General Adrian Sanchez, Jr., the Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, Electronics and Information Systems (CEIS), J6 and Atty. Adel Tamano, Chief Administrative Officer of MISLATEL.
MISLATEL, now known as Dito Telecommunity Corporation, received its license to operate last July and has the backing of China Telecom and Udenna Corporation chaired by businessman Dennis Uy. Industry sources said Dito consortium will begin commercial operations next year.
“This partnership gives MISLATEL a fair chance to compete with the other networks, given that the AFP also have similar partnership with Globe and Smart,” AFP Chief of Staff General Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr. said.
According to the agreement, the AFP will determine the specific locations with its rental value for use of MISLATEL in the installation and management of its communications sites without undermining the operations of affected AFP Units.
MISLATEL is also required to “furnish all equipment, labor, and materials necessary to effect the co—location” and payment of all taxes, permits, licenses and other charges.
Payment will be made by providing the AFP Communications, Electronics and Information Systems, upgrade services, and training to the AFP equivalent to the monetary value of the lease subject to inflation.
General madrigal said their existing MOAs with other telecommunications providers significantly improved the ICT infrastructure of the AFP and they remain optimistic this opportunity will also benefit the military.
It is known as Dito Telecommunity and is composed of Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corporation, Udenna Corp. and China Telecom. It was given the status of New Major Player in the telecommunications industry by the government-run National Telecommunications Commission last November 19,2018.
Dito President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Uy said they are grateful to the AFP for the partnership.
“The roll-out of Dito’s towers is indeed one herculean feat. With this partnership with the AFP, we are nearer our goal of building a wide and robust network,” Uy said.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by key AFP and Dito officials.
The Memorandum of Agreement was endorsed by AFP Chief of Staff General Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr. for approval of the Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
