Philippines-based operator DITO Telecommunity expressed confidence in passing a first government technical audit of its network which begins next week (January 7), to stay on course for its March launch.
TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate reported, the debutant operator informed the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on January 7 of its readiness for the test. The operator received a six-month extension for preparations due to delays caused by the global health crisis.
DITO Telecommunity must deliver coverage to 37% of the population with a minimum download speed of 27Mbps. Independent auditor R G Manabat & Co will be putting the operator through its paces, testing around 1,600 cell sites.
Adel Tamano, DITO Telecommunity chief administrative officer said: “For the past months, amid the difficulties posed by the current global pandemic, DITO has made great strides in the rollout to ensure that the results of the audit will be positive”. He added the company will launch its network in March as planned.
The operator has another technical audit in July, at which it has to cover 51% of the population with connectivity, with a minimum download speed of 55Mbps.
If the company fails, its audits the government will retake allocated frequencies and seize its PHP25.7 billion ($535 million) bond.
In December, the company bullishly stated it will cover 90% of the population by the end of its five-year deployment plan. DITO secured a 25-year franchise renewal from the government.
