The country’s oldest and newest telecommunications companies, PLDT and DITO Telecommunity, have entered into an agreement for the construction of a transmission facility that will serve as an interconnection point for the subscribers of both telco firms.

PLDT will establish and manage the interconnection facility that will operate as the primary physical interface for both companies.

“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,” PLDT said in a statement Tuesday,

The facility is expected to be completed by end of March in time for the commercial operations of DITO.

Alfredo Panlilio, PLDT chief revenue officer and Smart Communications president and chief executive officer (CEO), emphasized the importance of interconnection between PLDT-Smart and DITO “as mandated by the NPC” that allows their users to communicate with each other.

“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,” Panlilio said.

Dennis Uy, DITO chairman and CEO, said working with the country’s other telecommunications companies was necessary and thanked those responsible for making the interconnection agreement 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 said.

Earlier, the National Telecommunications Commission said DITO is set for its commercial launch this coming March after passing its first network audit.

According to the results of the audit by R.G. Manabat & Co., DITO currently has a national population coverage of 37.48 percent and minimum average internet speeds of 85.9 megabits per second (Mbps) for 4G and 507 Mbps for 5G.