Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) have lauded a recent move to fast-track the electrification and rollout of telecommunications facilities in rural areas.

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) recently published Memorandum Order No. 2024-18, which provides guidelines streamlining the energization process for telecommunications towers in areas covered by electric cooperatives, cutting the processing time to 30 days.

"PLDT and Smart are proud to have worked alongside NEA, the Anti-Red Tape Authority, other mobile network operators, independent tower companies, and other government and private sector stakeholders in crafting these guidelines, helping pave the way for the faster rollout of telco infrastructure across the nation and ultimately boosting the government's country-wide digitalization thrust," said Atty. Pamela B. Felizarta, Head of Joint Strategic Operations at Smart.

This support is aligned with PLDT and Smart's longstanding partnership with the Government as a whole to narrow the digital divide, bringing the benefits of the internet closer to more Filipinos across the country.

Previously, PLDT also supported ARTA's telco workshops, which aimed to further address the bottlenecks in the permitting, licensing, and authorizing process to improve connectivity, particularly in far-flung areas.

PLDT also participated in the crafting of the implementing rules of Executive Order No. 32  (s. 2023) signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July 2023, which streamlined the permitting process for the construction, installation, repair, operation and maintenance of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure in the country.

Recently, PLDT also expressed its support for the government's push to help more local government units digitalize and streamline their processes through the eLGU program.

These initiatives underscore the PLDT group’s commitment to help the country contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) particularly on SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.