In 2019, an estimated $20.2 billion will be invested in developed and emerging market rural cell-sites, a 1.2% increase from 2018, according to analyst firm ABI Research.
In January, the DICT said it wanted to reduce to seven days the process of issuance of permits for telcos in compliance with Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Act. Currently, it takes eight months to secure at least 25 necessary permits and documents on building towers.