To support its network expansion program for its 4G/LTE and 5G services, Smart Communications said it has already signed agreements with six tower companies to build a pilot batch of almost 200 macro cell sites and is currently finalizing agreements with four more.
DICT undersecretary Ramon “RJ” Jacinto is tasked to lead in assisting government-owned broadcasting entities, the PCOO, and the DepEd in broadcasting basic education content as the country transitions to the new normal.
A lawmaker has urged the DICT to toughen its supervision of courier service providers following the seizure of 12 kilos of from the regional warehouse of J&T Express in Cebu.
From the 17,000 celll towers reported in February 2019 to the 23,230 towers by 2020, there is an increase of more than 6,000 towers mostly deployed by telcos.
In preparation for online learning this school year, the DICT said it has opened six Tech4ED Centers in San Fabian, Pangasinan and activated three Wi-Fi sites in Happy Valley in Baguio City.
The proposed legislation aims to establish an integrated and interoperable information system for the whole of government. The bill also aims to do away with paper-based and outdated models of bureaucratic work within government agencies.
DICT secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II said collocating with common towers will help telcos cut back on their expenses allocated in building up and maintaining their own towers.
The DICT has signed a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) with eight other national government agencies to streamline requirements and reduce procedural delays in securing the necessary permits for common towers.
