PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc have commended the National Electrification Administration (NEA)'s effort to streamline the energization process for telecommunication towers in rural areas nationwide.
NEA recently published Memorandum Order No. 2024-18, which serve as guidelines for the "construction and energization of distribution lines and association equipment for the supply of power to passive telco tower infrastructure (PTTI) within the coverage areas of electric cooperatives."
According to the memo, "all electric cooperatives are directed to prioritize applications for the installation, construction, and energization of Connection Assets s well as the connection of a PTTI to the cooperative's distribution system."
It seeks to reduce processing time to 30 days, including pre- and post-construction and energization.
"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.
PLDT also participated in drafting the implementing rules of Executive Order No. 32, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July 2023. This sought to expedite the permitting process for the construction, installation, repair, operation and maintenance of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure in the country.