Japan-led telco to boost connectivity within BCDA development areas

BAGUIO CITY (October 10, 2024) – State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) just inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with independent telecom tower operator LBS Digital Infrastructure Corporation (LDIC) to undertake a digital infrastructure project that will boost internet connectivity in New Clark City in Tarlac, Morong Discovery Park in Bataan, Camp John Hay in Baguio, and areas in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

According to BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang, who together with LDIC President and CEO Ramoncito S. Yu III signed the MOU, the link-up (will) “fast track discussions with mobile network operators and get their approval in the deployment and subleasing of common towers in New Clark City, Morong Discovery Park, Bonifacio Global City, and Camp John Hay.”

LDIC is a homegrown independent telecommunications tower operator majority owned by major investment and trading Japanese house Sojitz Corporation and Filipino-based firm New Founderco Holdings Corporation.

“Our partnership with LDIC represents a significant step in our goal to ramp up internet connectivity in our developments. Through this initiative, we can build the right infrastructure that will advance and propel digitalization of businesses and communities present in our developments,” Engr. Bingcang explained.

Also according to Engr. Bingcang, “(the partnership) is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s direction to tap private sector expertise in harnessing the efficiency of common towers and other passive information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure in providing reliable internet connectivity to all Filipinos.”

LDIC, as prescribed in the MOU, will conduct studies to determine the financial viability and feasibility of the digital infrastructure project without any cost to BCDA, as well as submit the pre-investment and business studies within one year upon BCDA’s approval.

Aside from LDIC, another local telecommunication tower operator, PhilTower Consortium Incorporated, has expressed interest in partnering with BCDA to further improve digital connectivity in BCDA’s developments, such as Bonifacio Global City, New Clark City, and Morong Discovery Park. To date, PhilTower currently has existing rooftop cell sites in New Clark City, particularly situated at the Government Building and the National Academy of Sports.

BCDA is also implementing the commercialization of the passive ICT infrastructure in New Clark City, which is seen to form the foundation for robust fiber infrastructure and competitive retail internet services in the 9,450-hectare metropolis.

These initiatives are consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9, helping to build resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.