This year, LTHI is spending P1.72 billion to boost the number of its Metro Manila cell sites from 400 to 600 to have full coverage of the megapolis. The company, which hinges its business on mobile broadband, also targets to increase its subscribers from 48,000 to 96,000 by year-end. In 2010, LTHI spent P1.06 billion for its network and transmission equipment.
Broadband services now drive the growth of the country’s telecommunication market. Hence, LTHI is offering broadband services ranging from data communications, inter-exchange carrier services and other voice services to specific customer segments via its subsidiaries wi-tribe Telecoms (formerly Liberty Broadcasting Network) and Skyphone Logistics Inc.
Congress granted wi-tribe Telecoms with a franchise to provide various types of domestic and international communication services to the public good until 2014. Last year, the company had its soft launch and started providing fourth generation (4G) broadband services using WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) technology.
Significantly, LTHI does not feel threatened at all by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT)’s takeover of Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc. (Digitel) although it will enable PLDT to have a 70% share in the local mobile phone market.
“We support the PLDT-Digitel deal. It will be good for the industry,” Ang declared. “My good friend, John Gokongwei (JG Summit Group Chairman) is getting a good deal. We are happy for him.”
At the moment, being in the fray seems to suffice for the telecom industry’s newest player. “We are not here to beat anybody. What’s important is we’ll be here to serve consumers,” was the LTHI Chairman’s parting shot.
