Smart buys 40% equity stake in ISP Primeworld

Smart Communications, the mobile unit of Filipino incumbent Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co (PLDT), has purchased a 40% stake in domestic internet service provider (ISP) Primeworld Digital Systems Inc (PDSI) and will reportedly look to acquire the firms remaining outstanding shares before the year end. The Philippine Daily Inquirer writes that Smart is purchasing the ISP in order to strengthen its position in the wireless broadband business segment. PDSI was created in 1996 as one of the country’s first ISPs and has since evolved into a full telecoms service provider offering IP-based services such as internet connectivity, data centre services, VPNs, VoIP and managed security. In addition, the company also owns and operates a wireless in the local loop (WiLL) network. It offers services under the mandate of Republic Act No. 8992 which was granted in 2001, and allows PDSI to provide national and international communications services, including mobile (cellular)/wireless telecommunications systems and their value added services (VAS). The paper reports that the company also holds a provisional permit from the NTC to build and operate a data communications network.