PLDT ups 2019 CAPEX to PHP70bn

Philippine telecoms giant PLDT Inc. has set aside CAPEX of at least PHP70 billion (USD1.33 billion) for FY 2019, up from the PHP58 billion committed last year, which will be used to ‘fortify’ its network infrastructure and to drive revenue growth. In the coming year, the firm’s technology-based capital expenditure will be allocated for mobile expansion (3G and 4G LTE), increases in capacity to support data traffic growth, transport network upgrades and continued investments in 5G. Furthermore, in the fixed line business segment PLDT intends to boost its fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) rollout to meet pent up demand from both residential and business users, upgrade its DSL facilities, increase the number of fibre-enabled base stations and invest further in submarine cables. ‘Our technology CAPEX will be at similar levels, as we continue to focus on improving our customers’ overall data experience, both in home and out of home [mobile],’ PLDT confirmed in the statement, while its chairman and CEO Manny Pangilinan played down suggestions it is worried about the entry of the ‘New Major Player’ (or ‘third telco’), Mislatel, saying the impact would be ‘modest’ as a major portion of PLDT’s revenues are derived from fixed telephony activities (whilst Mislatel’s chief initial focus is assumed to be mobile).