PLDT to build IT hub in Intramuros

MANILA, Philippines –  The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) is eyeing to build an information technology (IT) hub in the walled city of Intramuros, Manila.

This was announced by PLDT chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan on Twitter:

Just done visiting Intramuros. We aim to build an IT Hub in the area, close to academic community. Big boon to Manila.

— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) March 29, 2015

The dominant carrier is looking to put up the IT hub in a 500-to-600 square-meter lease space at the Palacio del Gobernador beside the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila.

The PLDT Group raised its budget for capital expenditures in 2015 by 12% to P39 billion ($870.79 million) from P34.8 billion ($777.18 million) last year in anticipation of higher data usage amid increasing smart phone ownership.

Bulk of the budget for this year would be used to activate more 3G base stations and expand its Time Division-Long Term Evolution (TD-LTE) and Frequency Division-LTE (FD-LTE).

Pangilinan earlier said that PLDT recognizes the need to complement its present business by participating in the digital world beyond providing access and connectivity.

 “This transition is expected to carry on for the near-term and will likely involve an investment phase in both capital expenditures and corporate assets,” Pangilinan added.

For 2015, the PLDT chief said the company would continue to face intense competitive pressure, continued influence from over-the-top players, and higher capex for the buildup of its 3G and 4G networks.

“Beyond 2015, we see brighter prospects for PLDT,” he said.

PLDT president Napoleon Nazareno also said the company is accelerating efforts to “reshape the PLDT Group into a converged digital communication business from a telco-access business.” – Rappler.com