Department of Information and Communications Technology(DICT)

Dear Mr. Eduard Fernandez, Greetings! Thank you for your request dated February 09, 2021 under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information (e-FOI) in the Executive Branch. We understand that you submitted the following questions in relation to Independent Common Tower’s (ITC) through the e-FOI: 1. How many 5-year term ITC certificates of registration have been issued by the DICT so far? How many are being processed by the DICT at the moment? 2. Of the 50,000 new towers goal set up by the DICT, how many towers are expected to be developed by the ITCs? 3. How many construction permits for towers have been issued since the passing of the Bayanihan Act? How many permits are expected to be issued this year? We respond as follows: With regard to your 1st question, as of 2 March 2021, the DICT has issued fourteen (14) ITC Certificates of Registration, which is valid for 5 years. In addition, out of the twenty-three (23) tower companies issued with Provisional ITC Certificates of Registration, the DICT has granted the extension thereof in favor of three (3) ITCs. There are currently 6 pending ITC Applications being processed and reviewed by the Department. As for the 2nd and 3rd question, we recommend that you submit your questions to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and National Telecommunications Commissions (NTC), which are best suited to address your queries. Thank you. Respectfully, Honey Jane Fernando FOI Officer