Ernesto "Eric" Alberto, president of DITO Telecommunity, proudly highlighted the company’s recent milestones during an Oct. 8, 2024 gathering of company executives, regulators, and business partners on the recent successful completion of its final mandated network audit.
“Today, we stand proud and grateful. In just five years—two of which were during the height of the COVID pandemic—we’ve achieved what many thought was impossible,” Alberto said.
“Our mission was never just about building infrastructure; it was about enhancing our customers’ digital lives,” he added.
DITO executives at the event included Adel Tamano, head of DITO Business, chief technology officer Rodolfo Santiago, DITO CME president Donald Lim and chief financial officer Leo Venezuela.
Subscriber growth
DITO, a venture between Davao-based tycoon Dennis A. Uy’s Udenna Group and China Telecom, reached a new milestone last week as it breached the 13 million subscriber mark, Alberto said.
“This is not just a number; it represents the trust and confidence that millions of Filipinos have placed in us. And it is just the beginning of what we intend to achieve in the coming years,” he said.
Focus on opportunity
Entering a market long dominated by two major telcos, DITO recognized the challenge but saw a greater opportunity.
“The opportunity not just to compete, but to transform how Filipinos experience telecommunications and digitally enabled lifestyles,” Alberto said.
“Why did DITO take on these challenges as the third telco, one may ask? The answer is simply because it was necessary,” he said.
“The industry needed a shake-up, and since our entry, the results have been undeniable,” he said.
State-of-the-art network
“Back in 2017, the Philippines ranked 100th globally in download speeds, averaging just 10 Mbps according to Ookla,” Alberto said.
“Today, we’ve climbed to 81st place, with the country’s average internet speed now at 23 Mbps. This improvement is led by DITO, with mobile broadband speeds of over 90 Mbps for 4G, and over 580 Mbps for 5G,” he added.
Strong partnerships
Alberto also acknowledged their key partners and backers for helping drive the company’s growth.
These included Uy and China Telecom, represented at the event by Wade Xiao.
“Your vision, leadership, and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping DITO’s path. Thank you for believing in our mission and for your commitment to making a difference in the telecommunications landscape of the Philippines,” Alberto said.
