Dito Telecommunity

{{Short description|Telecommunications company in the Philippines}} {{Use Philippine English|date=September 2022}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}} {{Infobox company | name = Dito Telecommunity | former_name = Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company (1998–2019) | logo = Dito-logo.svg | logo_caption = Logo used since 2020 | logo_size = 220px | traded_as = | caption = | image = | image_caption = | type = Subsidiary | founded = Davao City, Philippines<br />{{start date and age|1998|04|19}}<ref name="republicact" /><ref name="congressoks" /> | key_people = {{ubl|Dennis A. Uy (Chairman) and [https://www.marketscreener.com/business-leaders/Ernesto-Alberto-06SQ4T-E/biography/ Ernesto R. Alberto](CEO)}} | area_served = Philippines | industry = Telecommunications | predecessors = | products = Call and Text messaging services, Mobile internet | homepage = {{URL|www.dito.ph}} | divisions = | subsid = | owner = {{ubl|Dito CME Holdings Corporation (60%)|China Telecommunications Corporation (40%)}}<br> | parent = | revenue = {{Increase}} PH₱16.3 billion (2024) | net_income = {{Decrease}} PH₱−14.7 billion (2024) | num_employees = | location_country = Philippines<ref name="DITOservices" /> | location_city = Udenna Tower, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila | module = {{infobox network service provider|child=yes|asn=139831}} }}

'''Dito Telecommunity Corporation''' (stylized as '''DITO'''),<ref name="DITOgetspermit">{{cite web |title=Mislatel, now DITO Telecommunity, is a Filipino-Chinese company which got a permit to operate as 3rd telco |url=https://cnnphilippines.com/business/2019/7/8/Mislatel-DITO-Telecommunity.html |website=CNN Philippines |access-date=8 July 2019 |date=8 July 2019 |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411154723/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/business/2019/7/8/Mislatel-Dito-Telecommunity.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="mislateltorebrand">{{cite web |last1=Balinbin |first1=Arjay L. |title=Mislatel to rebrand as 'DITO Telecommunity' after getting license |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/mislatel-to-rebrand-as-DITO-telecommunity-after-getting-license/ |website=BusinessWorld |access-date=8 July 2019 |date=8 July 2019 |archive-date=January 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116114212/https://www.bworldonline.com/mislatel-to-rebrand-as-dito-telecommunity-after-getting-license/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="prrdhandsmislatel">{{cite web |last1=Parrocha |first1=Azer |title=PRRD hands Mislatel Consortium permit to operate as 3rd telco |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074398 |work=Philippine News Agency |access-date=8 July 2019 |date=8 July 2019 |archive-date=July 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708152418/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074398 |url-status=live }}</ref> formerly known as '''Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company, Inc.''' or '''Mislatel''',<ref name="republicact" /><ref name="congressoks" /> is a telecommunications company in the Philippines which is also engaged in the business of multimedia and information technology.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DITO.PH {{!}} DITO CME Holdings Corp. Company Profile & Executives - WSJ|url=https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/PH/XPHS/DITO/company-people|access-date=2020-10-07|website=www.wsj.com|archive-date=October 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009064321/https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/PH/XPHS/DITO/company-people|url-status=live}}</ref> It is a consortium of DITO CME Holdings Corporation, a subsidiary of the Udenna Corporation which is owned by Davao businessman Dennis Uy, and China Telecommunications Corporation, a state-owned enterprise of the government of mainland China and a parent company of China Telecom.<ref name="shareswapdito">{{cite web |title=DITO CME Approves UDENNA CME Share Swap |url=https://www.udenna.ph/news/dito-cme-approves-udenna-cme-share-swap |website=Udenna Group |access-date=June 26, 2021 |date=November 9, 2020 |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626235001/https://www.udenna.ph/news/dito-cme-approves-udenna-cme-share-swap |url-status=live }}</ref>

The consortium is known as the sole winner of the government-sanctioned bidding that would allow the consortium to become the third major telecommunications provider in the Philippines challenging the duopoly of PLDT and Globe Telecom.<ref name="mislatel1">{{cite news | url=https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/11/9/major-telco-player-NTC.html | title=Udenna-China Telecom wins provisional bid as 3rd telco player | last=De Guzman | first=Luchi | date=November 9, 2018 | publisher=CNN Philippines | access-date=June 20, 2019 | archive-date=July 9, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183345/https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/11/9/major-telco-player-NTC.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>

DITO Telecommunity began its commercial operations on March 8, 2021.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Marasigan, Lorenz S. |title=DITO all set for month-long technical audit |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/01/08/DITO-all-set-for-month-long-technical-audit/ |website=BusinessMirror |date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-date=January 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113013221/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/01/08/dito-all-set-for-month-long-technical-audit/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite news |last1=Fenol |first1=Jessica |title=DITO now available in Visayas, Mindanao; will be in NCR 'in a few weeks' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/03/08/21/dennis-uy-leads-dito-commercial-debut-dito-telecommunity-now-available-in-visayas-mindanao |access-date=4 July 2021 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=8 March 2021 |language=en |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308062732/https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/03/08/21/dennis-uy-leads-dito-commercial-debut-dito-telecommunity-now-available-in-visayas-mindanao |url-status=live }}</ref> It offers commercial wireless services through its 4G LTE, and LTE-A networks, with 5G currently being deployed in key locations in the Philippines. As of August 2023, DITO's total mobile subscriber base stands at 7.74 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Piad |first=Tyrone Jasper C. |date=2023-08-07 |title=Telco unfazed by SIM card purge |url=https://business.inquirer.net/414463/telco-unfazed-by-sim-card-purge |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}</ref> DITO gave out a free data allocation of 1 gigabyte for each subscriber when it hit a million customers three months after its official rollout.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/791737/dito-telecom-hits-1m-subscribers-announces-free-1gb-data/story/%3famp | title=Dito Telecom hits 1M subscribers, announces free 1GB data | website=GMA News Online | date=June 16, 2021 | access-date=June 21, 2021 | archive-date=January 16, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116164442/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/791737/dito-telecom-hits-1m-subscribers-announces-free-1gb-data/story/?amp/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

==History== ===Early years as Mislatel=== The DITO Telecommunity's history can be traced back to the establishment of Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company, Inc. (Mislatel), which is enacted by Congressional legislation on April 19, 1998, under Republic Act No. 8627, allowing the franchise to construct, install, establish, operate and maintain a telecommunication system throughout the Philippines.<ref name="republicact">{{cite PH act | chamber=RA | number=8627 | url=https://thecorpusjuris.com/legislative/republic-acts/ra-no-8627.php | title=An Act Granting the Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company, Inc. a Franchise to Construct, Establish, Install, Maintain and Operate Wire and/or Wireless Telecommunications Systems in the Philippines | date=April 19, 1998 | access-date=September 24, 2022 | archive-date=January 16, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116164444/https://thecorpusjuris.com/legislative/republic-acts/ra-no-8627.php | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="congressoks" />

===Third major telecommunications provider bid=== {{further|2018 Philippine third telecommunications provider bidding}} In 2018, it was announced that Mislatel was one of the telecommunication firms to join the government-sanctioned bidding, allowing the winner to become the third major telco provider in the Philippines, challenging the duopoly of PLDT and Globe.<ref>{{cite news |title=A quick look at the three firms that submitted bids to be third telco |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/11/07/1866659/quick-look-three-firms-submitted-bids-be-third-telco |access-date=12 November 2018 |work=The Philippine Star |date=7 November 2018}}</ref> Mislatel became a joint-consortium between Udenna Corporation, its subsidiary Chelsea Logistics, and the Chinese state-owned and parent company of China Telecom, China Telecommunications Corporation.<ref name="mislatel1"/><ref name="poesees">{{cite news |last1=Fernandez |first1=Butch |title=With 3rd player, Poe sees telecom reforms |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/with-3rd-player-poe-sees-telecom-reforms/ |access-date=12 November 2018 |work=BusinessMirror |date=8 November 2018 |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112102909/https://businessmirror.com.ph/with-3rd-player-poe-sees-telecom-reforms/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The consortium was finally named as the "provisional third major player" by the NTC, beating out two other firms, Sear Telecom consortium and PT&T in the bidding.<ref name="mislatel1"/>

The Senate and the House of Representatives approved the transfer of ownership of Mislatel to the latter's consortium.<ref>{{cite news |title=Senate approves Mislatel transfer of ownership to Dennis Uy, China Telecom consortium |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/02/06/19/senate-approves-mislatel-transfer-of-ownership-to-dennis-uy-china-telecom-consortium |access-date=June 20, 2018 |website=ABS-CBN News |date=February 6, 2019 |archive-date=February 13, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250213122824/https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/02/06/19/senate-approves-mislatel-transfer-of-ownership-to-dennis-uy-china-telecom-consortium |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="congressoks">{{cite news | url=https://cnnphilippines.com/business/2019/5/23/Congress-Mislatel-franchise.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524161633/https://cnnphilippines.com/business/2019/5/23/Congress-Mislatel-franchise.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=May 24, 2019 | title=Congress OKs Mislatel's transfer to Dennis Uy-China Telecom group | date=May 23, 2019 | publisher=CNN Philippines | access-date=June 20, 2019 }}</ref> In June 2019, the consortium's stakeholders completed a share-purchase agreement with Mislatel, and were then awaiting their permit to operate, tentatively by July 2019.<ref name="mislatel3">{{cite news | url=https://www.bworldonline.com/mislatel-consortium-finishes-on-step-towards-operation/ | title=Mislatel consortium finishes on step towards operation | date=June 14, 2019 | website=BusinessWorld | access-date=June 20, 2019 }}</ref><ref name="mislatel4">{{cite news | url=https://business.inquirer.net/272609/mislatel-consortium-eyes-permit-to-operate-by-july | title=Mislatel Consortium eyes permit to operate by July | date=January 31, 2019 | last=Camus | first=Miguel | newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer | access-date=June 20, 2019 | archive-date=June 20, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620115405/https://business.inquirer.net/272609/mislatel-consortium-eyes-permit-to-operate-by-july | url-status=live }}</ref>

The consortium paid a ₱25.7 billion performance bond to the government as it committed to provide internet service with a speed of 200 megabits per second to more than a third of the population on its first year of operation.<ref name="DITOservices" /><ref name="DITOmarch2021" />

===Relaunch as DITO=== thumb|Dito Telecommunity logo (2019–2020) [[File:Duterte awards Mislatel CPCN.jpg|thumb|250px|President Rodrigo Duterte awards the company its Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.]] On July 8, 2019, Mislatel was renamed as DITO Telecommunity.<ref name="DITOgetspermit" /><ref name="mislateltorebrand" /><ref name="prrdhandsmislatel" /><ref name="frommislateltoDITO">{{cite web |title=From Mislatel to DITO, why the name change? |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/07/09/19/from-mislatel-to-DITO-why-the-name-change |website=ABS-CBN News |access-date=11 July 2019 |date=9 July 2019 |archive-date=May 24, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250524093905/https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/07/09/19/from-mislatel-to-dito-why-the-name-change |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Medilo |first1=Luis Reginaldo |title=Mislatel Consortium Gets License to Operate, Rebrands as Dito Telecommunity |url=https://techpilipinas.com/mislatel-consortium-license-operate-dito-telecommunity/ |work=Tech Pilipinas |date=July 9, 2019 |archive-date=August 2, 2021 |access-date=August 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802165256/https://techpilipinas.com/mislatel-consortium-license-operate-dito-telecommunity/ |url-status=live }}</ref> DITO was derived from the Filipino word for "here", which is a response to the stakeholders' question on where they plan to set up a firm that would provide a "world class service" with "here" referring to the Philippines, the country where DITO Telecommunity is based in.<ref name="frommislateltoDITO" />

thumb|250px|right|alt= Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued to the Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company, Inc. 8 July 2019|Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity of the company. At the same date of the announcement of the company's renaming, DITO Telecommunity was granted its permit to operate after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte awarded the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity by the National Telecommunications Commission to its chairman Dennis Uy during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace, Malacañang.<ref name="DITOgetspermit" /><ref name="mislateltorebrand" /><ref name="prrdhandsmislatel" />

On September 6, 2019, DITO announced its plans to build its own campus on an {{convert|8|ha|adj=on}} lot at Clark Global City. The campus will house the company's own data center and will hold DITO's operational departments, network operations center, call center, and regional center. It will also serve as the hub for DITO's research and development in the telecommunications space.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rivas |first1=Ralf |title=DITO Telecom campus to rise in Clark Global City |url=https://www.rappler.com/business/239523-dito-telecom-campus-rise-clark-global-city/ |website=Rappler |access-date=9 September 2019 |date=6 September 2019 |archive-date=December 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207073749/https://www.rappler.com/business/239523-dito-telecom-campus-rise-clark-global-city |url-status=live }}</ref> DITO began the construction of its campus on April 13, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Udenna Land Inc. and DITO break ground in Clark Global City |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/04/13/udenna-land-inc-and-dito-break-ground-in-clark-global-city-2/ |website=BusinessMirror |access-date=June 20, 2021 |date=April 13, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624211705/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/04/13/udenna-land-inc-and-dito-break-ground-in-clark-global-city-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In October 2019, DITO signed separate deals with Lopez-owned Sky Cable Corporation and politician Luis Chavit Singson's LCS Group. Under the deal with LCS Group, DITO will lease the shared telco towers that LCS had already built in several areas. While on the other hand of the deal with Sky Cable, DITO will utilize the latter's unused fiber-optic cables in Metro Manila.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Marasigan |first1=Lorenz |title=DITO Telecom inks deals with Chavit, SkyCable |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/10/04/DITO-telecom-inks-deals-with-chavit-skycable/ |website=BusinessMirror |access-date=26 January 2020 |date=4 October 2019 |archive-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126133516/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/10/04/dito-telecom-inks-deals-with-chavit-skycable/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Third telco DITO says investments to exceed $6-B plan |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/11/04/19/third-telco-DITO-says-investments-to-exceed-6-b-plan |website=ABS-CBN News |access-date=26 January 2020 |date=4 November 2019 |archive-date=August 14, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814072520/https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/11/04/19/third-telco-dito-says-investments-to-exceed-6-b-plan |url-status=live }}</ref>

By March 2020, two months ahead of schedule, the first domestic and international calls from the company's network were made. On July 18, 2020, the company had its technical launch.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Camus|first=Miguel R.|date=2020-09-18|title=Deflecting Chinese espionage fears, Uy-led DITO sets sights on 2021 start|url=https://business.inquirer.net/307578/deflecting-chinese-espionage-fears-uy-led-DITO-sets-sights-on-2021-start|access-date=2020-10-07|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|language=en|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029140902/https://business.inquirer.net/307578/deflecting-chinese-espionage-fears-uy-led-dito-sets-sights-on-2021-start|url-status=live}}</ref> The technical launch means that the DITO network will be ready for technical audits from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). The company passed its first technical audit in February 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dito Telecom passes 1st technical audit —NTC|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/776917/dito-telecom-passes-1st-technical-audit-ntc/story/|access-date=2021-02-23|website=GMA News Online|date=February 22, 2021|language=en|archive-date=February 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222091114/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/776917/dito-telecom-passes-1st-technical-audit-ntc/story/|url-status=live}}</ref> As of September 2020, DITO has completed 859 cell sites out of the planned 1,600 sites that will cover 37% of the population.<ref name=":0"/>

On February 23, 2021, Dito and PLDT signed an interconnection deal to enable subscribers from the two companies to communicate in their respective networks.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-23|title=PLDT, DITO sign interconnection deal for fixed, wireless subscribers|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/02/23/21/pldt-dito-sign-interconnection-deal-for-fixed-wireless-subscribers|access-date=2021-02-23|website=ABS-CBN News|language=en|archive-date=April 20, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250420215920/https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/02/23/21/pldt-dito-sign-interconnection-deal-for-fixed-wireless-subscribers|url-status=live}}</ref> DITO and Globe Telecom also signed an interconnection deal on February 24, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-23|title=Globe inks interconnection deal with DITO for mobile calls, SMS|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/02/24/21/globe-inks-interconnection-deal-with-dito-for-mobile-calls-sms|access-date=2021-02-23|website=ABS-CBN News|language=en}}</ref>

===Start of operations=== DITO began its commercial operations on March 8, 2021, in 15 selected areas in Visayas and Mindanao (particularly in Metro Cebu and Metro Davao).<ref>{{Cite web|title=No K-Pop endorsers for Dito's March 8 rollout in VisMin, available nationwide by June|url=https://cnnphilippines.com/business/2021/2/23/Dito-Telecommunity-March-8-2021-rollout.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223082245/https://cnnphilippines.com/business/2021/2/23/Dito-Telecommunity-March-8-2021-rollout.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 23, 2021|access-date=2021-02-23|website=cnn|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> The company decided to focus on the rollout of its mobile services first,<ref name=broadband>{{cite news |author1=Cordero, Ted |title=DITO to offer broadband services in 2022 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/777997/dito-to-offer-broadband-services-in-2022/story/ |access-date=12 April 2021 |website=GMA News Online |date=2 March 2021 |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412084945/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/777997/dito-to-offer-broadband-services-in-2022/story/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and offered 4G LTE before moving to 5G technology in 2021.<ref name="DITOmarch2021">{{cite web |title=DITO pushes back market rollout to March 2021 |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/business/2020/2/21/DITO-rollout-March-2021.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224060533/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/business/2020/2/21/Dito-rollout-March-2021.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 24, 2020 |website=CNN Philippines |access-date=24 February 2020 |date=21 February 2020 }}</ref><ref name="DITOservices">{{cite web |last1=Rivas |first1=Ralf |title=DITO Telecom services available by March 2021 |url=https://www.rappler.com/business/252289-dito-telecom-commercial-operations-set-march-2021/ |website=Rappler |access-date=24 February 2020 |date=20 February 2020 |archive-date=February 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224062416/https://www.rappler.com/business/252289-dito-telecom-commercial-operations-set-march-2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[File:Dito Telecommunity workers selling SIM cards load in Glorietta Park temporary tents-shops 03.jpg|thumb|Dito Telecommunity workers selling SIM cards at temporary tent-shops at Glorietta Park, Baliwag, Bulacan in early 2022]]

From April to May 2021, DITO expanded its services to select areas in Luzon provinces (initially in five provinces covering a total of 18 cities and municipalities) <ref>{{cite news |last1=Fenol |first1=Jessica |title=DITO expands to Luzon, adds service in 21 more cities |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/04/16/21/dito-expands-available-luzon-cavite-batangas |access-date=4 July 2021 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=16 April 2021 |language=en |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709205200/https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/04/16/21/dito-expands-available-luzon-cavite-batangas |url-status=live }}</ref> and in Metro Manila.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rey|first=Aika|date=May 17, 2021|title=Dito Telecommunity now in Metro Manila|work=Rappler|url=https://www.rappler.com/business/dito-telecommunity-services-available-metro-manila-may-17-2021/|access-date=October 1, 2021|archive-date=October 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001111621/https://www.rappler.com/business/dito-telecommunity-services-available-metro-manila-may-17-2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 18, 2021, President Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11537, renewing DITO's license for another 25 years and granting the company a franchise to construct, establish, install, maintain and operate wire and/or wireless telecommunications systems in the Philippines.<ref>{{cite PH act|chamber=RA|number=11537|title=AN ACT RENEWING FOR ANOTHER TWENTY-FIVE (25) YEARS THE FRANCHISE GRANTED TO MINDANAO ISLAMIC TELEPHONE COMPANY, INC., PRESENTLY KNOWN AS DITO TELECOMMUNITY CORPORATION, UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO.8627, ENTITLED "AN ACT GRANTING THE MINDANAO ISLAMIC TELEPHONE COMPANY, INC., A FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, ESTABLISH, INSTALL, MAINTAIN AND OPERATE WIRE AND/OR WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS IN THE PHILIPPINES"|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2021/05/18/republic-act-no-11537/|date=May 18, 2021|access-date=August 2, 2022|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019052410/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2021/05/18/republic-act-no-11537/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Aguilar |first1=Krissy |title=Duterte grants 3rd telco Dito Telecommunity a 25-year franchise |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1433307/duterte-grants-3rd-telco-dito-telecommunity-a-25-year-franchise |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |access-date=June 28, 2021 |language=en |date=May 18, 2021 |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518080644/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1433307/duterte-grants-3rd-telco-dito-telecommunity-a-25-year-franchise |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Parrocha |first1=Azer |title=Duterte renews DITO Telecommunity franchise for 25 more years |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140666 |website=Philippine News Agency |access-date=June 11, 2021 |date=May 18, 2021 |archive-date=June 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611205834/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140666 |url-status=live }}</ref> A few days later, Dito selected Nokia to deploy its 5G services in Mindanao.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rey |first1=Aika |title=Nokia bags 5G deal with Dito Telecommunity |url=https://www.rappler.com/business/nokia-5g-deal-dito-telecommunity/ |website=Rappler |access-date=June 11, 2021 |date=May 27, 2021 |archive-date=May 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527093739/https://www.rappler.com/business/nokia-5g-deal-dito-telecommunity |url-status=live }}</ref>

On June 29, 2021, DITO announced that it has partnered with non-banking financial firm M Lhuillier to expand the reach of the former's products and services nationwide.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/06/29/21/dito-m-lhuillier-partner-products | title=DITO taps M Lhuillier to bring products to more customers | publisher=ABS-CBN News | date=June 29, 2021 | access-date=June 29, 2021 | archive-date=June 29, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629104728/https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/06/29/21/dito-m-lhuillier-partner-products | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Dito Experience Store at SM City Cebu (2024-12-05).jpg|thumb|Dito Experience Store at SM City Cebu]] On February 28, 2022, DITO launched its pilot broadband in Metro Manila.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 1, 2022 |title=Telco DITO pilots 5G fixed wireless broadband in Metro Manila |work=BusinessWorld |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2022/03/01/432904/telco-dito-pilots-5g-fixed-wireless-broadband-in-metro-manila/ |access-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430054254/https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2022/03/01/432904/telco-dito-pilots-5g-fixed-wireless-broadband-in-metro-manila/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of February 14, 2024, the service is currently available in 61 out of 82 provinces in the country: 31 in Luzon, 12 in Visayas, and 18 in Mindanao.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 12, 2021|title=Network Coverage - DITO Telecommunity|url=https://dito.ph/network-coverage.html|url-status=live|access-date=February 14, 2024|website=DITO Telecommunity|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308041256/https://dito.ph/network-coverage.html |archive-date=2021-03-08 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Network Coverage |url=https://dito.ph/network-coverage?hsLang=en |url-status=live |access-date=July 5, 2023 |website=Dito Telecommunity |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620062405/https://dito.ph/network-coverage?hsLang=en }}</ref>

On February 27, 2024, DITO obtained the Rated #1 Mobile Network place in the Philippines at the Ookla Speedtest Awards 2023 from CEO Stephen Bye during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. It achieved a rating of "3.6 in based on comprehensive data collected from July 1 to July 31, 2023," Ookla said.<ref>{{cite news|last1=|first1=|title=DITO is the Philippines' #1 Mobile Network at Ookla Speedtest Awards|url=https://www.rappler.com/brandrap/dito-telecommunity-ookla-speedtest-awards-2023/|accessdate=April 30, 2024|publisher=Rappler|date=March 25, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430114930/https://www.rappler.com/brandrap/dito-telecommunity-ookla-speedtest-awards-2023/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In Opensignal's April report, on internet speed contest, DITO outplaced Smart Communications and Globe Telecom in the first quarter, with a download speed of 32 Mbps. It is also now the fastest operator for 5G, averaging 302.9 Mbit/s as against Smart's 143.3 Mbit/s. In the reliability experience of subscribers, it further scored 835 out of 1,000 to breaking Smart's 771 and Globe's 748.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rosales |first1=Elijah Felice |title=Dito ends Smart's streak as Philippines fastest operator |url=https://www.philstar.com/business/2024/04/30/2351362/dito-ends-smarts-streak-philippines-fastest-operator |accessdate=April 30, 2024 |publisher=The Philippine Star |date=April 30, 2024 |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430120641/https://www.philstar.com/business/2024/04/30/2351362/dito-ends-smarts-streak-philippines-fastest-operator |url-status=live }}</ref>

In October, in partnership with Huawei , DITO offered a home network powered by 5G RedCap Wi-Fi to reach 100 Mbps.<ref>{{cite news|last1=|first1=|title=Dennis Uy's DITO partners with Huawei|url=https://bilyonaryo.com/2024/10/18/dennis-uys-dito-partners-with-huawei-to-roll-out-first-ever-5g-redcap-home-wi-fi-in-the-philippines/technology/|accessdate=October 20, 2024|work=bilyonaryo.com|date=October 18, 2024|archive-date=November 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241103144441/https://bilyonaryo.com/2024/10/18/dennis-uys-dito-partners-with-huawei-to-roll-out-first-ever-5g-redcap-home-wi-fi-in-the-philippines/technology/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Subscribers== Before the implementation of the SIM Registration Act, DITO had 14 million subscribers in 2022, exceeding the 12-million target subscriber base.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Balinbin |first=Arjay |date=December 14, 2022 |title=DITO Telecommunity aims to double its subscriber base to 28M in 2023 |work=BusinessWorld |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2022/12/14/492936/dito-telecommunity-aims-to-double-its-subscriber-base-to-28m-in-2023/ |access-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726062308/https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2022/12/14/492936/dito-telecommunity-aims-to-double-its-subscriber-base-to-28m-in-2023/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 30, 2023, DITO registered 7,740,346 subscribers after unregistered SIM cards were deactivated by virtue of the SIM Registration Act.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rilloraza |first=Bryan |date=August 5, 2023 |title=SIM registration in the Philippines ends, final tally of subscribers revealed |work=TechnoBaboy.com |url=https://www.technobaboy.com/2023/08/05/sim-registration-in-the-philippines-ends-final-tally-of-subscribers-revealed/ |access-date=August 6, 2023 |archive-date=August 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805220245/https://www.technobaboy.com/2023/08/05/sim-registration-in-the-philippines-ends-final-tally-of-subscribers-revealed/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As of March 6, 2025, Dito subscribers reached 14 million across the country.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cañete |first=Patrick |date=October 9, 2024 |title=DITO now has 13 million subscribers |url=https://www.noypigeeks.com/telecoms/dito-13-million-subscribers/ |access-date=October 19, 2024 |work=NoypiGeeks.com}}</ref>

== Controversies ==

=== Complaint against Globe Telecom and Smart Communications === On August 8, 2022, the company filed a complaint against duopolies Globe Telecom and Smart Communications at the Philippine Competition Commission for an alleged "anti-competitive practices" and "abuse of market dominance".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Esmael |first=Lisbet |date=August 8, 2022 |title=Interconnection woes: DITO accuses Globe, Smart of 'abusing' dominant positions |work=CNN Philippines |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/business/2022/8/8/Interconnection-woes-DITO-Globe-Smart.html |access-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811142713/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/business/2022/8/8/Interconnection-woes-DITO-Globe-Smart.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pascual |first=Jekki |date=August 8, 2022 |title=DITO files complaint vs Globe, Smart with PH Competition Commission |work=ABS-CBN News |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/08/08/22/dito-files-complaint-vs-globe-smart-with-antitrust-body |access-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811142713/https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/08/08/22/dito-files-complaint-vs-globe-smart-with-antitrust-body |url-status=live }}</ref>

On August 9, 2022, Globe Telecom has asked the National Telecommunications Commission to pay the interconnection penalty of {{Philippine peso|622 million|link=yes}} to DITO for "breach of agreement".<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 9, 2022 |title=Globe to NTC: Require DITO to pay ₱622 million interconnection penalties |work=CNN Philippines |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/business/2022/8/9/Globe-asks-NTC-to-require-DITO-to-pay-interconnection-penalties.html |access-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811142714/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/business/2022/8/9/Globe-asks-NTC-to-require-DITO-to-pay-interconnection-penalties.html?fb&fbclid=IwAR2zSHXK_MllcFxuPsz9fboAm5y-eQt8_SD0Wd_OnNJFD5GVdbEcGvbquFc |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Complaint against ARTA=== In 2022, DITO Chief Administrative Officer Adel Tamano filed a complaint accusing five former officials of the Anti-Red Tape Authority, including Director General Jeremiah Belgica, of violating the ''Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act'' (''Republic Act No. 3018'') for giving preferential treatment to Now Telecom in a dispute over frequencies.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires, in an order dated October 25, 2022, signed on March 3, 2023, and only publicly released in July, convicted the five of grave misconduct, dismissing them from service, cancelling their civil service eligibility and retirement benefits, and barring them from holding public office.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/07/28/23/ex-arta-chief-found-guilty-of-grave-misconduct-over-dito-complaint |title=Ex-ARTA chief found guilty of grave misconduct over DITO complaint |work=ABS-CBN News |date=July 28, 2023 |access-date=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=January 12, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260112192510/https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/07/28/23/ex-arta-chief-found-guilty-of-grave-misconduct-over-dito-complaint |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rappler.com/business/ex-anti-red-tape-authority-chief-guilty-grave-misconduct/ |title=Ombudsman finds ex-ARTA chief guilty of grave misconduct for favoring NOW Telecom |work=Rappler |date=July 28, 2023 |access-date=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=August 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801145032/https://www.rappler.com/business/ex-anti-red-tape-authority-chief-guilty-grave-misconduct/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Ownership== The following are the stockholders of DITO Telecommunity (as of November 2020): {| class="wikitable" !Direct !Indirect !% of stake |- | DITO Holdings Corporation<br />(Udenna Corporation)<ref name="shareswapdito" /> | Udenna CME (DITO CME)<ref name="shareswapdito" /><br />Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure<ref name="shareswapdito" /> | 60% |- | colspan=2|China Telecommunications Corporation<ref name="DITOgetspermit" /><ref name="mislateltorebrand" /><ref name="prrdhandsmislatel" /><ref name="shareswapdito" /> | 40% |}

==Radio frequency summary== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |+Frequencies used by DITO Telecommunity !Frequency !Protocol !Class !Band Number !Duplex Mode !Common name |- | 700 MHz | rowspan="3" | LTE/LTE-A/LTE-A Pro | rowspan="3" | 4G | 28 | rowspan="2" | FDD | APT |- | 2100 MHz | 1 | IMT |- | 2500 MHz | 41 | TDD | BRS |- | 3500 MHz | NR | 5G | n78 | TDD | C band |}

==References== {{reflist}}

Category:Telecommunications companies of the Philippines Category:Mobile phone companies of the Philippines Category:Telecommunications companies established in 1998 Category:1998 establishments in the Philippines Category:Udenna Corporation Category:Philippine companies established in 1998 Category:Companies based in Bonifacio Global City