iSON group cues $300-M outlay in telco towers

India-based iSON Group is beefing up its investments in the Philippines as it intends to spend up to $300 million over the next decade to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure.

In a statement on Friday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said iSON Group’s investment plans involve developing 3,000 to 4,000 new telecommunication towers that will boost connectivity, particularly in underserved rural areas.

Through its telecom arm, iSON Tower, the group plans to build 300 to 400 new towers yearly. This will be done under the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s Common Tower Initiative. 
This undertaking reduces infrastructure duplication and promotes cost-efficient network expansion for mobile network operators.

“The investment is expected to support thousands of local contractors, particularly in underserved regions of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, while accelerating the Philippines’ transition to a digitally connected and sustainable economy,” the agency said.

The DTI said it will coordinate with relevant government agencies to facilitate regulatory approvals and provide applicable incentives to the Indian company under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy and Strategic Investment Priority Plan.

“ISON’s decision to broaden its investments in the Philippines is more than a vote of confidence in our economy—it is a partnership in nation-building,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said.

“Their work in building telecom towers directly supports our goal of bringing reliable mobile and internet services to remote communities, bringing high-quality jobs for Filipinos,” Roque added.

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ISON Group unveiled its intention to expand its footprint in the Philippines following a high-level meeting between President Marcos and iSON Group chair Vivek Gupta held recently.

Currently, the Indian firm operates in 35 countries and employs over 20,000 workers globally. Its Philippine head office is located in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

To date, iSON Tower has already built 400 towers in the Philippines.