PLDT Group in talks with BCDA for Bataan Techno Park project

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) group is in talks with state run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) for the rehabilitation of Bataan Technology Park’s communications services.

Likewise, BCDA is in talks with the Subic EnerZone (SEZ) for the improvement of energy facilities in BTP.

Top executives of BCDA led by chairman Felicito Payumo met recently with PLDT Alpha Enterprise’s Corporate Relationship Business Group chief for North Luzon Dennis Magbatoc, along with representatives of the various BTP locators, to pave the way for the BTP systems upgrading project.

The meeting was held to discuss the timeline and method for improving the telecommunication system within BTP. These upgrades are being done to bolster services provided by the current SMART cell site in Morong, Bataan.

 “With nine locators already doing business (at BTP), and more coming in, it is essential that reliable networking and Internet options can be used as soon as possible,” Payumo stressed.

 “Until a proper connection is put in place next year, we will beef up the bandwidth capability of this cell site to compensate for the lack of connectivity in BTP,” said Magbatoc.

Meanwhile, PLDT would collaborate with SEZ in putting up telephone lines within the area.

The BCDA tapped SEZ, an Aboitiz-owned electric distribution utility servicing the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, to provide the power requirements of BTP.

Aside from establishing the network connection by early next year, Magbatoc said that they would also construct a node to reinforce the BTP’s communications capability through the PLDT-SMART facilities.

Magbatoc said the PLDT-SMART network would operate at full capacity, comparable to that in Subic and Clark, within one to two years. Standard rates would be applied for all networking services, minus VAT, since BTP is located within the Morong Special Economic Zone, which is a VAT-exempt growth area.