LBS Digital Infrastructure Corporation (LDIC), a private firm based in BGC, Taguig City, has committed to enhancing mobile network connectivity and telecommunications infrastructure in Baguio City. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the city government is currently in progress for the conduct of a feasibility study.
With a pending request by Mayor Benjamin Magalong for authority to enter into the MOU with the LDIC, the Baguio City Council has invited the company for a forum.
On November 19, 2024, LDIC Sales Director Sheryl De Guzman presented the company’s proposed project to the city council.
LDIC is a power company and a partner of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). It provides telecommunications towers for mobile operators. The company’s proposed project involves establishing telecommunications structures in strategic areas such as Burnham Park to improve internet connectivity therein.
However, Councilor Mylen Victoria Yaranon advised De Guzman to secure clearances from agencies like the Department of Tourism and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines (NCCA) for public places like Burnham Park, especially if these areas are heritage sites.
Aside from Burnham Park, De Guzman said the company is also eyeing other public places frequented by tourists such as Mines View, Wright Park, and Camp John Hay.
De Guzman explained that while people may have a signal, the capacity of existing antennas is insufficient to handle the demand, causing poor service. She added that 5G technology requires more densely placed antennas to function effectively. Without a dense network of antennas, even if providers offer 5G services, users will not be able to experience the promised benefits.
One design of the tower to be put up is a street pole that can double as an LED announcement board with a 15-meter height. This design would also be multifunctional with the potential for adding features like alarm or CCTV cameras. The other design which can also be used for announcements or other city services is a pedestal-style tower with concealed antennas. This aims to blend into the environment better than typical communication towers.
De Guzman clarified that the company is not seeking financial assistance from the city but will pay lease fees to the local government for using public land.
She said they will conduct the feasibility study in partnership with the City Planning Development and Sustainability Office (CPDSO) to assess the viability of constructing the towers at the proposed sites and to ensure that the designs comply with zoning regulations and area restrictions.
Furthermore, the company will hold consultation meetings with mobile operators in the city to assess the demand for coverage in those areas. So far, Smart Communications, PLDT Inc., and DITO Telecommunity have expressed interest in the project. The company will set up the infrastructure and lease it to mobile and internet providers.
De Guzman said the LDIC already has permits to construct towers in private properties as nominated by the mobile operators.
City Legal Officer Althea Alberto explained that permits for private properties are easier to obtain because they usually do not require approval from the local government as long as they secure clearances from various city government offices such as the CPDSO, the Local Zoning Board of Assessment and Appeals (LBZAA), and the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO). On the other hand, for public properties, additional steps are required such as the conduct of a feasibility study and acquisition of clearances for areas administered by government agencies.
Alberto clarified that the MOU does not constitute a formal agreement for construction and is merely focused on facilitating the said feasibility study which may include sharing of land-use data or granting of administrative permission for sites owned by the city government. She added that the MOU does not grant permission for construction but merely facilitates the sharing of ideas and the proposal of designs. Initial presentations have already been made to the CPDSO.
The city legal officer explained that while the proponent may need some assistance from the city government such as data gathering and identifying possible sites for the infrastructure, there is no cost shouldered by the city government.
Councilor Vladimir Cayabas pointed out that many people are working from home in barangays, and poor connectivity in their homes can be a major problem. He suggested improving connectivity in residential areas to also benefit residents who are working remotely. De Guzman said the company had faced opposition from local residents when trying to build infrastructure in certain areas such as Asin Road but had succeeded in building a site in that area.
De Guzman stressed that the company had been working with barangay captains for the conduct of public meetings to educate residents on the benefits of the infrastructure.
With regard to Cayabas’ concern regarding mobile operators passing on the cost of additional antennas to consumers by increasing subscription rates, De Guzman assured the city officials that the project will not affect consumer rates as the operators’ nationwide rate will remain unchanged.
After the forum, the Baguio City Council approved Magalong’s request for authority to enter into the MOU with LDIC. Baguio City – Sangguniang Panlungsod
