Telco tower permits now take 16 days instead of 241, gov’t says

ITCAP LAUNCH. The Anti-Red Tape Authority's Ernesto Perez speaks at the launch of the 9-company coalition for independent tower companies Gelo Gonzales/Rappler Government says reforms have accelerated telecom tower construction by streamlining permits and strengthening coordination with local governments MANILA, Philippines – Government reforms have reduced the time needed to secure permits for telecommunications towers from 241 days to just 16, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Secretary Ernesto Perez said Tuesday, July 21, paving the way for faster network expansion as the country’s independent tower companies launched a new industry association. It’s taken a while. Telcos, as far back as 2015, have pinned the blame for slow tower rollout on red tape and permitting processes. The ARTA was then created in 2018 under the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, with telco tower permits becoming among the priorities for the body. Perez, at the launch of the Independent Tower Companies Association of the Philippines (ITCAP), took the opportunity to highlight reforms under a 2020 Joint Memorandum Circular to streamline permits for Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructures (PTTIs); and Executive Order No. 32 in 2023 that required cities to establish a one-stop shop for tower construction permits, and eliminate redundant clearances, and made approval processes subject to violations under the LGU charter. DILG Undersecretary John Paulo Salvahan highlighted the Konektadong Pinoy Act of 2025, which enshrined into law the principles of tower sharing, and coordinated construction strategies between the private and public sectors. “These figures reflect when government offices work together with the private sector under a shared set of procedures,” Perez said, referring to the reduction in processing time from 241 days to 16 days, the reduction of documents from 86 to 35, and required permits from 13 to 8. In short, the streamlined process has enabled tower projects to reach construction and operations much sooner, helping expand digital connectivity across the country, according to Perez. Approved tower applications have risen from 6,117 in 2022 to 10,465 in 2025. In March 2017, there were 16,300 towers in the Philippines. Numbers presented by Maida Bruce, chief finance and risk officer of tower company and ITCAP member Philtower said this number has risen to 37,457. However, Bruce was realistic. She pointed out that while the process has improved, the Philippines still lags behind Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia in number of towers, and number of people served per tower. That translates to network strain, and it could mean slower, spottier service. One bright spot: the Philippines’ average mobile speed at 34 Mbps is higher than Indonesia’s 29 Mbps. The reforms come as the telecommunications industry ramps up investments to improve connectivity nationwide. Independent tower companies have already invested around ₱200 billion, said ITCAP spokesperson Calvin Parpan, adding that another ₱30 billion in tower investments can be expected over the next two to three years. Still, officials acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly at the local level. Analiza Bonagua, head of the DILG’s Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD), said some communities continue to oppose new cell towers because of concerns over health effects, underscoring the need for stronger public engagement. Health concerns over nearby towers have also been a concern for a long time for some communities. “LGUs must conduct awareness drives, help us communicate, and remove their fears,” Bonagua said, adding that local governments should help explain the benefits of telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities. Industry leaders said the reforms have created a more predictable business environment, encouraging companies to invest in digital infrastructure. Meanwhile, Parpan added that ITCAP — made up of nine tower companies — was formed to strengthen collaboration between industry, government, and local governments as the country expands its digital infrastructure. “This is why we initiated this coalition — to proactively support collaboration with LGUs,” Parpan said. “It’s a good opportunity to give a lot of information to our stakeholders on the importance of infrastructure moving forward.” – Rappler.com How does this make you feel? Loading