Digital Telecommunications Philippines
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Telecommunications |
| Founded | October 1987 |
| Fate | Acquired by PLDT; merged into Smart Communications |
| Headquarters | Philippines |
| Products | Fixed-line services (Mango, Choice, DigiFonePal), mobile services (Sun Cellular), broadband Internet (Mango, NetVantage DSL) |
| Parent | PLDT |
Digital Telecommunications Phils., Inc. (commonly known as Digitel) ranked as the Philippines' second-largest fixed-line provider and the third-largest mobile telecommunications operator, managing the mobile network Sun Cellular. It functioned as a subsidiary under PLDT until April 25, 2022.
History
Established in October 1987, Digitel commenced its commercial activities in January 1992.
In 1993, the company obtained a 30-year exclusive agreement from the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to oversee and enhance provincial telecommunications infrastructure across Luzon through a Facilities Management Agreement (FMA), which was subsequently transformed into a Financial Lease Agreement (FLA). This arrangement granted Digitel sole rights to lease, operate, maintain, develop, and ultimately possess these DOTC-owned facilities.
By February 1994, Digitel secured a nationwide franchise authorizing it to deliver domestic and international telecommunications services throughout the Philippines. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued provisional permits in September 1994 for establishing an international gateway facility and in January 1995 to manage telecom infrastructure within Regions 1 to 5, including assets leased from the DOTC.
Sun Cellular (2003-2022)
On August 7, 2000, the NTC granted Digitel Provisional Authority to construct and operate a Nationwide Cellular Mobile Telephone System (CMTS) utilizing GSM and/or CDMA technologies. Subsequently, Digitel developed an advanced GSM/1800 network offering a variety of applications and services.
On December 11, 2002, Republic Act No. 9180 conferred upon Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. (DMPI)—a wholly owned subsidiary of Digitel—a franchise to provide nationwide wireline and wireless telecommunications services.
Wireless operations under the Sun Cellular brand were launched by DMPI in March 2003, introducing the industry-first 24/7 Call & Text Unlimited plan in October 2004.
PLDT acquisition and closure
The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) finalized its purchase of Digitel from JG Summit Holdings, Inc., acquiring a controlling interest of 51.55%. Digitel held full ownership of Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc., which operated Sun Cellular.
PLDT proposed PHP1.60 per share in cash or PLDT shares valued at PHP2,500 each during a tender offer for all outstanding Digitel common stock. The entire transaction was valued at PHP74.1 billion, contingent on complete acceptance by minority shareholders.
After completing the acquisition and conducting network assessments, Digitel was removed from the Philippine Stock Exchange (trading symbol DGTL) between late 2011 and early 2012. From November 15 to December 31, 2012, subscribers were transitioned to PLDT’s network as the final Digitel Business Centers closed. Despite this integration, Sun Cellular continued operations under Digitel’s subsidiary.
On April 25, 2022, Sun Cellular discontinued services following its merger with PLDT’s wireless division, Smart Communications.
Products
Digitel’s fixed-line offerings were marketed under the Mango, Choice, and DigiFonePal brands. Its mobile service operated as Sun Cellular, while broadband Internet access was provided through Mango and NetVantage DSL.
Subsidiaries
- Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc. (operating as Sun Cellular)
- Digitel Capital Philippines Ltd.
- Digitel Information Technology Services, Inc.
- Asia Netcom Philippines Corporation (holding 60% ownership)
- Digital Crossing, Inc. (with a 40% stake)