PLDT Inc. disclosed that it engaged in preliminary talks with financial advisors regarding the possibility of attracting prospective investors for its data center business, according to local news report.
PLDT Inc. (formerly known as Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company) is a telecommunications service provider that operates through its fiber optic, fixed-line, and cellular networks. Its services include cellular, wireless broadband, data, and voice services.
PLDT president and chief executive Alfredo Panlilio mentioned that while discussions were underway, PLDT has not formally started the process. He added that the company has not decided on the sale of a minority stake in its data center assets.
“We have just exploratory discussions with them and just really feeling out what the market has to offer, but we have not formally started the process,” said Panlilio.
“Right now, we continue to review that,” he said, further stating that the company was focused in the completion of its 11th data center.
“In fact, we’re thinking whether we should take a look at the 12th [data center] obviously depending on demand that we’re seeing from the customers and hyperscalers,” Panlilio said.
The company’s unit ePLDT is currently constructing its 11th data center in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, spanning across five hectares of land.
This facility, called VITRO Sta. Rosa, is projected to have a power capacity of 14 megawatts upon its completion in early 2024, and is expected to scale up to 50 MW upon full operation. Once operational, VITRO Sta. Rosa will be recognised as the most advanced and largest data center in the Philippines.
The Department of Trade and Industry is actively promoting the Philippines as a leading destination for hyperscale computing companies in Southeast Asia.