One telco eyed for remaining frequencies

THE DEPARTMENT of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is looking at allocating the remaining telco frequencies to one player or consortium of players in order to make this third party compete with PLDT, Inc. and Globe Telecom, Inc.

“Before, there were many frequencies, only one or two apply, so you can allocate, without going into a contest. But now, there are a few frequencies left, if many apply, then we’ll have a ‘beauty contest.’ We want to allocate the remaining frequencies to just one telco. If they still split it, Globe (and PLDT) might buy them,” DICT Officerin-Charge Eliseo M. Rio, Jr. told reporters on Wednesday.

An official of the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) said last week that based on the commission’s data, only 12.8% of the spectrum will be available for a potential third player.

PLDT and Globe acquired the coveted 700-mHz band from San Miguel Corp. (SMC), which last year sold off its telco assets.

Mr. Rio said they are targeting to allocate the remaining frequencies by the first quarter next year.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has instructed the DICT and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to fast-track the application of a third telecommunications provider in the Philippines, to “be up and about by the first quarter of 2018.”

Malacañang has identified China Telecom Corp. Ltd. as the Chinese government’s choice to enter the Philippine market.

with a report by Reuters