Competition body welcomes DITO entry

THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has welcomed the launching of DITO Telecommunity in the telecommunications sector in the country.

In a statement Monday, PCC Chairman Arsenio Balisacan said the launching of the third telecommunications player is a major development in the sector that has been ruled by only two companies for the past long years.

Balisacan said the anti-trust body is expecting that the new telecommunications player will spur competition in the local market that will benefit consumers in terms of better quality of services and prices.

“Let competition run its course to see how the telco race will result in competitive pricing and raise the level of overall connectivity, quality, and coverage in the country,” he said.

He added the PCC will monitor the market behavior of the telecommunications players to ensure they will compete fairly.

The commission will also continue promoting procompetition measures in the telecommunications industry, Balisacan said.

“This development resonates with the aspirations of every connected Filipino, and opens the door for policymakers to consider other reforms such as the easing of foreign equity restrictions, push for open access and common towers, and prevention of exclusivity arrangements in last-mile internet service,” he said.

DITO kicked off its services on Monday by offering fourhand fifth-generation SIM cars in select areas in Metro Cebu and Metro Davao.