An affiliate of NOW Corp. reported that it had secured government approval to continue offering telecommunications services.
In a disclosure, the Velarde-led company said the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) had granted NOW Telecom’s request to extend its “authority to install, operate and maintain…mobile telecommunications, data and voice telecom network, trunked radio dispatch communications system, digital trunked radio system, and telecommunications operations.”
NOW Telecom could also upgrade its system to a nationwide wireless communications network, allowing it to deliver mobile telephony communications and multimedia transmission capability across the country.
It is also looking to prioritizing local government units and agencies for its broadband data transmission services.
NOW Corp. President Rodolfo Pantoja lauded the approval, saying this paved the way for a more level playing field.
“We have been providing guaranteed broadband to enterprises, including the government sector. We reiterate our belief that at present, there is an insufficiency in telecommunications facilities that can effectively address the needs for day-to-day real time operations, and at the same time provide disaster mitigation during time of emergencies,” he said in the disclosure.
The NTC’s approval comes as the agency’s chief expressed skepticism over NOW Telecom’s bid to become the country’s fourth major telco player after it signed last month a memorandum of understanding with the Philippine Fiber Optic Cable Network Ltd. Inc. on the nationwide rollout of a fiber optic cable network.
Philippine Fiber Optic Cable Network is owned by the HyalRoute Group, a Singapore-based company that offers a shared-communications fiber network.
Through this partnership, NOW Telecom intends to offer Fifth Generation (5G) plans and offerings.
“There are many players, in the first place. If you talk about mobile, tatlo lang [there are only three],” NTC Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios said on the sidelines of an event in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City on Monday, referring to PLDT Inc., Globe Telecon Inc. and Dito Telecommunity Corp.
According to him, the firm’s spectrum — “3500 MHz mid-ban” — is limited.
“You cannot really compete [with the major players. You’re only] hitting [a] niche [market],” Cabarios said.
NOW Telecom received in February 2018 a 25-year extension for its congressional franchise, allowing it to operate until 2043.
The firm, which had shown interest to become the country’s third major telco player, has said it was open to partner with chosen player Dito — formerly the Mislatel Consortium — as it acknowledged the need to forge deals with other industry players in its bid to further boost its presence in the local market.
Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/10/business/companies/ntc-extends-now-telecoms-services/613682/
