MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 26, 2011) – Globe Telecom on Wednesday praised the National Telecommunications Commission for its decision on the merger of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company and Digitel Telecommunications Philippines, Incorporated.
“The approval of the joint application with condition to divest PLDT’s 10Mhz 3G frequency is a progressive step for the NTC in promoting consumer welfare and fair competition.”
“Given the length of time this deal has been discussed by several authorities in the government, the media, and private sector, the decision of the regulatory body upholds its support to the industry, ensuring equal opportunities among players to compete, and allowing consumers to enjoy quality services from their chosen service provider,” said lawyer Froilan Castelo, Globe Telecom’s head of corporate legal services.
Castelo lauded NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, and Deputy Commissioners Delilah Deles and Carlo Jose Martinez for the decision.
Globe Telecom also noted the proactive approach of the NTC to effect local interconnection between Globe and Innove in provincial areas which benefits subscribers by lowering the cost of landline domestic calls.
It also expects the NTC to come out with a similar pro-consumer position on Internet peering to help expand market opportunities in providing the services in the country.
Just this month, Globe Telecom and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company formally launched their network interconnection in Zamboanga City in Mindanao.
With the network interconnection, Castelo said Zamboanga could become Mindanao‘s biggest economic hubs with its robust information and communication technology infrastructure.
“This is very timely for Zamboanga with its vision to provide and attract more business opportunities that will spur continued growth. This interconnection will surely attract investors and provide improved and efficient services in Zamboanga,” Castelo said.
“The local interconnection services will provide subscribers and business establishments with quality and more affordable telecommunication services,” he added.
Amante de Guzman, head of the local PLDT office, described the interconnection between the two firms as a “life-changing event” for the locals. “PLDT’s unwavering support to Zamboanga is consistent on its policy to put public interest above all,” he said.
The interconnection was a product of a five-year of negotiation that culminated with NTC’s order for both companies to immediately implement the interconnection to maximize their respective services to the public.
The NTC paved the way to complete interconnection between Globe Telecom and PLDT in Pampanga, Bulacan, Davao and now Zamboanga, with four more areas up for full activation before the end of the year.
Under Republic Act 7925, the National Telecommunication Commission mandates compulsory interconnection of authorized public telecommunications carriers to create a universally accessible and fully integrated nationwide telecommunications network to encourage more infrastructure investments from the private sector that would benefit the consumers.
Globe Telecom, Bayan Telecommunications and Digitel Telecommunications Philippines also announced earlier this year their interconnection in all areas of common presence and operations in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
No comments:
Post a Comment