Extelcom seeks frequency for reentry in telco market (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/02/26/09/extelcom-seeks-frequency-reentry-telco-market)
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 02/26/2009 11:50 AM

Express Telecommunication Co. Inc. (Extelcom) is asking the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for an additional frequency band as it seeks to re-enter the market via the GSM platform.

The company's re-entry into the cellular mobile telephone system (CMTS) business will further foster healthy competition in the market, according to Luisito Sapiera, officer in charge of Extelcom.

Sapiera said Extelcom’s proposed CMTS network will help trigger the next wave of much-needed changes in the Philippine market such as substantial acceleration of subscriber penetration, increased competition on prices and service offerings and vast improvement of service quality.

"The history of Philippine telecoms regulation has always shown that the entry of new, active players had always redounded to the considerable benefit of the Filipino consumers," he noted, adding that "Extelcom is prepared to play a dynamic part in the next phase of the industry’s growth."

Extelcom plans to use its existing frequency assignments, particularly the 880-890 MHz frequency band, together with its paired link, the 925-935 MHz frequency band, which it is asking from the NTC.

The firm already has a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the operation of CMTS and has been assigned the following frequencies: 835-845 MHz, 880-890 MHz, 1720-1725 MHz, and 1815-1820 MHz.

Extelcom’s CPCN had been issued on the basis of a plan for a CMTS network using the analog-based advanced mobile phone system (AMPS), which has been rendered obsolete and outdated by developments in digital communications. Thus, it has to clearly move away from the defunct AMPS to the improved digital GSM platform.

The 880-890 MHz band and its paired link, the 925-935 MHz band, has been identified by the International Telecommunications Union as suitable for offering CMTS on the GSM platform and will allow Extelcom to optimize voice call services and at the same time allow it to offer short messaging services (SMS), or more commonly known as text messaging.

Extelcom officials also announced that their marketing strategy will focus on service quality and affordable voice call rates in order to narrow the cost difference between voice calls and SMS.

Informed sources disclosed that Extelcom’s situation is altogether unusual because a court order presently prohibits the re-allocation and re-assignment of the 880-890 MHz frequency band to any entity or company other than Extelcom.

Insofar as GSM applications are concerned, the 925-935 MHz band is paired with the 880-890 MHz, and as such, the said frequency also cannot be used by any other CMTS carrier except Extelcom.

"The use by Extelcom of its assigned frequencies to offer CMTS on a GSM platform will result in the most economical and judicious utilization of these frequencies, which is in line with the NTC’s mandate to promote the most efficient and effective use of these scarce public resources," Extelcom said.

As for potential occupants or users of the 925-935 MHz band, Extelcom announced that it will provide them with adequate solutions with similar functionality and grade of service as well as support needed for a seamless migration to any affected user.

The company also assured the NTC that it has the necessary resources to pay all spectrum user fees and supervision and regulation fees, noting that it has completed its financial reorganization and is on schedule with its court-approved rehabilitation plan.

"Extelcom strongly believes, and can show, that its current proposals will allow it to make the best use of the relevant frequencies at this time, and can even bring the company out of rehabilitation within a shorter period than contemplated," said Sapiera.

Extelcom seeks transfer of frequency (http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS20090227149136.html)

Express Telecommunication Co. Inc. (Extelcom), a cellular phone company reportedly being eyed by San Miguel Corporation, is asking the National Telecommunications Commission for the assignment of the 925-935 MHz frequency band as it seeks to re-enter the market via the GSM platform.

The re-entry of a "re-energized" Extelcom into the cellular mobile telephone system (CMTS) business will further foster healthy competition in the market, said Extelcom president Luisito B. Sapiera.

He added that Extelcom’s proposed CMTS network will help trigger the next wave of much-needed changes in the Philippine market, such as substantial acceleration of subscriber penetration, increased competition on prices and service offerings and vast improvement of service quality.

Extelcom or Express telecom,one of the pioneering celphone companies is being resurrected.

Its will really be a very exciting year for the telecom industry in the Philippines...with Smart, Globe, Sun, Liberty and Extelcom slugging it out...

..Good for consumers!:cheers:

Sana matuloy:)

Business MIrror

Bayan remains interested in reviving operations of Express Telecom

Written by Lenie Lectura / Reporter
Wednesday, 25 February 2009 21:15

BAYAN Telecommunications Inc. remains interested in its deadweight investment in Express Telecommunication Co.

A top official of Bayan, the telecom unit of the Lopez group, said there are better ways to revive Express Telecom other than implement the court-approved rehabilitation plan for the debt-ridden cellular firm.

“We think there is a better process. All parties want to make Express Telecom operational again and we feel our role will be significant on that aspect. There’s a better working arrangement to ensure the company gets back on its feet again,” said Bayan chief consultant Tunde Fafunwa in an interview.

A possible “arrangement” being considered is a “partnership” between Bayan and Express Telecom.

But this proposed partnership may have to take a backseat in the near-term as Express Telecom is determined to relaunch its cellular business with the financial backing of San Miguel Corp. According to sources, the .conglomerate is reportedly in serious talks to acquire a substantial stake in the country’s oldest cellular firm

The official explained that a “partnership” between Bayan and Express Telecom is promising, considering the extent of the combined assets of both companies. The two companies possess cellular licenses and frequencies to launch a digital mobile cellular business using the GSM (global system for mobile communications) platform. This is in addition to Bayan’s second-largest backbone called the National Digital Transmission Network in which it controls about 92 percent of the network’s capacity.

IDC: Strong SEA telecoms in ‘09 (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090227-191413/IDC-Strong-SEA-telecoms-in-09)

MANILA, Philippines- The Southeast Asian telecommunications business should expect better opportunities this year amid a global recession, market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) said.

Combined revenues from the telecommunications sector in the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand is expected to be 10 percent higher this year or about $35.7 billion, IDC said in a report.

IDC said revenue growth rates for these countries would range from four to six percent.

Vietnam and Indonesia are also expected to experience double-digit growth in the telecoms business with the increasing adoption of new telecommunications technologies, IDC said.

For Southeast Asia, companies should find new revenue streams and strategies to prepare for an expected return of a healthy economy, IDC Philippines Research Manager for Communications Karen Rondon said in a statement.

I am so excited for extelcom! Can't wait to buy an extelcom sim card.

marami na ang magkakompitensya ngayon :D

Sinong may weroam dito?

I am still waiting for my PLDT Weroam application.
Unlimited:D

^ I'm using weroam.

^ I'm using weroam.

PLDT?



Have you tried using it on GPRS only?

Gagana ba ang skype/yahoo calls with webcam on GPRS?

^yup. GPRS is slow kaya hindi gagana. Lock mo lang sa 3G/HSDPA para mabilis at mas maganda kung HSPA (850 Mhz) capable unit na ang bilhin mo. Kung malapit ka sa cellsite, mas mabilis ang speed mo.

^yup. GPRS is slow kaya hindi gagana. Lock mo lang sa 3G/HSDPA para mabilis at mas maganda kung HSPA (850 Mhz) capable unit na ang bilhin mo. Kung malapit ka sa cellsite, mas mabilis ang speed mo.

Wala kasing 3G sa probinsya eh, kaya GPRS lang ang speed nyan. Ito kasi iiwanan ko sa probinsya, gagamitin nila para sa communication.

Ang tagal kasi ng wimax kaya ito na muna.


I'm planning of adding a second subscription pag maayos ang performance, para sa akin naman:D.
Sana

^magkakawimax na this year, watch out for it. :cheers:

^magkakawimax na this year, watch out for it. :cheers:

sana kasama sa weroam yan ano:D

^ sana.. on-going trial pa ang smart at globe sa ngayon. Ewan lang kung sino sa dalawa ang unang makapaglaunch.

^ sana.. on-going trial pa ang smart at globe sa ngayon. Ewan lang kung sino sa dalawa ang unang makapaglaunch.

puede kaya beta tester:D:D:D

Filipinos may defer new cellphone purchases due to crisis (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/150690/Filipinos-may-defer-new-cellphone-purchases-due-to-crisis)

Filipinos may defer new mobile phone purchases this year discouraged by financial uncertainty resulting from the global economic slowdown, a US-based research company said.

Filipino subscribers are also expected to choose practical telecommunications products and services owing to the crisis, the International Data Corp. (IDC) also said.

“Broadband and mobile subscribers will find affordable ways to stay connected. Users will select low-end and mid-end mobile devices over high-end familiar brands. There will be added interest in new brands that provide cheaper options," IDC said.

Although the company recognized that the downturn will impact the telecommunications industry, it nevertheless pointed out “bright spots" in Southeast Asia “that will yield great opportunities for both market players and end users," the company said.

Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand are expected to post modest growth anywhere from four to six percent, Karen Rondon, research manager of IDC’s communication research, said.

Moreover, combined telecommunication services market of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand may reach $35.7 billion in 2009, 10 percent higher than its 2008 performance.

“Telecom services encompass mobile services, Internet access services (IAS), corporate data services and fixed telephony," IDC said.

Philcomsat fights for frequency allocation (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/01/09/philcomsat-fights-frequency-allocation)
By Lenie Lectura, Business Mirror | 03/02/2009 12:22 AM

The Philippine Communications Satellite Corp. (Philcomsat) told the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) last week that it needs its assigned frequencies, which are now in danger of being recalled by the agency, for the planned relaunch of the company’s business operation this year.

Philcomsat is among the many phone firms ordered by the NTC to explain why its assigned frequency band should not be recalled for non-utilization.

The frequencies held by Philcomsat under the 3400-3600 Megahertz bandwidth were assigned by the NTC. The company admitted that it is not currently operating on the said bandwidth although it used to utilize these resources in providing VSAT (very small aperture terminal) services between 2000 and 2006. However, in 2006, Philcomsat ceased providing VSAT services operating after it realized that it was not earning from it.

“Notwithstanding such temporary cessation, Philcomsat has since then not stopped from looking for more feasible applications for the VSAT service and frequency band. In fact, Philcomsat recently found a new client that would require and/or allow it to revive its operations on VSAT services, particularly necessitating the need to use the subject frequency band for video broadcast application,” the company told the NTC in a filing submitted on Friday.

The agreement of Philcomsat with this new client is expected to begin operations within a period of six months, said the company.

“If so required by this commission, immediately after the start of its service as above mentioned, Philcomsat can provide documentary evidence to prove that it has resumed operation [of] its assigned frequency band,” added the company.

Philcomsat asked the NTC not to recall its frequency band, citing “clear intent” to use it in the near future. The company also asked the agency not revoke its provisional authority, saying it still has a lot of business potential to render various telecommunication services.

Philcomsat is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Philippine Overseas Telecommunications Corp., a telecom firm sequestered by the Presidential Commission on Good Government on March 14, 1986 on allegations that it was part of the ill-gotten wealth of associates of former President Marcos.

The company asked the NTC last year to renew its licenses, such as local exchange carrier, international gateway facility, authority to operate as an Inmarsat accounting authority and point of activation for Inmarsat. These are still pending before the NTC.

Philcomsat’s core telecoms operation had been affected by the intracorporate disputes among government nominees in the board since 2000.

Study: Poor drive growth in global cell phone use (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/150956/Study-Poor-drive-growth-in-global-cell-phone-use)
03/02/2009 | 10:33 AM

GENEVA — Six in ten people around the world now have cell phone subscriptions, signaling that mobiles are the communications technology of choice particularly in poor countries, according to a UN report published Monday.

By the end of last year there were an estimated 4.1 billion subscriptions globally, compared with about 1 billion in 2002, the International Telecommunication Union said.

Fixed line subscriptions increased at a much slower pace to 1.27 billion from about 1 billion over the same period.

"There has been a clear shift to mobile cellular telephony," the agency said, noting that developing countries now account for about two-thirds of cell phones in use. In 2002 less than half of mobile subscriptions globally were in the developing world, it said.

Internet use more than doubled. An estimated 23 percent of people on the planet used the Net last year, up from 11 percent in 2002. Poor countries still lag far behind on Internet access, with only 1 in 20 people in Africa going online in 2007 — the most recent year for which firm figures were available.

Fixed broadband penetration increased to almost 20 percent in rich countries, while globally just over 1 in 20 had access to fast Internet connections at home.

The Geneva-based agency recorded the sharpest rise in mobile broadband subscriptions. The technology, which allows users to access the Web at high speed with mobile devices, was available to 3 percent of people worldwide, increasing to 14 percent in developed countries.

The 106-page report also ranked countries according to how advanced their use of information and communications technology, or ICT, is. Sweden came first, followed by South Korea and Denmark. Small, densely populated countries such as Luxembourg (7) and Hong Kong (11) also did well, while large developing countries like China (73) and India (118) were hampered by the size of their populations. The United States was 17th out of 154.

The so-called 'digital divide' between rich and poor countries remained unchanged between 2002 and 2007.

"Despite significant improvements in the developing world, the gap between the ICT haves and have-notes remains," the report found. - AP

PLDT chairman joins battle for control over Meralco (http://http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/march/02/yehey/business/20090302bus1.html)
By Likha C. Cuevas-Miel, Reporter

THE chairman of the Philippines’ largest telecom company has been buying shares of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) in a bid “to help” the Lopezes regain a majority stake in the country’s largest power distributor and block plans of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to take over.

Several market sources told The Manila Times that Manuel Pangilinan, chairman of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), was in the market, triggering the run up in Meralco’s share price the past week. Traders said the utility’s price movements last week have defied the market, which has been in the doldrums due to the gloomy outlook on the world economy and jitters about the US’ bank rescue plans.

“However, we cannot say if he’s buying through First Pacific [Co. Ltd]. The buying is from the outside [foreign],” a source said, referring to Pangilinan.

Hong Kong-listed First Pacific owns 26.3 percent of PLDT as well as majority of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) through Metro Pacific Holdings Inc. Last year, MPIC, which Pangilinan also chairs, bought First Philippine Infrastructure Inc. from First Philippine Holdings Corp. and Benpres Holdings Corp., the two holdings firms of the Lopezes.

Another source said the Cayman Islands-based foreign firm that has been brokering for Pangilinan or his group has a “standing offer” to other brokers willing to part with their blocks of Meralco shares.

A trader said Meralco’s share prices started to “really climb” for three straight days and it accounted for almost half of volume traded at the local bourse last week. The company’s share price dropped to a low of P76 a piece during the week but it continued to climb to as high as P91.50 on Friday before settling at P90, or 4-percent higher than its previous close. Total volume of Meralco shares traded that same day reached 4.037 million valued at P362.79 million, against the total market volume turnover of 1.462 billion worth P1.47 billion.

This is the second wave of a battle for Meralco’s shares. Just last month, traders told The Times that state-run Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has been aggressively buying the utility’s shares, months after the pension fund sold its entire stake in Meralco to SMC after a failed takeover bid for the utility.

Sources said GSIS is aligning with SMC to bolster the conglomerate’s chances to wrest control over Meralco from the Lopezes. The state pension fund’s president sits at the board of SMC.

Records showed that trading sessions as of February 11 reflected about P853-million worth of Meralco shares sold through special block sales and that the shares rose from P58 apiece to P75 in less than 15 days. The following day, Meralco shares went up to P83 a share and on February 13, they were steady at P83. The continuous rise in the utility’s share price stalled when GSIS stopped buying, a trader said.

Not just a friend of the Lopezes

One source said Pangilinan’s help is not just because he is a “friend of the Lopezes.”

“The Lopezes do not have money to buy Meralco [so] they need a third party to do that for them. They are encumbered with many debts. If you look at it, it seems like because they are friends. No–it’s business,” the source said.

The source said that PLDT’s lines ride on Meralco’s network of cables or posts and a possible SMC takeover of the power utility is a big threat to the telco giant.

Earlier, Ramon Ang, president of Southeast Asia’s biggest food and beverage concern, promised President Gloria Arroyo that SMC would try to bring the cost of electricity down by “piggy-backing” new businesses on Meralco’s network. The executive said one of its plans is to offer broadband services to Meralco customers using the power utility’s cable lines to deliver connections.

Ang said that a “broadband-over-power line” service addressing Internet connections and high telephone bills would enable Meralco to generate extra revenue.

The food and beverage firm has bought into Liberty Telecom Holdings Inc. and sources said it is also eyeing Express Telecommunications Co. Inc. (Extelcom).

Another source said that in exchange for the “Meralco deal,” PLDT and Bayan Telecommunications Inc.–a Lopez-led telco–will gang up on Extelcom, one of the vehicles that SMC will use to topple PLDT and Globe Telecom Inc.

Southeast Asian telecom market resilient (http://http://www.mb.com.ph/node/197462)
March 02, 2009


Despite the global economic slowdown, IDC predicts that the telecom market in Southeast Asia (SEA), would remain resilient in 2009.

While market players and end- users will exercise extra caution in their spending on telecom products and services, certain technology areas will sustain momentum and pockets of opportunities will emerge from the crisis.

"The global economy heavily influences IDC’s predictions for 2009 of the Southeast Asia telecom markets. The global downturn will impact many telecoms sectors. Nonetheless, IDC sees bright spots in the Southeast Asia telecom market that will yield great opportunities for both market players and end users in 2009", says Karen Rondon, Research Manager, Communications Research, IDC.

IDC projects the combined telecom services market of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, to reach US$35.7 billion in 2009, which is 10% higher than its 2008 performance.

Telecom services encompass mobile services, Internet access services (IAS), corporate data services and fixed telephony. Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand are expected to show modest growth at a 4% to 6% range.

Vietnam and Indonesia, each expecting double-digit expansion rates, will be the higher growth markets as they are at the early stages of the technology adoption curve and currently addressing the digital divide in their markets.

IDC says the global economic slowdown will affect the SEA telecom sector, but to a lesser extent than the IT markets. It anticipates that telecom market players in this region will be reassessing their strategies and reconsidering CAPEX plans, marketing strategies and product focus.

Incumbents with healthy balance sheets will be able to focus CAPEX on enhancing core and backhaul networks and be farther ahead of their competitors once the economy recovers.

Consumers or enterprise tier two operators, on the other hand will have to focus on investments that will see faster returns. Meanwhile, the economic situation will present opportunities for operators with facilities and funds available to begin diversifying into higher value consumer and business services.

IDC expects renewed interest among SEA telecom incumbents in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) segment that will bring forth the second wave of SME-centric marketing and product development initiatives by these players.

The financial crisis will dampen any prospects of growth within the large corporations in 2009 and possibly in 2010 as well. Any recovery that happens is always through the SME sector first. Hence, 2009 will be a good time for incumbents to invest in marketing of products and services targeted to the SME segment.

With the tightening of budgets, IDC expects end users will seek alternative telecoms devices and services in 2009. The selection of what is affordable and beneficial may range from choosing the better service option, to picking out the more practical telecom products and services. Broadband and mobile subscribers will find affordable ways to stay connected.

Piltel profit surges 37% to P11.3 billion (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=445049&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann LL. Reyes Updated March 03, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT)-owned wireless company Pilipino Telephone Corp. (Piltel) reported a net income of P11.3 billion last year a 37-percent increase from the previous year’s P8.3 billion, the company said in a statement.

Earnings before interests, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) also increased 30 percent to P16.3 billion for 2008.

Piltel’s board of directors declared yesterday a final cash dividend of 52 centavos per share to common shareholders of record as of March 16, 2009. Payment date is set for March 31, 2009. Added to the previously paid interim dividend of 43 centavos per share paid in September 2008, total dividends for the year will amount to 95 centavos per share, representing a payout of approximately 100 percent of 2008 core earnings.

The company’s board also approved an increase in the number of common shares to be repurchased under the share buyback program by up to 25 million shares, representing around 0.2 percent of Piltel’s total outstanding common stock. The board took into account the success of the initial share buyback program which was completed in three months and the continued weakness in the equities market.

“We are pleased to complete Piltel’s historic first dividend payment to its common shareholders with this final dividend declaration of 52 centavos per share. The aggregate payout of 95 centavos per share represents a dividend yield of close to 14 percent, based on the current share price,” Piltel chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.

With a subscriber base of 14.3 million at the end of 2008, company officials noted that Piltel brand Talk ‘N Text is now the second largest cellular brand in the country. Talk ‘N Text recorded about 4.6 million net subscriber additions in 2008, the highest in the industry.

“This subscriber milestone is gratifying – to achieve the number two position in a very competitive industry is certainly an achievement which everyone associated with Piltel can be very proud of,” Pangilinan emphasized.

Service revenues grew 30 percent to P17.8 billion in 2008 from P13.7 billion in 2007. Data revenues increased 35 percent, from P8.7 billion to P11.7 billion, as bucket-priced text messaging revenues grew 78 percent, partly offset by the 32-percent decrease in standard text messaging revenues.

Total revenues from text messaging still grew 36 percent, from P8.3 billion in 2007 to P11.3 billion in 2008. Data revenues make up 66 percent of GSM service revenues.

Voice revenues were up as well by 21 percent, from P5 billion in 2007 to P6.1 billion in 2008 as a result of higher revenues on both local and international calls.

“Piltel has once again crossed another milestone — Talk ‘N Text is now the second leading cellular brand in the country — no small feat when one considers where Talk ‘N Text was 10 years ago and the competitive nature of our telecommunications industry. In 2008, Talk ‘N Text led the industry in subscriber net additions, further solidifying its position as the people’s brand. Our Tipid- Sulit (value for money) service proposition is perfectly suited for these uncertain times and can only strengthen our relationship with our subscribers,” Piltel president and CEO Napoleon Nazareno pointed out.

Express Telecom board to decide on Bayan offer (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/03/09/express-telecom-board-decide-bayan-offer)
By Lenie Lectura, Business Mirror | 03/03/2009 8:11 AM


Express Telecommunication Co. (Express Telecom) said on Monday it is up to the board to decide whether Bayan Telecommunications Inc.’s (Bayan) offer for partnership to battle the dominant players in the wireless market will be entertained by the company.

This, as Express Telecom officer-in-charge Luisito Sapiera said Bayan remains a shareholder, “nothing more and nothing less.”

Sapiera said Express Telecom and Bayan are partners, in a sense that the Lopez-controlled phone firm holds an 8-percent stake in the country’s oldest mobile phone company. Bayan’s interest in Express Telecom had been diluted from 47 percent after the rehab court approved a plan to convert Express Telecom’s debts into equity.

The Express Telecom executive pointed out that if Bayan is proposing a “more involved” partnership, “say a business proposition that will involve the use of Express Telecom’s analog frequencies for 3G (third-generation) use and possibly a GSM (global system for mobile communications) network operations tieup, then the Lopez-controlled phone firm would have to take it up to the board.”

“All else will be between them and the board,” added Sapiera in an interview.

The two firms had a serious falling out many years ago when Express Telecom shareholders sued Bayan for conflict of interest. Back then, industry observers said Bayan allegedly stole the business plan shared by Millicom International Corp. to Express Telecom. According to a source, Millicom wanted to help Express Telecom migrate from analog to digital cellular platform. “Instead, Bayan stole the plan and applied for its own license that’s why Express Telecom shareholders sued them for conflict of interest. Bayan left Express Telecom to die. It seems Express Telecom will never trust Bayan’s intention for partnership,” noted the source.

After a long hiatus, Express Telecom vowed to revive its mobile phone business by shifting to digital platform from an analog-run mobile phone network. This plan hinges on a pending application filed before the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for the grant of additional frequencies. “A rehabilitation plan has already been approved and the financial restructuring has been successfully completed. Express Telecom strongly believes and can show the NTC that its current proposals will allow it to make the best use of the relevant frequencies at this time, and can even bring the company out of rehabilitation within a shorter period than contemplated,” the company said in a letter to the agency.

Sapiera also said during the interview that the company has no immediate plans for a rebranding. A timetable for the rollout plan, he said, has also not been finalized yet. “There is no definite timeframe for the roll out. Whatever plan we have now has been presented to the NTC. As far as rebranding, I think, not for now.”

Express Telecom plans to utilize its current frequency assignment, in particular the 880-890 MHz spectrum, and pair this with the 825-935 bandwidth so it could offer cellular mobile telephone system (CMTS) services on the GSM platform.

Sources said Express Telecom’s reentry will once again trigger another round of price war in the market, similar to one that happened when Sun Cellular entered the fray.

Sun Cellular, the mobile brand of the Gokongwei group’s Digital Telecommunications, initiated unlimited call and text price offerings in the market. Smart and Globe eventually followed suit.

“The reentry of a reorganized Extelcom into the CMTS business can only further foster healthy competition in the telecommunications market and help trigger the next wave of much-needed changes in the Philippine market such as substantial acceleration of subscriber penetration, increased competition on prices and service offerings and vast improvement in service quality,” said Sapiera.

Globe 9-month profits slump as subscribers use their mobile phones less (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/11/07/08/globe-9-month-profits-slump-subscribers-use-their-mobile-phones-less)
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/07/2008 9:41 PM



Despite strong subscriber growth, Globe Telecom's net income slumped 9 percent to P16 billion in the first nine months of the year due to continued investments in its broadband business and lower usage by mobile subscribers.

The country's second biggest telecommunications provider said profits for the July to September period declined by 8 percent to P2.6 billion as revenue sources, including fees from text messages, calls, broadband use, posted flay growth compared to the three months prior.

The Ayala-led company, however, registered an additional one million subscribers in the third quarter, bringing its total wireless subscribers to 23.75 million as of September.

Globe's chief executive officer Gerardo Ablaza said that the strong subscriber take up during the period has been "encouraging" since this occured as the economic environment started getting tougher.

However, Globe said that average revenue per user (ARPU), a measure of the company's average earnings from each subscriber, has been sliding. For postpaid clients, ARPU has decreased 7 percent to P1,390 a month for postpaid clients, while pre-paid subscribers, which account for bulk of their Globe users portfolio, was down 4 percent to P197.

Touch Mobile, Globe's affordable brand, also posted lower ARPU at P98, about 8 percent less than the second quarter.

While subscriber usage and activity levels continued to be soft compared to last year because of the more challenging macro-environment and intense competition, the company's consolidated service revenues in the third quarter was steady relative to the second quarter, breaking the trend of a seasonally leaner third quarter. Thus, Globe posted total revenues of P46.6 billion for the nine months, 2 percent lower than the same period last year.

The soft growth in revenues from the wireless business was partly cushioned by the 5 percent revenue growth of the wireline business, as the broadband and corporate data segments had robust performances

The wireline services contributed revenues of P1.8 billion to the group. Ablaza also said the broadband subscriber base has grown 41 percent in the third quarter to 154,000 compared to the same period last year.

The wireless business earns a healthy margin of 67 percent of revenues.

Margins from its broadband business was diluted to 61 percent from last year's 65 percent as Globe continued to invest in broadband infrastructure.

One million more subscribers

Of the additional one million wireless subscribers in the third quarter, more than 800,000 were contributed by the Touch Mobile brand, which pushed a sales campaign during the period. This was the highest quarterly performance for the Touch Mobile brand.

Meantime, of the total 23.75 million users as of end-September, postpaid subscribers are tracking closer to the 750,000 mark. Globe has been edging rival Smart Communication for its postpaid portfolio.

Globe's additional postpaid subscribers, net of those that signed out during the third quarter, accounted for a 20 percent growth over the second quarter levels.

"We are encouraged by this quarter's strong subscriber growth and steady revenues despite a tougher economic and competitive environment." Gerardo C. Ablaza, Jr., President and CEO of

Globe Telecom, Inc. said. "We remain committed to improving further our executional capabilities to make our business more resilient and better placed to meet the challenges that lie ahead." said Mr. Ablaza.

Marketing efforts, iPhone sales

Globe initiated various programs for its various markets to encourge them to use the service more often.

For the mass markets, Globe aggressively campaigned in the rural markets and highlighted the Touch Mobile brand.

For the postpaid market, the company introduced unlimited texting and lower call rates during nights and weekends.

For the mid to high-end markets, Globe introduced the Apple iPhone 3G last August 22. Sales have exceeded expectations, providing further lift to this quarter's subscriber net additions, as well as notable increases in the Company's browsing and value-added service revenues.

Banking on the youth segment, Globe launched a series of campaigns centered on matching the youth lifestyle. Its Connected24Ever proposition features an integrated mobile and internet offering enabling the youth to keep in touch with their friends through unlimited updates to popular social networking sites like Facebook and Friendster and all-day chat via Yahoo! Messenger.

Mobile phone player's re-entry seen to spur new rivalry


"In any highly active markets, the more combative the rivalry, the greater the potential tangible benefits to consumers in terms of superior services and more affordable user rates," said Catanduanes Rep. Joseph Santiago, chairman of the House information and communications technology committee.

"Consumers will definitely be better served by the coming out of any new market actors," added Santiago, former chief of the National Telecommunications Commission.

Santiago said he is counting on Extelcom's planned revival of its mobile telephone services to help drive down user rates, including text messaging charges.

"Actually, what we have now is essentially a 'duopoly' by PLDT and Globe. This is because the third actor, Digitel, is still struggling to seize market share from the two dominant service providers," Santiago said.

Santiago said he is hopeful that the fresh competition posed by Extelcom, coupled with Digitel's muscle, would drive PLDT and Globe to further reduce their user charges.

"The market can still accommodate another actor, and each of the four players would still have enough critical mass of subscribers to achieve economies of scale and stay financially viable," he pointed out.

PLDT, which provides mobile telephone services through subsidiaries Smart Communications Inc. and Pilipino Telephone Corp., reported 35.2 million cellular subscribers at end 2008.

Globe and Digitel reported 24.7 million and 8.1 million cellular users, respectively, at end 2008.

Like Digitel, Santiago said Extelcom would require a lot of financial resources to be able to tussle with PLDT and Globe. He said Extelcom should be prepared to offer premium services at inexpensive rates, and mount a fierce promotional campaign to grab market share from PLDT and Globe.

Extelcom used to operate an analog cellular mobile telephone system until it was overtaken by the digital GSM networks of Globe and Smart that enable text messaging, which has become extremely popular among consumers.

PLDT reports lower consolidated earnings (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151118/PLDT-reports-lower-consolidated-earnings)
03/03/2009 | 11:56 AM

MANILA, Philippines- Earlier investments and forex volatility pulled down the consolidated earnings of telecommunications giant Philippine Long Distance Co. last year.

PLDT told the Philippine Stock Exchange that its consolidated net income for 2008 dropped four percent to P34.6 billion.

Core net income, meanwhile, rose eight percent to P38.1 billion.

"(The) year's results were impacted by asset impairment charges arising largely from earlier investments in its information and communications technology business as well as losses from the foreign exchange revaluation of our financial assets and liabilities, partially offset by net gains on derivative transactions," PLDT said.

For the full-year, consolidated revenues rose five percent to P142.9 billion.

PLDT also said debt balance as of December 31, 2008 stood at $1.6 billion with net debt approximately at $800 million with bulk of repayments due in and after 2013.

The company's board also approved the declaration of P70 per share final dividend.

"Our core businesses continue to grow despite the global recession but we have no intention of sitting on our laurels. We are fully aware of the extent of the situation and will keep a watchful eyes on issues that may affect us," said Napoleon Nazareno, PLDT and Smart Communications Inc. President and CEO. Cheryl M. Arcibal, GMANews.TV

PLDT posts income growth amid global crisis (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=445175&publicationSubCategoryId=200)
Updated March 03, 2009 01:30 PM


MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) -- Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, the country's biggest telecommunications company, today said that its net income for 2008 rose 8 percent to 38.1 billion pesos (about 776.6 million US dollars) with increased revenues on wireless, fixed line and ePLDT services.

In a statement issued today, PLDT reported its consolidated service revenues rose by 5 percent to 142.9 billion pesos (2.9 billion dollars).

Consolidated EBITDA improved by 6 percent in 2008 to 87.6 billion pesos (1.78 billion dollars) while EBITDA margin was stable at 61 percent. EBITDA, used to evaluate a company's profitability, is short for "earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization."

PLDT continues to dominate the local wireless market thanks to its expanding subscription base. The company's consolidated wireless service revenues rose 8 percent to 93.6 billion pesos (1. 9 billion dollars) in 2008.

"Our core businesses continue to grow despite the global recession but we have no intention of sitting on our laurels. We are fully aware of the extent of the situation and will keep a watchful eye on issues that may affect us," said Napoleon L. Nazareno, PLDT President and CEO.

PLDT's cellular subsidiaries, Smart Communications, Inc. (" Smart") and Pilipino Telephone Corporation ("Piltel") have a total of 35.2 million subscribers by the end of 2008. The subscriber base of SmartBro, Smart's wireless broadband service -- through its wholly-owned subsidiary Smart Broadband, Inc. -- rose 81 percent to hit 547,000 at the end of 2008. SmartBro's revenues in 2008 increased 81 percent to 4.3 billion pesos (87.6 million dollars)

"Via wireless broadband, Smart is once again doing what it does best, this time playing a leading global role in bringing the internet within the reach of ordinary people. With the imminent launch of our 850 MHz HSPA network, the first in the region, our subscribers will soon have a faster, easier and richer broadband experience on their cellular phone, PC (personal computer), or any mobile internet device anywhere, anytime, at affordable rates," said Orlando B. Vea, Chief Wireless Adviser of Smart.

Meanwhile, PLDT's fixed line service revenues increased 1 percent to 49.3 billion pesos (1 billion dollars) in 2008 on gains in data revenues. Despite increased revenues and income, PLDT's consolidated net profit slid 4 percent to 34.6 billion pesos (705. 3 million dollars) owing to depreciation expenses and losses from the foreign exchange fluctuations. Consolidated free cash flow remained strong at 47.9 billion pesos (980 million dollars) in 2008. Total dividend payments for 2008 will total 37.5 billion pesos (764.4 million dollars).

PLDT sees slower 2009 core profit growth (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20090303-192086/PLDT-sees-slower-2009-core-profit-growth)
Reuters

MANILA, Philippines -- The country's largest listed company, telecommunications firm PLDT, expects a smaller rise in 2009 core profit after posting a 17-percent rise in profit in the fourth quarter.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), owned by Hong Kong's First Pacific Co. Ltd. and Japan's NTT Communications and NTT DoCoMo, said it expects core earnings to rise 5.0 percent this year to P40 billion ($818 million), lower than the 8.0-percent growth of 2008.

The country's biggest wireless phone provider said in January it expected net additional mobile subscribers of three to four million this year, down from around five million last year. PLDT's mobile phone subscribers stood at 35.2 million at the end of 2008.

PLDT announced a special dividend of P60 a share, on top of a promised dividend of 70 percent of 2008 core earnings, bringing total payout to 100 percent, in line with 2007.

Core earnings, which strip out currency and derivatives gains, were P10.29 billion in the fourth quarter, up 17 percent from a year earlier.

Fourth-quarter results usually get a boost from higher spending on new phones during the Christmas holidays and an increase in calls as Filipinos hook up with relatives based overseas.

But October-December net income fell to P8.45 billion from P9.38 billion a year ago. And full-year net profit was P34.6 billion, down 4.0 percent from 2007.

PLDT said 2008 earnings were dragged down by asset impairment charges from earlier investments in information technology and foreign exchange losses.

The group's fourth-quarter service revenues climbed 7.0 percent to P37.3 billion. Wireless phone operations accounted for nearly two-thirds of full-year revenues, which rose 5.0 percent.

PLDT shares were up 0.5 percent at P2,185 Tuesday, outperforming the main index, which was up 0.2 percent.

PLDT eyes acquisition of more telecommunications companies (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=445233&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes Updated March 04, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Long Distance Company (PLDT) remains in talks for possible investments in telecommunications companies (Telcos) both here and within the region, the company’s top official said.

PLDT group chairman Manuel Pangilinan said looking at the telco values in the region which have dropped at rates much larger than those of PLDT, there are definitely opportunities opening up in the region.

“We are taking a look at those opportunities now,” he revealed.

PLDT officials also revealed they are still pushing through with the launch this year of their direct-to-home (DTH) satellite television service, an alternative to cable TV service.

Pangilinan disclosed that the investments, which will be either outright acquisitions or equity investments, have not been firmed up and that they are in various degrees of discussion. He pointed out the investments will be made by PLDT, not by its parent Hong Kong-based conglomerate First Pacific Co. Ltd.

He cited opportunities opening up in India, where he said possible investment opportunities can range anywhere from $500 million to $2 billion.

He added that other opportunities are present in countries within the ASEAN region, but he did not elaborate, although he revealed that they are keen more on investing in the mobile business in the region.

Pangilinan said PLDT has been very selective and careful in terms of new investments last year. “Just because we have excess cash does not mean license to just invest. Our main objective is to raise shareholder value,” he explained.

He noted that PLDT has likewise been looking for opportunities to expand its presence within the country, preferring to acquire smaller province-based telephone companies that will help enlarge the company’s geographical reach especially on the fixed line side in areas where they not yet present or do not have significant presence.

PLDT earlier acquired Philcom Corp., a local telephone firm serving southern Philippines, shelling out P340 million to cover Philcom’s liabilities held by Premier Global Resources Corp. The debt agreement was inked last Jan. 2.

PLDT is likewise spending P75 million for the rights, title and interest in and to all of the shares and common stock of Philcom’s parent, Philippine Global Communications Inc.

The two transactions will result in PLDT owning 100 percent of Philcom.

The purchase of Philcom allows PLDT to reach a wider market in Mindanao, where PLDT already operates PLDT-Maratel and Smart Broadband.

“This expanded presence is expected to benefit not only the existing subscribers in the area, but provides the communities in the area an opportunity to access improved telecommunications facilities,” PLDT said.

Parties involved in PLDT’s Philcom acquisition still need a transaction approval from the National Telecommunications Commission.

PLDT has been managing the fixed line operations of Philcom since 2004 under an advisory and management agreement with Philippine Global. Philcom has been indebted to PLDT since 2001 for roughly P2.2 billion.

PLDT has been in talks with Philcom creditors and shareholders for the restructuring of the Mindanao-based telco’s debts.

Philcom serves Daval Oriental, Davao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Basilan and Camiguin.

PLDT eyes $2-B investments in India (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/03/09/pldt-eyes-2-b-investments-india)
Reuters | 03/03/2009 8:02 PM

The Philippines' largest listed company, telecoms firm PLDT, said on Tuesday it was eyeing acquisition opportunities in India that could see investments of up to $2 billion.

"I think there are opportunities in India that could have an investment range of anywhere between $500 million all the way up to $2 billion," Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co (PLDT) chairman Manuel Pangilinan told a results briefing.

"It's a market where the valuation of telcos has gone down significantly, so if we could take a look at it, it must make sense obviously for us," Pangilinan said.

PLDT is currently "in various degrees of discussions" with several firms in India, he added, but did not disclose details.

PLDT, which is owned by Hong Kong's First Pacific Co Ltd and Japan's NTT Communications and NTT DoCoMo, earlier forecast a smaller rise in core profit this year as a slowing domestic economy hits subscriber growth.

Core earnings are expected to rise 5 percent in 2009 to 40 billion pesos ($819 million) from 38.1 billion pesos in 2008. Last year's earnings marked an 8 percent increase over 2007.

Tax Benefit

PLDT, which runs the country's dominant fixed line business and is also the biggest wireless phone provider, has a market value of about $8.5 billion.

The company said P2 billion of this year's core profit, which strips out currency and derivatives gains, will come from the reduction in the corporate income tax rate to 30 percent from 35 percent. That would indicate that without the tax benefit, the company's bottomline will largely be flat.

"The economic conditions are difficult and, second, as you increase the penetration rate, it will of course be a little bit more difficult to gain more subscribers," Napoleon Nazareno, PLDT president and chief executive, told the briefing.

Full-year net profit was P34.6 billion, down 4 percent from 2007 and below forecasts of P37.2 billion, according to Reuters Estimates. PLDT said 2008 earnings were dragged down by asset impairment charges from earlier investments in information technology and foreign exchange losses.

"It's a good set of results, especially in the current environment," said Macquarie analyst Rama Maruvada. "The outlook obviously is a little bit challenging, more so because it's a macro thing, it's not really an execution issue."

For 2009, PLDT expects service revenues to rise 5 percent to P150 billion.

The company has allocated P27 billion for capital spending this year, up from last year's P25.2 billion, but officials said the amount can be tweaked.

PLDT last month said it raised P5 billion through an issuance of fixed rate notes to fund its capital outlay and officials said there could be more similar debt issues.

"We're trying to shift more of our borrowings to peso-denominated borrowings with respect to capex financing as well as replacing our maturities with debt," said PLDT Treasurer Anabelle Chua. "Over time, it minimises our exposure to forex revaluation," she said, adding the company has more than $300 million in debt maturing this year.

PLDT shares closed up 0.5 percent at P2,185 on Tuesday, compared with the main index's 0.2 percent rise.

Cu named new CEO at Globe Telecom (http://www.mb.com.ph/node/197604)

Globe Telecom Inc. Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala has appointed Ernest L. Cu as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Globe effective next month, after the company’s April 2, 2009 annual stockholders meeting.

Globe’s Board of Directors approved the appointment yesterday.

With over two decades of experience in general management and business development in many countries, Cu served as President of major outsourced service provider SPi Technologies before joining Globe.

The new CEO was known for being a mover in the country’s sunrise Business Process Outsourcing Industry. He transformed SPi from a simple data entry business into an end to end provider of services for the publishing, legal and healthcare sectors. At the time of his departure, the company was employing 7,000 workers, with facilities in the U.S., India and Vietnam.

Current Globe President and CEO Gerardo C. Ablaza Jr. will return to Ayala Corporation to oversee the Ayala Group’s business interests in telecommunications, banking and related fields

PLDT net income down 4% to P34.6 B (http://www.mb.com.ph/node/197601)
By EMMIE V. ABADILLA

With continuing growth from its cellular phone and data business, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) 2008 hauled in core net income earnings of P38.1 billion in 2008, a growth of 8% over the preceding year, on consolidated service revenues of P142.9 billion up 5% year-on-year.

However, PLDT’s consolidated net profit of P34.6 billion decreased 4% from the P36 billion reported in 2007 due to P2.5 billion asset impairment charges from earlier investments in SPi Technologies plus foreign exchange losses amounting to P1.6 billion.

Yet, PLDT’s wireless service revenues increased 8% to P93.6 billion; fixed line service revenues went up 1% to P49.3 billion while ePLDT service revenues improved 4% to P10.4 billion

Consolidated service revenues increased by 5% to P142.9 billion, fueled mainly by the 12% growth in data and ePLDT revenues. Consolidated Earnings Before Income Tax Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) improved by 6% to P87.6 billion while EBITDA margin was stable at 61%.

Consolidated wireless service revenues rose to P93.6 billion for 2008, 8% higher than the P86.5 billion realized last year. Combined, the subscribers of its cellular subsidiaries, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and Pilipino Telephone Corporation (Piltel) grew to 35.2 million.

Smart’s prepaid and postpaid brands recorded net additions of 560,000 subscribers, ending 2008 with 20.9 million subscribers while Piltel’s Talk ˜N Text added 4.6 million subscribers to end the year with 14.3 million.

Despite having achieved 99% network coverage geographically several years back, network investments still made up the bulk of wireless capital expenditures which totaled P16.7 billion in 2008.

SmartBro, Smart’s wireless broadband service through its wholly-owned subsidiary Smart Broadband, Inc., reported an 81% wireless broadband subscriber growth, hauling in 547,000 total subscribers at the end of 2008.

Postpaid broadband subscribers grew 40% to 423,000 while the prepaid service, which was launched only at the end of March 2008, already totaled 124,000.

Wireless broadband revenues grew at a similar 81% pace to P4.3 billion, a significant improvement over the P2.4 billion recorded in 2007.

On the other hand, PLDT’s fixed line service revenues increased 1% to P49.3 billion in 2008 from P48.6 billion last year as gains in data revenues, both from corporate data and residential DSL services, were attenuated by declines in other segments of the business.

Revenues in local exchange and national long distance were down 2% while ILD revenues continued to weaken with the effects of the 4% average appreciation of the U. S. dollar/peso exchange rate in 2008 as well as lower termination rates and call volumes on the carier’s dollar linked revenues.

Fixed Line revenues would have improved another 1% year-on-year if foreign exchange rates had remained stable.

Still, fixed line subscribers grew 3% to 1.8 million on the back of new initiatives on both the corporate, SME and retail fronts. Subscribers to PLDT Landline Plus ("PLP"), a fixed-wireless telephone service that uses a combined fixed/wireless platform in the delivery of fixed line voice and data services, now number 126,000.

PLDT’s SME unit has made inroads in capturing a significant share in a growing segment of the market estimated at over 600,000 active enterprises.

Retail DSL continued its strong performance as broadband subscribers grew by over 168,000 to 432,000 at the end of 2008 from 264,000 at the end of 2007.

PLDT DSL generated P5.4 billion in revenues for 2008, up 38% from P3.9 billion in 2007, accounting for about 50% of the PLDT Group’s broadband and internet revenues for the year.

Furthermore, ePLDT, the Group’s information and communications technology arm, reported service revenues of P10.4 billion for 2008, a 4% increase from the P10.1 billion recorded last year.

Epldt’s revenues and performance reflected the adverse impact of the average appreciation of the peso, as approximately 78% of its service revenues. EPLDT’s revenues account for 7% of PLDT’s consolidated revenues.

Consolidated customer interaction services (more commonly known as "call center") revenues grew 4% to P3.4 billion despite the appreciation of the peso.

ePLDT Ventus, the umbrella brand for ePLDT’s customer interaction business, now operates seven customer interaction service facilities with combined seats of close to 6,600 and an employee base of over 7,100.

SPi Technologies, Inc., ePLDT’s knowledge processing arm (also known as business process outsourcing or "BPO"), generated revenues of P5.3 billion in 2008.

PLDT targets core profits of P40 billion for 2009 but maintains a scalable P27 Billion capital expenditure allocation, believing that the opportunity to invest in its long-term future becomes more attractive in challenging times.

The group’s consolidated free cash flow remained strong at P47.9 billion in 2008. Consolidated capital expenditures stood at P25.2 billion for the year, slightly below the P27.0 billion guidance provided earlier in the year.

The P1.8 billion difference is due mainly to certain rescheduled

maintenance programs in the Fixed line business and will be carried over into 2009.

On the other hand, the PLDT Group’s consolidated debt balance as of 31st December 2008 stood at US$ 1.6 billion with net debt at approximately US$ 800 million. Net debt to EBITDA and net debt to free cash flow ratios stood at 0.4 times and 0.8 times, respectively.

The company’s debt maturities are well spread out, with the bulk of debt repayments due in and after 2013. About 78% of consolidated debt are US$ -denominated with 33% of total debt hedged. Its cash and short-term securities are invested primarily in bank placements and government securities.

Yesterday, PLDT’s Board of Directors declared a final dividend of P70 per share, fulfilling the company’s commitment to pay out a minimum ratio of 70% of core earnings. In addition, the Board approved a special dividend of P60 per share. Added to the previously paid interim dividend of P70 per share paid in March 2008, total dividends for the year will amount to P200 per share, representing a payout of 100% of 2008 core earnings, similar to 2007’s payout ratio.

Total dividend payments for 2008 will total P37.5 billion.

PLDT net income down 4% to P34.6 B (http://www.mb.com.ph/node/197601)
By EMMIE V. ABADILLA

With continuing growth from its cellular phone and data business, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) 2008 hauled in core net income earnings of P38.1 billion in 2008, a growth of 8% over the preceding year, on consolidated service revenues of P142.9 billion up 5% year-on-year.

However, PLDT’s consolidated net profit of P34.6 billion decreased 4% from the P36 billion reported in 2007 due to P2.5 billion asset impairment charges from earlier investments in SPi Technologies plus foreign exchange losses amounting to P1.6 billion.

Good.

So that there will be more room for more player.

PLDT and its foreign parent company would like to monopolize the Philippine market.

Im really hoping Pinoy telco like Sun and probably Express telecom and San Miguel controlled Liberty will get a big chunk of the celphone market in the country.

Go San Miguel! Challenge the dominance of this foreign owned with monopolistic tendency PLDT.

This First Pacific is wantonly violating our laws by owning majority of PLDT.

They are also back in monopolizing telco industry here by putting smart, Talk and text and red mobile in the market all at the same time.

I hope Globe, Sun, Liberty, Belltel and Extelcom will be aggressive in getting a chunk of the telco market.

First Pacific buys Meralco shares, sparks board war buzz

By JUDITH BALEA, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/04/2009 1:32 PM

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Meralco to telco

Manuel Pangilinan neither confirmed nor denied that First Pacific is accumulating shares in Meralco.

In the sidelines of an earnings presentation of PLDT, the cash cow of First Pacific, Pangilinan commented, "Let me say, as a generic manner, whenever we invest in a company, our main objective is to raise shareholder value and we would like to work with the existing board and with existing management."

Analysts, however, are split on why Pangilinan's group is getting into Meralco.

Before San Miguel bought the 27 percent stake previously held by GSIS in the utility, Pangilinan was said to be eyeing the same deal.

San Miguel acquired a stake in Meralco in line with its effort to diversify into high-growth industries.

Ramon Ang, president of San Miguel and vice chairman of Meralco, previously told reporters that he was toying with the idea of using Meralco power lines as the same delivery infrastructure for its broadband business under Liberty Telecom Holdings Inc., whose additional income could offset expenses related to Meralco.

An analyst said San Miguel's takeover of Meralco threatens First Pacific's local cash cow, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), since PLDT's lines also ride on Meralco's network infrastructure.

The same source said that Pangilinan has decided to team up with the Lopezes because San Miguel was also reportedly investing in Express Telecommunications Co. Inc. (Extelcom), which plans to directly compete with PLDT's Smart Communications and the Ayala Group's Globe Telecom. The Lopez family owns another telephone company, Bayan Telecommunications.

The analyst said new entrants in the telco industry could start a real price war, which could shrink earnings of PLDT and Globe.

Meanwhile, another analyst believes Pangilinan's group is not in a takeover bid with the Lopezes and will not aggressively buy into Meralco.

"I think they acquired a stake just for mere investment. The group is not known to be political and the Meralco business is highly politicized. The power industry is also highly regulated. It would be a big risk for them to get into it. It would just cause them headache," he said. -- with report from Maiki Oreta, ABS-CBN News

PLDT eyes $2-B investments in India (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/03/09/pldt-eyes-2-b-investments-india)
Reuters | 03/03/2009 8:02 PM

The Philippines' largest listed company, telecoms firm PLDT, said on Tuesday it was eyeing acquisition opportunities in India that could see investments of up to $2 billion.

"I think there are opportunities in India that could have an investment range of anywhere between $500 million all the way up to $2 billion," Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co (PLDT) chairman Manuel Pangilinan told a results briefing.

"It's a market where the valuation of telcos has gone down significantly, so if we could take a look at it, it must make sense obviously for us," Pangilinan said.

PLDT is currently "in various degrees of discussions" with several firms in India, he added, but did not disclose details.

PLDT, which is owned by Hong Kong's First Pacific Co Ltd and Japan's NTT Communications and NTT DoCoMo, earlier forecast a smaller rise in core profit this year as a slowing domestic economy hits subscriber growth.

Core earnings are expected to rise 5 percent in 2009 to 40 billion pesos ($819 million) from 38.1 billion pesos in 2008. Last year's earnings marked an 8 percent increase over 2007.

Tax Benefit

PLDT, which runs the country's dominant fixed line business and is also the biggest wireless phone provider, has a market value of about $8.5 billion.

The company said P2 billion of this year's core profit, which strips out currency and derivatives gains, will come from the reduction in the corporate income tax rate to 30 percent from 35 percent. That would indicate that without the tax benefit, the company's bottomline will largely be flat.

"The economic conditions are difficult and, second, as you increase the penetration rate, it will of course be a little bit more difficult to gain more subscribers," Napoleon Nazareno, PLDT president and chief executive, told the briefing.

Full-year net profit was P34.6 billion, down 4 percent from 2007 and below forecasts of P37.2 billion, according to Reuters Estimates. PLDT said 2008 earnings were dragged down by asset impairment charges from earlier investments in information technology and foreign exchange losses.

"It's a good set of results, especially in the current environment," said Macquarie analyst Rama Maruvada. "The outlook obviously is a little bit challenging, more so because it's a macro thing, it's not really an execution issue."

For 2009, PLDT expects service revenues to rise 5 percent to P150 billion.

The company has allocated P27 billion for capital spending this year, up from last year's P25.2 billion, but officials said the amount can be tweaked.

PLDT last month said it raised P5 billion through an issuance of fixed rate notes to fund its capital outlay and officials said there could be more similar debt issues.

"We're trying to shift more of our borrowings to peso-denominated borrowings with respect to capex financing as well as replacing our maturities with debt," said PLDT Treasurer Anabelle Chua. "Over time, it minimises our exposure to forex revaluation," she said, adding the company has more than $300 million in debt maturing this year.

PLDT shares closed up 0.5 percent at P2,185 on Tuesday, compared with the main index's 0.2 percent rise.

This is interesting....a country w/ more than 1 billion people will surely offer "money" in return.

Yes!:)

Manila Times

Thursday, March 05, 2009


Receiver endorses Extelcom’s rehab plan


Express Telecom Co. Inc.’s (Extelcom) plan to revive the company is “viable,” according to the rehabilitation receiver of the country’s oldest telco.

In a report to the Manila Regional Trial Court, Victor Macalingcag, Extelcom’s receiver said the court-approved rehabilitation plan was the most feasible and realistic to restore the telco’s health to the benefit of all stakeholders.

Bayan Telecommunications Inc. had asked the court to junk Extelcom’s approved rehab, proposing to adopt instead an alternative plan to revive the company.

The Extelcom stake of Marifil Holdings, which Bayan owns, has been diluted to only 8.39 percent from 46.62 percent after an earlier debt-to-equity swap. Bayan’s credit exposure to Extelcom stands at only P20.17 million compared with a total outstanding debt of P9.017 billion.

Trans Digital Excel Inc., which acquired the interest of Millicom Cellular S.A. in Extelcom, has a 59.04-percent stake. Trans Digital filed rehabilitation proceedings before the Manila lower court.

“The company’s planned digital rollout of cellular services and the introduction of other products will make Extelcom an attractive venture for investors and financial institutions, based on the projected income stream and financial rate of return of the project as envisaged in the rehabilitation plan,” the report said.

The rehabilitation receiver said Extelcom’s most valuable asset is its 850 megahertz frequency allocation adding that the company can take advantage of certain technological advances in 850 megahertz frequency that will give it a competitive edge over other telcos.

“Taking advantage of this technology by modernizing its equipment is the only way for Extelcom to continue as a viable telecommunications company, and the first step for Extelcom to be able to do is to immediately clean up its balance sheet by reducing if not wiping out its deficit, in order to increase the company’s chances of attracting investors,” Macalingcag said.

He said the new money that will be infused by the investors and the financial institutions presents a clear picture of what the future holds for Extelcom—a complete turn around.

Sources said that San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has expressed interest to invest in Extelcom.

Recently, Ramon Ang, SMC president and chief operating officer, had visited the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) along with the lawyers of Extelcom to present the company’s rollout plan to offer cellular mobile telephone system (CMTS). Extelcom had asked the NTC for an additional frequency to rollout its CMTS service.

Extelcom wants the frequency under the 925 to 935 megahertz band to pair with its existing 880 to 890 frequency band so that it can offer CMTS.

Luisito Sapiera, Extelcom officer in charge, had said the company’s reentry into the mobile phone business would further foster healthy competition in the market that is dominated by Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc.
-- Darwin G. Amojelar

i want smc to control meralco!!!

i hate first pacific!!!

^ why do you hate first pacific?

San Miguel eyes Extelcom, other telecommunications companies (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=445864&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Zinnia b. Dela Peña Updated March 06, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Corp., Southeast Asia’s largest food and drink conglomerate, plans to merge Liberty Telecom Holdings Inc. and Express Telecommunications Co. (Extelcom) should it succeed in owning a majority stake in these two telecommunications companies.

San Miguel president Ramon S. Ang said the company is in the final stages of negotiations with the management of Extelcom for the possible acquisition of the debt-strapped telecommunications company.

Ang said San Miguel is also looking at increasing its stake in Liberty Telecom to 60 percent from the existing 20 percent. Qatar Telecommunications Group (Qtel), San Miguel’s partner in all its telecommunications ventures, acquired 27 percent of Liberty Telecom in May 2008 through subsidiary Wi-Tribe Asia Ltd.

“I think it makes sense to merge them but this would only happen if we acquire control of these two companies. QTel will always be our partner in anything we do with respect to the telecommunications business,” Ang said.

San Miguel is planning to venture into the mobile phone business via Extelcom, which is under rehabilitation due to liquidity problems.

The telecom firm is in need of fresh capital to allow it to upgrade its cellular network, which currently runs on an analog platform. It also needs to modernize its equipment so it can offer mobile phone services on the GSM (global system for mobile communications) platform, which is being used by the leading players in the cellular phone industry

Liberty Telecom, on the other hand, is hoping to get a slice of the growing wireless broadband market by using Wi-max (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), a telecommunications technology that provides wireless transmission of data at speed of up to 72 megabits per second without the need for cables.

It is also seen as the likely corporate vehicle that will be used by the San Miguel-Qtel joint venture in their bid to penetrate the local wireless voice and data telecommunications services market.

Liberty Telecom’s shift to the wireless broadband market was due to the booming demand for broadband Internet connectivity given increasing demand for online education, voice-over-Internet protocol (VOIP) and gaming as well as improving affordability of PCs and strong government commitment to develop information technology and Internet-related sectors.

It said it will primarily focus on providing fixed broadband Internet and voice service to premium households and small-and-medium enterprises and complement it with a mobile broadband offering.

In particular, Liberty Telecom is hoping to provide high bandwidth (1Mbps+) for upper and middle class households and SMEs, 512 Mbps service for the lower to middle class, and 1 Mbps nomadic service for high-end mobile users.

The company is also hoping to launch VOIP in 2010 with focus on offering competitive international package.

With its planned services, Liberty Telecom is expecting fierce competition from leading players Smart Communications and Globe Telecoms as well as Sun Cellular in the mobile data segment.

Ang said San Miguel remains on the lookout for other telecommunications companies for possible acquisition in a bid to build a strong a presence in the highly-competitive and capital intensive industry.

He also denied reports San Miguel is eyeing Bayan Telecommunications of the Lopez family.

“We’re not interested at all,” Ang said.

BSP approves $50-million Globe Telecom loan (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=446820&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Des Ferriols Updated March 09, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has approved a $50-million foreign loan by the Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. to finance the acquisition and installation of equipment to improve its services.

Sources said Globe plans to borrow from the Export Development Bank of Canada and this has been approved by the Monetary Board.

The source said Globe’s project is eligible for foreign financing under the digital infrastructure component of the government’s Medium Term Development Program.

The loan, according to the source, has a three-year maturity including a six-month grace period. It will carry an interest rate equivalent to 300 basis-points over dollar LIBOR.

Globe Telecom, the Philippines’ second-largest phone firm, earlier said it was also planning to issue P3 billion ($64 million) worth of three- and five-year bonds to raise funds for its operations.

The February 2012 bonds would carry a coupon rate of 7.5 percent, payable quarterly, while the February 2014 bonds would have a coupon of eight percent, Globe said in a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Globe is owned by Singapore Telecommunications and local conglomerate Ayala Corp.

The telecoms firm, which posted a 15-percent drop in 2008 net income, had earmarked lower capital spending in 2009 which would drop by 16 percent from the 2008 level.

The company, however, still forecast continued growth in its broadband business despite the slowing economy.

Globe taps Candian export credit agency for digital infra expansion (http://http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/march/09/yehey/business/20090309bus10.html)

GLOBE Telecom Inc. will tap the Export Development Canada (EDC) for funds to be used in the telco’s digital infrastructure improvement program, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo told reporters that the Monetary Board gave the green light to Globe’s planned $50-million loan from the Canadian creditor.

“This will be used to improve its [Globe] services particularly its digital infrastructure,” Guinigundo said.

The loan has a maturity of three years, including one-and-a-half grace period. It has an interest rate of 3 percent per annum over US dollar Libor (London interbank borrowing rate).

The improvement in the country’s digital infrastructure forms part of the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan.

EDC is Canada’s export credit agency and provides financing and risk management services to Canadian exporters and investors worldwide.

In a separate statement, the telco said its network reached 6,446 cell sites nationwide as of last year from 6,217 in the previous year. Based on its internal network performance tests for quality of service, the call success failure rate and the dropped call rate “significantly improved last year from the prior year,” it added.

“Lower percentage of dropped calls and failed call attempts is desired as this means higher quality of service and adherence to operating standards set for mobile operators, with most of Globe’s voice calls successfully connected and completed,” it said.

According to the National Telecommunications Commission’s benchmarking of mobile operators’ network performance, Globe scored better with 3.41 percent, compared with rival Smart Communications Inc.’s 5.21 percent and Sun Cellular’s 19 percent. Smart is a unit of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), while Sun is the mobile phone service arm of the Gokongwei group.

Globe said the bulk of its capital expenditure of $350 million to $400 million this year will fund its wireless broadband business, with the remaining amount going to mobile phone network coverage expansion.

Its cellular phone subscriber base grew 22 percent to 24.7 million last year from 20.3 million in 2007, on the back of sustained acquisition drives and aggressive on-the-ground selling efforts and affordable entry costs and attractive promo offerings.

The company’s mass market brand, Touch Mobile (TM), led the growth and accounted for 70 percent of the 4.4 million net additions in 2008, bringing in more than 3 million incremental subscriber identification modules (SIMs). In 2007, TM accounted for only 56 percent.

Controlled by Ayala Corp. and Singapore Telecommunications Ltd., Globe posted a net income of P11.3 billion last year, down by 15 percent from the previous year’s P13.3 billion as subscribers tightened their belts amid lingering economic difficulties.

Its net income fell sharply in the fourth quarter of last year by 31 percent to P2.5 billion from P3.6 billion in the same period the previous year.

The company said the fourth quarter performance was driven by strong holiday demand, spurred by attractive voice and short messaging system (SMS) offers to further boost consumption.
-- Maricel E. Burgonio And Darwin G. Amojelar

LibertyTel chief may run Express Telecom too (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/09/09/libertytel-chief-may-run-express-telecom-too)
By Lenie Lectura, Business Mirror | 03/09/2009 11:16 AM


The newly appointed chief operating officer (COO) of Liberty Telecoms Holdings Inc. may also run the operations of Express Telecommunications Co. Inc., as both phone firms are expected to be merged soon.

Anastacio Martirez, former marketing whiz of Smart Communications Inc., said he would rather let San Miguel Corp. (SMC) president and Liberty chairman Ramon Ang make the appropriate announcement.

“I don’t want to say anything on that. I don’t want Mr. Ang to be preempted on something which he has the right to announce,” said Martirez in an interview. Ang, for his part, declined to comment.

Martirez joined Liberty last February 4 after having held the positions of chief mobile head and head of consumer business at Smart for 12 years, and the position of chief executive officer for the Jakarta-based PT Smart Telecom.

He has vast experience in wireless broadband internet as well as successful experience in launching and general management of communications services, from rollout, network operations, customer service to sales and marketing.

“It is expected that he will also be appointed as one of the top officials in Express Telecom, especially now that SMC announced last week that it makes sense to merge the two companies,” said a source.

The board of directors has decided to keep the position of the Liberty president vacant in the meantime. “Knowing SMC, they want to appoint someone of their own choice. Martirez is going to be the COO also of Express Telecom. With his expertise, he can easily run both companies,” said the source.

Ang said last week that they were now close to acquiring Express Telecom as talks are in the final stages. If SMC acquires control of Liberty and Express Telecom, then both firms can be merged, Ang said.

Another source said it will be Liberty and not SMC that is acquiring Express Telecom. This, however, has remained unconfirmed, but industry experts said this could be the likely scenario.

“If I were to do it, Liberty is going to be the entity that SMC and QTel will be using to offer cellular and wireless broadband services. Liberty will be buying Express Telecom,” said the source.

Liberty Telecoms is a holding company engaged in providing telecommunications products and services through subsidiaries. It offers wireless voice services, connectivity services, internet, international lease line, international frame relay, private internet protocol services and video teleconference services.

It recently partnered with Qatar’s major telecommunications company Qatar Telecom. Qtel, as the company is known, is an integrated telecommunications player, which offers services to 16 countries with a total population coverage of 550 million and a subscriber base of 55 million. It is majority-owned by the state of Qatar.

“Whatever we will be doing in the telecommunications business, QTel will also be our partner,” Ang said last week.

SMC is eyeing a bigger stake in Liberty from the current 20 percent to 60 percent. “The moment the parties officially agree on whatever is needed or the potential offer is needed, our foreign partner, QTel, and SMC will do whatever is necessary,”

SMC’s entry into Liberty is still not finalized. At the moment, Liberty is already 27.12 percent owned by QTel. The foreign telco acquired these shares through subsidiary wi-Tribe Asia Ltd.

In December last year, Liberty issued 175,113,191 preferred shares or 9.9 percent to Wi-Tribe Asia and 300,382,336 million preferred shares, or 17 percent, to locally incorporated White Dawn Solutions Holdings Inc. The equity was sold for P3.20 per share or a total of P1.52 billion.

PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund acquires 10.17% of Meralco (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=447085&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña Updated March 10, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) group has accumulated a 10.17-percent ownership stake in Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) through the stock market, further fanning speculations of a looming board battle in the country’s largest power distributor.

PLDT, which has been the subject of rumors it has struck a partnership with the Lopez family – the single biggest shareholder in Meralco – to help ward off any perceived threat of hostile takeovers, has purchased enough shares to secure one board seat in the power firm.

Based on a report to the Philippine Stock Exchange, PLDT said its Beneficial Trust Fund (BTF) – the retirement fund of PLDT employees - and British Virgin Islands-based New Gallant Ltd. acquired a total of 113.31 million shares of Meralco at prices ranging from P62 to P123.90 from the open market.

New Gallant is a holding company whose total outstanding shares are beneficially owned by the BTF.

The block shares is estimated to be worth P13 billion.

Given its current ownership interest, PLDT said it plans to nominate and elect its representative to Meralco’s board of directors in the upcoming annual stockholders meeting scheduled on May 26.

The group started buying Meralco shares in Feb. 3 with an initial purchase of 6.765 million shares at an average price of P72.50 each share. It acquired the biggest chunk of Meralco shares on March 4 — a total of 24.24 million shares at an average price of P90.50.

The last purchase was done Friday, with a total of 12.25 million shares acquired at an average price of P123.90. March 6 was the last day for investors to buy shares to be qualified to participate and vote in Meralco’s annual stockholders meeting.

Meralco, however, was the top loser yesterday among listed stocks, closing 25.4 percent lower than the previous closing price of P126 each share.

In previous weeks, Meralco’s share price increased almost four-fold, reaching almost P120 from only P40-plus per share weeks before the deadline for those who could vote in May.

The PLDT group is widely expected to ally itself with the Lopez family, Meralco’s current controlling shareholder, who will potentially face a proxy war with another major shareholder, food and beverage conglomerate San Miguel Corp.

With one board seat secured by PLDT, market observers told ABS-CBN News that a Lopez-PLDT alliance secures five seats, or majority, in the of the 11-man Meralco board. San Miguel holds four seats. There are two independent directors.

Top executives of San Miguel and PLDT have denied they are positioning to assert control of Meralco.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Ray Espinosa, vice chairman of the PLDT BTF, wrote, “It is important to stress that when we made this investment, it is our plan and intention to work with various shareholder groups including the Lopez family. It is not in our interest to disrupt the business of Meralco. We intend to bring Meralco to a state where it is more profitable.”

PLDT and San Miguel are both in the telecommunications business. PLDT is the country’s largest mobile and landline provider, while San Miguel just recently entered into a partnership with a Qatar-based telecommunications firm for broadband-based services in the Philippines.

Both are interested in Meralco’s vast network of power poles where they could piggyback their telecommunications infrastructure within Meralco’s franchise areas, Metro Manila and nearby towns. Telecommunications business in these areas contribute bulk of operators’ revenues.

Last January, MediaQuest, the investment vehicle of the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund, admitted it is conducting due duligence on the broadsheet, The Philippine STAR, before it finalizes an estimated 85 percent acquisition in April. The deal was estimated to be worth P4 billion.

Exec details PLDT and Meralco synergies (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/09/09/exec-details-pldt-and-meralco-synergies)
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/09/2009 11:49 PM


A top executive of the conglomerate that now has an assured seat in the board of power giant Meralco recently detailed why it accumulated billions-peso worth of Meralco shares in the open market.

Ray Espinosa, vice chairman of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund, the corporate vehicle of the PLDT Group for the Meralco stake, told ABS-CBN News that it is interested in Meralco because it could share in the latter's network of poles and could realize savings in servicing common set of clients.

PLDT has accumulated a billion-peso worth 10.17 percent stake in Meralco that is enough to ensure it a seat in the power firm.

PLDT’s entry into Meralco is widely assumed to have had the blessing of the Lopez family, whose allies currently dominate the 11-man board.

The Lopez-PLDT Group alliance is likely to engage in a battle for board control with another Meralco major shareholder, San Miguel Corporation, in the run up to the annual stockholders meeting of the power firm in May 26.

PLDT and San Miguel are both engaged in telecommunications. Both were previously in a contest to bag a former Meralco shareholder’s 27 percent block, but San Miguel beat PLDT to the draw. (Read background here.)

‘Pole relationship’

Espinosa said PLDT, the conglomerate’s telecommunication arm and cash cow, is dependent on the poles of Meralco to put up its own telephone lines.

“We use the poles of Meralco to put up our own telephone lines. That arrangement has been in place for quite a long time already. We would like to expand that pole relationship as we roll out new technology,” Espinosa shared.

Meralco’s poles are made of wood, concrete or steel, and usually more than 30 feet high. These have attachments, like wires, cable, streetlights, transformers, and in some instance, communication cables, including those of PLDT's.

The poles are strategically located all over Meralco’s franchise areas, including Metro Manila and nearby provinces—the most profitable markets for telecommunications businesses.

Espinosa also shared that the PLDT Group has plans to pursue other businesses that are dependent on the ‘pole relationship’ with Meralco.

He cited future plans to offer high-speed broadband services via the power lines. “You've also heard in the news about power line broadband. It means delivering hi-speed Internet broadband using the power lines of an electricity company. That technology exists today. We would like to look at that technology with Meralco.”

The executive mentioned eMeralco Ventures Inc. which has a potential to course data communications. “It's a company that operates quite an extensive fiber optic network in Metro Manila.”

eMeralco is the information and communications technology vehicle of Meralco established in 2003 to eventually pave the way toward a seamless migration of legacy infrastructure into next-generation network platforms--an area that PLDT is aggressively pursuing now.

Earlier, an executive of another Meralco major shareholder, San Miguel Corporation, said the former food and drinks giant is also eyeing Meralco’s poles for their new telecommunications venture.

San Miguel recently partnered with a Qatar-based telecommunications firm to offer broadband services in the Philippines.

Printing costs

Espinosa also cited other synergies between the PLDT Group and Meralco.

“A vast majority of Miracle customers are also PLDT customers…It's quite logical to tap each others assets,” he said.

Both issue millions of printed copies of statement of clients’ accounts, which, Espinosa said, could be streamlined to realize savings.

“PLDT has a large base and Meralco as well. That is an area we would look into to bring down cost of printing. Combined, both send statements to 15 million people,” he explained

Bayantel

When asked if the entry into Meralco took into consideration opportunities to acquire Bayan Telecommunications, a cash-strapped sister company of Meralco, Espinosa was less specific.

“PLDT as a telco always keep an eye out for strategic opportunities. Looking at other telcos in the Philippines is something that we constantly do,” he said, adding that they have acquired other existing telecommunications firms in the past.

Nevertheless, he hinted that a good relationship with the Lopez family is key in efforts to acquire any more Lopez family-controlled asset.

“We could look at Bayantel but obviously any discussion regarding Bayantel would follow only if the Lopez family is willing to discuss that with us,” he said.

Retirement fund

On the topic of coursing the 10 percent Meralco stake acquisition through PLDT’s pension fund, Espinosa explained that PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund has investments in blue chip assets.

The trustee-run billions-worth pension fund is used to fund retirement benefits of the PLDT employees. “We're mindful of the need to secure those returns… We decide on what is good for the portfolio,” he said.-- with ABS-CBN News and Lala Rimando, abs-cbnnews.com/Newsbreak

Eastern Telecoms to beef up workforce by 12% in �09 (http://http://www.tribuneonline.org/business/20090311bus6.html)

03/11/2009

Telecommunications firm Eastern Communications said it is hiring an additional 12 percent of its current workforce to meet expansion plans for 2009.

�Eastern�s expansion program is essential if it is to achieve its revenue target of P5 billion. While the company will be conservative in its spending in the present, given the global economic slowdown, we will not sacrifice the quality of the future,� Edwin Domingo, marketing and business development head of Eastern Communications, said.

The additional manpower needed will be those with backgrounds in sales, IT and ECE and ascertained bias towards customer satisfaction and service excellence.

The expansion is expected to support the company�s 14 new products and 16,000 new lines. In addition to traditional bandwidth and connectivity solutions, new products include wireless access, services for high-end internet cafes, a new data center, business applications and special packages for SMEs and corporations.

�This will help our clients be more productive in doing their business as well as selling their services to their own customers,� he said.

Former NTC chief sees lower SMS messaging rates, cheaper mobile phone units (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/152251/Former-NTC-chief-sees-lower-SMS-messaging-rates-cheaper-mobile-phone-units)
03/11/2009 | 02:56 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Text messaging cost will likely go down to as much as five centavos amid tight competition in the telecommunications industry in the next few months, a congressman said Wednesday.

In an article posted on the House of Representatives website, House information and communications technology committee chairman Catanduanes Rep. Joseph Santiago said
the "mounting pressure to draw in the 'last mile' of non-users" could bring down the cost of carrier-subsidized handsets with SIM cards to as low as P500.

Telecom giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. and Gokongwei-led Digital Telecommunications Phils., Inc. are now "aggressively raiding" each other's subscribers while increasing market share by tapping those who still have no mobile phones, he said.

"In any highly active markets, the more combative the rivalry, the greater the potential tangible benefits to consumers in terms of superior services and more
affordable user rates," the former chief of the National Telecommunications Commission said.

He cited PLDT subsidiary Smart Communications Inc.'s P20-promotional plan lets subscribers to send 110 Smart-to-Smart text messages, plus 10 messages to any
non-Smart network. This, he said, provides a rate of 16 centavos.

"Right now, the effective text messaging rate is already 16 to 18 centavos, based on the current promotional campaigns of service providers. Once the full force of unfettered competition is brought to bear on the market, we reckon that text messaging rates would fall some more, possibly to as low as five to 10 centavos," he said.

Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc., the subsidiary of Digitel that offers wireless network under "Sun Cellular," offers a P30-promotional combo plan that allows subscribers to send 120 Sun-to-Sun text messages, plus 40 messages to any non-Sun network. This indicates a rate of 18 centavos, he added, on top of 40 minutes of free Sun-to-Sun voice calls.
-GMANews.TV

Moody's reviews PLDT rating for possible upgrade (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=447618&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann LL. Reyes Updated March 12, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - Credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service, has placed Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.’s currency issuer rating under review for a possible upgrade.

At the same time, Moody’s has affirmed PLDT’s Ba2/positive foreign currency bond rating.

“The review has been prompted by PLDT’s ability to retain a consistently strong operating and financial profile despite a slowing economic environment and rapidly deepening cellular penetration,” Moody’s vice president Laura Acres said in a statement.

“The company currently holds a 52-percent subscriber market share in the Philippines wireless segment and 60 percent in the fixed-line business, both of which contribute to PLDT’s healthy free cash flow generation capabilities,” Acres, who is also Moody’s lead analyst for PLDT, added.

While PLDT maintained its high dividend payout and large capital expenditure budget in 2008, its financial profile with adjusted debt/EBITDA (earnings before interests, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of around one times and EBITDA-capex/interest of over nine times, remained strong for its current rating level, the Moody’s official noted.

She said the review will focus on: first, growth prospects at the consolidated level given near saturation levels of teledensity; second, PLDT’s ongoing capex requirements for maintenance and rollout of next generation technologies; third, its financial policies over the next two years especially with regard to leverage and uses of cash; and lastly, the company’s liquidity risk profile.

Experts keeping eye on telcos’ moves this year (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/12/09/experts-keeping-eye-telcos%E2%80%99-moves-year-0)
By Karen Flores, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/12/2009 11:27 AM


The telecommunications industry is likely to provide a lot of opportunities for economic growth this year, experts said on Wednesday.

On the second day of the Philippine Capital Markets Conference in Manila, panelists from various sectors agreed on the strength of the country’s telecommunication industry, which they said would be a “very competitive market” in the years to come.

In particular, they are looking forward to what Smart Communications Inc. of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) and Globe Telecom Inc.—the country’s two largest service providers—will do to compete this year especially with the current economic downturn.

“The country’s growth is driven by the consumer market, especially on the telcos’ side,” said Atty. Agustin Montilla IV of the Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc and De Los Angeles law firm.

Last week, credit evaluator Fitch Ratings said PLDT and Globe are “well-positioned to weather the ongoing downturn” with their dominant market positions and robust balance sheets.

Fitch also saw “moderating” growth of the mobile phone industry in thecountry, with PLDT and Globe exploring various ways to boost their earnings.

“Both PLDT and Globe boast of healthy liquidity and strong free cash flow,” the group said in a report.

Last month, Globe posted a P11.28-billion net income for 2008, lower by 15 percent from the previous year. The company’s wireless subscriber base, however, jumped 22 percent to 24.7 million.

On the other hand, its rival PLDT reported a P34.6-billion net profit last year, a 4-percent decline from its 2007 income. PLDT had a total subscriber base of 35.2 million in 2008.

Aside from telecommunications, panelists saw energy as a “hot item” for the next few years, especially with the Department of Energy set to have its contract round this month, particularly on service contracts for oil, gas, and geothermal plants.

Mining is also seen to be “more opportunistic,” with a number of inquiries on the mining market, particularly from China, Australia, and Indonesia.

Meralco takeover an option for PLDT (http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20090312-193650/Meralco-takeover-an-option-for-PLDT)
By Elizabeth Sanchez-Lacson, Doris Dumlao

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) has expressed interest in taking over control of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) by buying the 34-percent stake held by the Lopez family that runs the country’s largest power retailer.

Long before PLDT trust fund acquired a 10.17-percent stake in Meralco, there was already talk at the stock market about the increasing “pressure” on the Lopez family to sell out, not to mention the attractive price of the stock in the market.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday, PLDT said “there are ongoing discussions between PLDT and the Lopez Group but no agreement has yet been reached or signed.”

The PLDT group came in as an ally of the Lopezes, whose control of Meralco is believed to be threatened with the entry of the diversifying beverage and food group San Miguel Corp., which acquired voting rights equivalent to 27 percent of Meralco from the state-run pension fund Government Service Insurance System in October.

Global 5000 Investment, a fund allied with San Miguel, also gained at least a seven-percent stake in Meralco, bringing their combined stake at par with that of the Lopezes.

First Philippine Holdings Corp. vice president Benjamin Lopez, son of Lopez family patriarch Oscar Lopez, said Wednesday the Lopez family was “studying all options” on its stake in Meralco.

“Nothing is final,” he said in a text message.

The PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund (BTF), which now controls 10.17 percent of Meralco (equivalent to one board seat), confirmed it was in discussions with the Lopez family.

“Suffice it so say that PLDT and the Lopez Group have ongoing discussions but I can’t speculate on the outcome,” said Ray Espinosa, president of ePLDT and concurrently vice chairman of BTF.

Espinosa said in an email to the Philippine Daily Inquirer there were “real synergy areas between Meralco and PLDT.” He cited eight areas: power line broadband; fiber-optic backbone network; electric power poles; easements and rights of way; prepaid electricity service; business offices; ICT or data center; bill statement printing and enveloping; and subscriber base.

BTF, the benefit pension plan for PLDT employees, earlier said it had bought a total of 113.3 million Meralco shares from Feb. 3 to March 6 at P62 to P123 per share. Its 10.17-percent stake in Meralco is valued at P10.5 billion, based Meralco’s market capitalization as of Wednesday.

Analysts said it would come as no surprise if the Lopezes sold out to PLDT.

PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan “pays high and in cash, unlike San Miguel, and they [Lopezes] can count on some deals that will ensure the continuation of Meralco’s [power purchase] contracts with First Generation Corp. and First Philippine Holdings Corp.,” a dealer at a local stockbrokerage said.

As to why the Lopezes would want to give up Meralco after controlling it for decades, the dealer said: “While it is a cash cow, there are a lot of headaches too. Every increase in electricity rates would have to go through a lot of scrutiny.”

Regarding “power line broadband,” BTF’s Espinosa said there now was technology that would permit provision of broadband services using electric power lines.

“To date, this technology is being used to provide and deliver broadband services to homes in certain limited areas in the United States (and perhaps in other countries as well),” he said in his email. “The BTF will encourage Meralco and PLDT to explore, discuss and explore this technology and adapt it for use in the country.”

Espinosa said this technology could be a means for providing broadband services in areas not reached by PLDT facilities or where such facilities are already exhausted.

The technology is expected to provide substantial savings in capital expenditure for PLDT.

On the fiber-optic backbone network, he said Meralco had a subsidiary operating a digital fiber-optic network and providing data services to third parties, including current customers of PLDT.

“The BTF will encourage the PLDT group and Meralco to work together in the cooperative use of eMeralco’s fiber optic network,” Espinosa said.

Lawyer duns PLDT, PCGG for P273M in fees (http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20090312-193827/Lawyer-duns-PLDT-PCGG-for-P273M-in-fees)
By Daxim Lucas

MANILA, Philippines -- A lawyer who helped the government recover over P25 billion worth of ill-gotten wealth is now dunning the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) for over two years of service.

In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net), lawyer Dennis Taningco claimed the PCGG and PLDT owe him a total of P273 million for his help in the government’s recovery of the shares of the former telephone monopoly from the late Ramon Cojuangco.

Last week, he asked the Supreme Court to compel PLDT chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, who is also chief executive of Metro Pacific Asset Holdings Inc., Prime Holdings Inc. (PHI), the PCGG and the Philippine Telecommunications Investment Corporation (PTIC) to pay him the amount, which he described as his “attorney's lien.”

The government sold the recovered PTIC shares -- equivalent to a 14-percent direct stake in PLDT -- to the Pangilinan group in 2007.

Taningco said he was seeking payment of his attorney's lien under the legal principle of “quantum meruit” (the deserved amount). The amount represents 1 percent of the shares, worth P 25.2 billion, and the accrued dividends of the PTIC shares, totaling P 2.086 billion.

In mid-1998, Taningco was hired as consultant by then PCGG chairman Felix de Guzman for the agency's litigation department and later, as PCGG legal counsel.

Taningco said his role in the recovery of the assets was crucial, and that the case was a “difficult” one.

“I had to search for all necessary documents in the PCGG library,” he said. “A lot of documents were missing.”

“The case was already pending for 11 years,” he added. “I had to study 30 volumes of case folders, and present exhibits A to FFF, for a total of 205 exhibits and 48 pleadings. I was up against 10 top-notch lawyers.”

In a separate statement, he said the Supreme Court has already ruled that "the recovery of attorney's fees on the basis of quantum meruit is permitted where there is no express agreement for the payment of attorney's fees, and it is basically a legal mechanism which prevents an unscrupulous client from running away with the fruits of the legal services of counsel without paying for it while avoiding unjust enrichment on the part of the lawyer himself."

He represented the PCGG in all hearings of the case from September 1998 to September 25, 2000, he said, for which he was paid a monthly retainer or “expense entitlement” of P20,000.

“They have not paid me my professional fee,” he said.

Taningco said that his professional fee should be paid by either the PCGG or PLDT. He said PLDT was fully aware that there was an attorney's lien attached to the PTIC shares that it bought from the government, making the firm liable for the fees, as well.

Taningco denied that he was acting on behalf of other parties with axes to grind against the current PLDT leadership or the PCGG.

“I'm not working for any other party,” he said.

Pangilinan did not reply to a text message seeking comment, although Smart Communications spokesperson Ramon Isberto said they would decline to comment “because the company has nothing to do with [the] case.”

PCGG has not responded as of this posting.

Telco firm, DOT launch service for travelers (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view/20090312-193828/Telco-firm-DOT-launch-service-for-travelers)
By Rizalene P. Acac, Judy Quiros

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- Moving around Southern Mindanao, including this city, will no longer be difficult even for first time visitors.

On Friday, Smart Communications and the Department of Tourism (DoT) in the region will formally launch a service that will enable tourists who are Smart users to dump their printed maps and use their mobile phones to get around the region's urban areas.

Dubbed the tourism information board, the text-based service will become the country's first joint endeavor involving a government agency and a private communications company, according to Sonia Garcia, DoT director for Southern Mindanao.

Garcia said the effort, which could help boost the region's tourism industry, would have cost the DoT P2 to 2.5 million to develop.

But she said Smart developed it for free.

"The tourism information board will become a tool to track available tourism-accredited facilities such as hotels, restaurants, and spas in Davao City, Island Garden City of Samal, and Tagum City through the mobile phone," she said on Thursday.

For example, a tourist trying to find a good restaurant in the city would just have to key in "Davao City Info Resto" and send it to 700-TOURIST (700-8687478). A list of restaurants in the city will then be sent to the tourist's mobile phone.

Bong Mojica, PLDT-Smart wireless consumer division head, said the company was not expecting a quick return on investment even if it were to charge users P1 for every inquiry sent to the number.

But he said over 36 million people have been using Smart nationwide and some of them might use its information service for travelers on a regular basis.

He said Smart users overseas could also access the number and avail of the service.

Garcia said the Smart service would help entice more tourism facilities to get accredited with the department.

She said only establishments accredited with the DoT could become searchable under the information board system.

"How can anybody pass up free advertising? This is free marketing," Garcia said.

Mon Isberto, PLDT-Smart public affairs head, agreed that the implementation of the system could be considered an incentive to accredited establishments.

He said tourists would have an idea of available establishments and their services.

Garcia said aside from helping tourists, the system would also help establishments improve their services because it would double as a feedback mechanism.

"Dissatisfied customers can complain and we will relay the message to the owner," she said.

^^ good.

Piltel to exit telecoms arena

Pilipino Telephone Corp (Piltel), a unit of Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT), plans to exit the country’s mobile market in order to serve as the investment arm of the PLDT group in the energy sector. According to a report from the Manila Standard Today, Piltel said in a filing to the country’s stock exchange that it will seek approval of shareholders and regulators on ‘certain arrangements’ with its parent firm Smart Communications, which will take over its mobile phone brand Talk ’N Text. The arrangements in question include the licensing of the Talk ’N Text brand: Smart will reportedly pay Piltel a lump sum royalty fee based on a percentage of projected net service revenues.

Piltel is currently a 92.81%-owned subsidiary of Smart, which itself is wholly owned by PLDT. Piltel’s articles of incorporation allow it to make investments in other businesses outside of telecoms. In 2008 Piltel recorded net income of PHP11.3 billion (USD232 million), up 33% year-on-year, after increasing is customer base by more than four million to 14.3 million.

^^^^
bad. as i said pldt is already acting like a monopoly again.:bash:

Piltel to exit telecoms arena

Pilipino Telephone Corp (Piltel), a unit of Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT), plans to exit the country’s mobile market in order to serve as the investment arm of the PLDT group in the energy sector. According to a report from the Manila Standard Today, Piltel said in a filing to the country’s stock exchange that it will seek approval of shareholders and regulators on ‘certain arrangements’ with its parent firm Smart Communications, which will take over its mobile phone brand Talk ’N Text. The arrangements in question include the licensing of the Talk ’N Text brand: Smart will reportedly pay Piltel a lump sum royalty fee based on a percentage of projected net service revenues.

Piltel is currently a 92.81%-owned subsidiary of Smart, which itself is wholly owned by PLDT. Piltel’s articles of incorporation allow it to make investments in other businesses outside of telecoms. In 2008 Piltel recorded net income of PHP11.3 billion (USD232 million), up 33% year-on-year, after increasing is customer base by more than four million to 14.3 million.


It wouldn't make much difference since Talk in Text is essentially Smart to begin with.

Lets just hope that San Miguel will be able to revive Extelcom so that we will have a legitimate 4th Player in the Mobile Communications field.

^^
agree.:)

Yes! fight the partner of Lopez--a foreign vulture that owns PLDT!:cheers:

Manila Times

Thursday, March 19, 2009


Lopez-San Miguel battle shifts to telco front

By Darwin G. Amojelar, Reporter

THE battle between Philippine business empires has opened a new front, as San Miguel Corp. (SMC) eyes a controlling stake in Express Telecommunications Co. Inc. (Extelcom), pitting it against Bayan Telecommu-nications Co. of the Lopez group.

The struggle over Extelcom comes as the Lopezes, with help from the PLDT group, prevented what was turning out to be a hostile takeover by SMC of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco). Excluding about 20 years during the Marcos presidency, the Lopezes have held sway over the country’s largest electricity distributor, for decades.

To cement their alliance in Meralco, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and the Lopez group agreed to provide one party the right to buy out the other’s stake in the utility (See related story in this page).

Plaridel Bohol, lawyer for Trans Digital Excel Inc., said Southeast Asia’s largest food and beverage conglomerate may buy out the controlling stake in Extelcom. Previously a creditor, Trans Digital became Extelcom’s biggest shareholder following a debt-for-equity swap that a rehabilitation court approved earlier.

Bohol said SMC is looking into buying Trans Digital or subscribing to new shares to provide Extelcom much needed capital.

He, however, said, “talks are still on going.”

Trans Digital acquired the interest of Millicom Cellular S.A. in Extelcom, giving it a 59.04-percent stake. Trans Digital initiated Extelcom’s rehabilitation proceedings before a lower court in Manila.

Ramon Ang, SMC president, had said that negotiations to acquire Extelcom are in the “final stage,” adding the conglomerate will buy Extelcom shares from businessman Roberto Ongpin and UK-based Ashmore Investment Management Ltd.

The Ashmore-Onpin group is buying shares from the creditors of Extelcom, which is under corporate rehabilitation, having an outstanding debt of P9.017 billion.

Felipe Gozon, president and chairman of GMA Network Inc., said the Ashmore-Ongpin group bought Mayon Holdings Inc.’s shares in Extelcom two years ago. GMA Network owns Mayon. “We sold it two years ago,” he said.

Bohol also said SMC has committed to put its full managerial and financial muscle into Extelcom if and when it decides on the company’s acquisition.

The lawyer said Bayan couldn’t revive Extelcom as the Lopez-led telco is prohibited from making any investment owing to its separate rehabilitation proceedings.

Bohol said Bayan’s rehabilitation plan prohibits it from entering into or making any commitment in any transaction requiring or involving any significant capital investment or expenditure without creditors’ consent.

“There is no indication that Bayan has obtained the necessary approval of its rehabilitation receiver and its creditors for any business plan for Extelcom,” he said.

Bohol also noted that Bayan has no capacity to revive Extelcom, adding that the Lopez telco has so far been unable to roll out any kind of cellular mobile telephone service (CMTS) network notwithstanding an authority the regulators granted several years ago.

“It is therefore not in any position to dictate what is best for Extelcom,” the lawyer said.

Bayan had asked the court to junk Extelcom’s approved rehab, proposing to adopt instead an alternative plan to revive the company.

The Extelcom stake of Marifil Holdings, which Bayan owns, has been diluted to only 8.39 percent from 46.62 percent after an earlier debt-to-equity swap. Bayan’s credit exposure to Extelcom stands at only P20.17 million.

Bohol also denied Bayan’s allegation of a “hostile takeover” and refuted the “illegal dilution” of the Lopez group’s Marifil shares.

He said the present ownership of Extelcom is a result of the decision of the Regional Trial Court of Manila approving the rehabilitation plan for the company—a decision recently upheld by the Court of Appeals.

Bohol said Trans Digital is not a “vulture fund.”

“The court-approved rehabilitation plan successfully restructured Extelcom’s outstanding debt of P9 billion and has allowed the company to position itself for an impending re-launch, and the resumption of full operations,” the lawyer said.

He said a shareholder could lose its majority status when it fails or refuses to shoulder its portion of the company’s debt. In the case of Extelcom, the rehabilitation court accepted its petition that imposed a scheme that would redound to the benefit of both shareholders and creditors, the lawyer said, adding the Securities and Exchange Commission and the courts have done their duty to safeguard the rights of all Extelcom shareholders.

SMC finds new way to strengthen grip on Express Telecom stake (http://http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/18/09/smc-finds-new-way-strengthen-grip-express-telecom-stake)
By Lenie Lectura, Business Mirror | 03/19/2009 12:14 AM


San Miguel Corp. (SMC) may buy out Trans Digital Excel Inc. (TDE), the creditor-turned-shareholder of Express Telecommunications Co. (Express Telecom), to gain majority control of the cellular firm.

The lawyer of TDE, in an interview yesterday, said this is the possible scenario and the most logical way to fortify the conglomerate’s grip in the cellular firm.

“Yes, possibly through Trans Digital in order for SMC to gain entry into Express Telecom. As far as everyone knows, SMC won’t settle for less. They will go for the controlling stake and TDE is now the major shareholder of Express Telecom,” said Plaridel J. Bohol II, legal counsel for Trans Digital.

Trans Digital, said the lawyer, is a Filipino-owned business entity which was able to advance funds for Express Telecom. But Bohol refused to reveal the investors behind Trans Digital nor would he comment if it is affiliated with businessman Roberto V. Ongpin’s Ashmore Investment Management Ltd.

“I am not at liberty to divulge that now. I will not confirm nor deny Ashmore’s alleged interest in Express Telecom. Based on newspaper accounts, SMC is in talks with the so-called group of Mr. Ongpin in relation with Express Telecom,” he said.

SMC president Ramon Ang earlier said SMC is close to acquiring Express Telecom from those that control majority of the cellular firm’s shares.

He said Ashmore and Ongpin own these shares. “They will be out together and also the shares of everybody else. We are buying the shares from them,” said Ang. It was not clear if Trans Digital is affiliated with either Ashmore or Ongpin or if it had sold its shares to them.

According to Bohol, Trans Digital is composed of “institutional investors who want to make Express Telecom’s operation viable again.”

Express Telecom is currently under rehabilitation process. Lopez-controlled Marifil Holdings Corp., or Marfil, used to own 46.62 percent of Express Telecom’s equity, but its interest had been diluted to 8.39 percent when the cellular firm’s debt-to-equity conversion was implemented.

The other stakeholders in Express Telecom include Scott Sproule Cellular, Digital Excel Development, Mayon Holdings Inc. (whose shareholders also own GMA Network) and foreign partner Millicom Cellular S.A.

GMA president Felipe Gozon said the other day Mayon’s stake in Express Telecom had been sold some two years ago to Ongpin’s group. But he could not recall how much it was sold for and if Ongpin’s group was represented by Ashmore. “It is no longer profitable. We sold it to the group of Ongpin,” he said.

When asked if Scott Sproule Cellular and Digital Excel Development had also sold their shares in the cellular firm to Trans Digital, Bohol said: “Trans Digital is composed of big and small shareholders. That is all I can say for now.”

Bohol said Trans Digital now owns more than 50 percent of Express Telecom. Millicom’s estimated 40-percent stake in Express Telecom was later sold to Trans Digital. According to Bayan Telecommunications Inc., the terms of the deal, which included the purchase of Millicom’s shareholder advances, remain undisclosed.

In a statement attributed to Bohol, Trans Digital denied yesterday a possible “hostile takeover” of Expresss Telecom. It also refuted Bayan’s claim of “illegal dilution” of Marifil shares.

Bohol said the present ownership of Express Telecom is a result of the decision of the Regional Trial Court in Manila approving the rehabilitation plan for the company. A decision was recently upheld by the Court of Appeals.

Bohol reiterated that Trans Digital is not a “vulture fund” but is a creditor, which filed the petition for the corporate rehabilitation of Express Telecom.

“The court-approved rehabilitation plan successfully restructured Express Telecom’s outstanding debt of P9 billion and has allowed the company to position itself for an impending relaunch and the resumption of full operations,” Bohol said.

Bohol explained that a shareholder can lose its majority status when it fails or refuses to shoulder its portion of the company’s debt. For the cellular firm, the rehabilitation court accepted its petition that imposed a scheme that would redound to the benefit of both shareholders and creditors. He said the Securities and Exchange Commission and the courts have done their duty to safeguard the rights of all shareholders.

With the successful implementation of the rehabilitation, all the previous shareholders do not have to settle Express Telecom’s liabilities to the proportional extent of their holdings in the company.

On the other hand, Bohol said Bayan was not opposed to the rehab plan itself since it submitted its own “alternative rehabilitation plan.” Nonetheless, this proposal was rejected since it would only allow it to “feed on Express Telecom by using and exploiting its assigned frequencies for Bayan’s sole benefit while leaving Express Telecom in its previous moribund, vegetative state. Who is the vulture here?” Bohol asked.

He also noted that Bayan is a direct competitor, since it owns a similar cellular license despite being a significant minority in the company previously. But Bayan has so far been completely unable to roll out any kind of cellular network despite having been granted authority by the regulators several years ago.

Bohol said Bayan is itself under corporate rehabilitation, will not become debt-free, and will not be able to exit from rehabilitation until the year 2023. “It is therefore not in any position to dictate what is best for Express Telecom,” said Bohol.

B]House wants 10¢ fee on text (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=449922&publicationSubCategoryId=63)[/B]
By Delon Porcalla Updated March 19, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - Members of the House of Representatives are considering the imposition of an additional fee of 10 centavos for every text message sent to earn more income for the government to cushion the potential impact of a global economic crisis.

Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, chairman of the House committee on oversight, said the proposed additional fee on telecommunications firms, which he said have been making a killing, could increase the cost of text messages.

He acknowledged, however, that they couldn’t guarantee they could impose a “no pass on provision,” which means the consumers would likely bear the brunt of the additional cost of text messaging.

“I cannot (guarantee a no-pass on provision). It (the cost) has to be passed on,” he said.

Suarez urged telecommunication giants Smart, Globe and Sun Cellular to refrain from passing on to consumers the new fees, considering that the fee is relatively small and that the revenues that would be collected by the government would be used “for a good cause.”

“We are appealing to the telecom firms to shoulder the cost, considering that they have been raking in billions in profits,” the senior administration lawmaker said.

Suarez said Congress would begin with the fee on text messages but would consider a similar scheme for cellular phone calls and even Internet traffic in subsequent years to determine its results.

He explained the revenues the government will get from the additional fee would be devoted to education and other socio-economic measures to alleviate the effects of the global economic crisis.

“Our pool of workers are being depleted, and there is economic dislocation, so there is a growing number of students who can no longer go to school,” Suarez said.

Camarines Norte. Rep. Liwayway Vinzons-Chato, a former BIR commissioner, said the House should be careful to clarify that the new fee to be imposed is not a tax, noting strong opposition against the imposition of tax on text messages.

With an estimated two billion text messages sent daily through all the cellular phone providers, Suarez estimates that the government would earn around P200 million in revenues daily from the proposed 10-centavo fee on text messages.

And to ensure that the government would have accurate data on which to base collection of fees that would be assessed from telecom firms for text traffic, Suarez said they are proposing a “metering system” for telecom firms.

He said the 10-centavo fee on text messages could be justified with the use of the technology for metering the volume of text traffic in the network of telecom firms. Suarez said there already exists a technology to meter and monitor text traffic in the network of telecom firms.

B]House wants 10¢ fee on text (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=449922&publicationSubCategoryId=63)[/B]
By Delon Porcalla Updated March 19, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - Members of the House of Representatives are considering the imposition of an additional fee of 10 centavos for every text message sent to earn more income for the government to cushion the potential impact of a global economic crisis.

Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, chairman of the House committee on oversight, said the proposed additional fee on telecommunications firms, which he said have been making a killing, could increase the cost of text messages.

He acknowledged, however, that they couldn’t guarantee they could impose a “no pass on provision,” which means the consumers would likely bear the brunt of the additional cost of text messaging.

“I cannot (guarantee a no-pass on provision). It (the cost) has to be passed on,” he said.

Suarez urged telecommunication giants Smart, Globe and Sun Cellular to refrain from passing on to consumers the new fees, considering that the fee is relatively small and that the revenues that would be collected by the government would be used “for a good cause.”

“We are appealing to the telecom firms to shoulder the cost, considering that they have been raking in billions in profits,” the senior administration lawmaker said.

Suarez said Congress would begin with the fee on text messages but would consider a similar scheme for cellular phone calls and even Internet traffic in subsequent years to determine its results.

He explained the revenues the government will get from the additional fee would be devoted to education and other socio-economic measures to alleviate the effects of the global economic crisis.

“Our pool of workers are being depleted, and there is economic dislocation, so there is a growing number of students who can no longer go to school,” Suarez said.

Camarines Norte. Rep. Liwayway Vinzons-Chato, a former BIR commissioner, said the House should be careful to clarify that the new fee to be imposed is not a tax, noting strong opposition against the imposition of tax on text messages.

With an estimated two billion text messages sent daily through all the cellular phone providers, Suarez estimates that the government would earn around P200 million in revenues daily from the proposed 10-centavo fee on text messages.

And to ensure that the government would have accurate data on which to base collection of fees that would be assessed from telecom firms for text traffic, Suarez said they are proposing a “metering system” for telecom firms.

He said the 10-centavo fee on text messages could be justified with the use of the technology for metering the volume of text traffic in the network of telecom firms. Suarez said there already exists a technology to meter and monitor text traffic in the network of telecom firms.

I think this is justifiable.....but it would be better to lower it at 0.05 cents kasi grabe kung mag text ang mga pinoy. :)

^^^^

agree here.

It should have been done long time ago and should have been imposed instead that VAT on fuel and energy.

Yung iba kasi walang kuwenta naman nga text. Text syo either forwarded message or k.

^pano kaya yan nila i-impose sa mga subscribers na nag-aavail ng unlitxt?

Nograles backs bill on extra charge on text (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090320-195201/Nograles-backs-bill-on-extra-charge-on-text)
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez

MANILA, Philippines -- Telecommunications providers should shoulder the 10-centavo fee on text messages instead of passing them on to the consumers Speaker Prospero Nograles said Friday.

Nograles said he would back the 10-centavos fee per text message as proposed by Quezon Representative
Danilo Suarez provided that consumers would not pay for this expense.

Nograles said that the estimated threshold amount or cost of text was only about 25 centavos but telecommunications companies (telcos) charged an average of P1 per text for its non-promotional rates

“Even if we charge a 10-centavo fee on every text sent, the telcos are still overcharging us by 65 cents per text,” Nograles said in a text message.

With the estimated two billion text messages sent each day, Nograles said the 10-centavo fee for each text message or P200 million per day could go a long way in funding government’s health care and educational programs.

Nograles called on the country’s telecom giants to “practice social responsibility” by setting aside a certain amount for government programs from their earnings.

He also proposed the formation of a "board" of owners and telecom players and the Secretaries of Health and Education that could manage the "exclusive trust fund."

^^^^

yes! para mabawasan yung mga stupid text.

Being fair with the Telcos, but I believe and I've read several stories about it, they do practice Corporate Social Responsibility...and from what I read, they allocate millions every year for their CSR projects...

^^^^

yes! para mabawasan yung mga stupid text.

Well, there's money in stupid texts. :lol:

Well, there's money in stupid texts. :lol:

true:cheers::nuts::):lol:

Smart is first SAP-certified client in RP (http://mb.com.ph/articles/199715/smart-first-sapcertified-client-rp)
By EMMIE V. ABADILLA

Smart Communications, Inc., (SMART) this week became the first SAP client in the country to be certified as a Customer Center of Expertise (Customer COE) guaranteeing both efficiency and transparency in its business.

SAP is the world’s leading provider of business software, offering applications and services that enable companies of all sizes and in more than 25 industries to become best-run businesses. With more than 82,000 customers in over 120 countries, the company is listed on several exchanges, including the Frankfurt stock exchange and NYSE.

In order to achieve primary certification under the Customer COE, SAP reviewed five key areas: contract management, supportdesk, information management, coordination of innovation requests and service planning. SAP completed a skills auditing process for SMART’s certification in December 2008.

“Given that SMART is a very dynamic organization, having an Information Technology IT system which can adapt to the changing needs of the various business units is a must,” according to chief wireless advisor Orlando B. Vea.

“The system and solutions must also be simple and easy to use by our employees,” he added. “As a Certified Customer COE, the company’s IT Group has instilled the discipline and has grown in maturity as a result of using SAP solutions in its operations.

The team has honed its skill to evolve the SAP solution, making it continuously relevant to the business environment while maintaining the stability of the systems used in daily operations.” This is a milestone for SMART and affirms their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems standards organization-wide.

Well, there's money in stupid texts. :lol:

^^
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Lawmaker offers to cut texting fee hike by half (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/153998/Lawmaker-offers-to-cut-texting-fee-hike-by-half)
JOHANNA CAMILLE L. SISANTE, GMANews.TV
03/24/2009 | 03:14 PM

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker on Tuesday announced that he will push for an additional five centavo fee per text message, instead of 10 centavos as previously proposed.

However, the amount – charged to mobile phone companies’ broad spectrum usage fees – will also cover voice calls, House Oversight committee chair Danilo Suarez said in a press conference on Tuesday.

Besides being imposed on every transmitted text message, the fee will be imposed per call, Suarez said. He added that it is up to telecommunications companies whether they will absorb the fees or pass it on.

The House Oversight committee will draft a resolution directing the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to impose the P5-centavo fee, Suarez said.

There would be no need to approve a law collecting such fees because the NTC already has the mandate to impose these additional charges, he said.

Lawmakers will assist the executive branch in drafting the implementing rules and regulations should Congress pass the resolution, he said.

Not sure if this should be here or in the Wired Internet Thread...

Globe unveils commercial WiMAX service (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090325-196187/Globe-unveils-commercial-WiMAX-service)


By Alexander Villafania
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 17:08:00 03/25/2009

Filed Under: Technology (general), Internet, Telecommunications Services


MANILA, Philippines--Months since it announced deployment of a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) service, Ayala-owned Globe Telecom finally announced the commercial availability of its own service this month.

Globe Telecom said WiMAX would complement existing DSL and 3G services being offered under its broadband services.

The enhanced wireless broadband service would be available in South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, Globe said in a statement.

WiMAX uses the 802.16 standard developed by the WiMAX Forum. Currently, it has a maximum bandwidth speed of up to 70 megabits per second, providing bigger bandwidth for data-hungry applications like streaming video.

Globe said that subscribers would get a maximum bandwidth of up to 512 kilobits per second at P795 per month under its WiMAX-powered Globe Broadband service.

“We challenge anyone with a competitive wireless subscription to try out our WiMAX-backed plans. We are so confident with our service that we challenge you try out our connection, risk-free. Should you be unhappy with the connection within one month from installation, we’ll give you your money-back, no questions asked,” according to Globe Telecom Consumer Broadband Business Group Head Menchi Orlina.

Sun Cellular is offering very tempting products...:)

Wala lang....

Press the following on your mobile *#06# and the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number appears. Then check the 7th and 8th numbers (before and after the dots/periods):

IF the Seventh & Eighth digits are 02 or 20 this means your cell phone was assembled in Emirates which is very Bad quality

IF the Seventh & Eighth digits are 08 or 80 this means your cell phone was manufactured in Germany which is fair quality

IF the Seventh & Eighth digits are 01 or 10 this means your cell phone was manufactured in Finland which is very Good

IF the Seventh & Eighth digits are 00 this means your cell phone was manufactured in original factory which is the best Mobile Quality

IF the Seventh & Eighth digits are 13 this means your cell phone was assembled in Azerbaijan which is very Bad quality and also dangerous for your health.

============================================================

Phew! My BlackBerry is Finnish! Good to know. :colgate:

wow my verzio is 01 and nokia is 02

My Nokia is 02, no wonder it's shit.

i got bad quality

Catalyst for growth amidst economic turmoil
By JORGE OSIT
March 29, 2009
Manila Bulletin
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/200685/catalyst-growth-amidst-economic-turmoil

Despite the economic slowdown sweeping across the globe, it is laudable that the critical importance of technological readiness and innovation coupled with good education fundamentals remains constant and still acknowledged as essential to growth and development.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) released last March 26 the Global Information Technology Report 2008-2009 showing the rankings of the world’s most networked economies as well as stressing the importance of ICT as a catalyst for growth even in the midst of global economic turmoil.

A salient feature of the Report highlights the so-called Networked Readiness Index (NRI) which examines how prepared the various countries in using ICT effectively on three dimensions, namely: the general business, regulatory and infrastructure environment for ICT; the readiness of three key stakeholder groups – individuals, businesses and governments in using IC; and their actual usage of the latest information and communication technologies available.

Included in the top ten most networked economies for the current year are Denmark, Sweden, United States, Singapore, Switzerland, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Netherlands and Canada. They have all confirmed their preeminence in networked readiness in the current times of economic slowdown.

Denmark and Sweden have maintained their positions for the third consecutive year while the US moved one position up to third place. Singapore also showed improvement from last year’s fifth place but China scored most impressively when it moved eleven places to take the lead among the BRIC economies for the first time. BRIC, by the way, is an acronym referring to the rapidly growing economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China.

The said Report, containing detailed profiles of 134 economies providing a snapshot of each economy’s level of ICT penetration and usage, is considered the world’s most comprehensive and authoritative international assessment of the impact of ICT on the development and competitiveness of nations.

“The development story of the most networked countries in the world, including the Nordic countries, Singapore and the United States among others, has owed much to a consistent focus in the national agenda on education excellence, innovation and an extensive ICT access,” said Irene Mia, Senior Economist of the Global Competitiveness Network at the World Economic Forum and co-editor of the Report.

She added, “This success stands as a reminder for leaders in both the public and private sectors not to lose focus on ICT as an important enabler of growth and competitiveness in times of crisis.” Last Friday, like a ray of hope, a bit of encouraging news emanated from Washington saying that better-than-hope data pertaining to industrial orders breathed life into gasping markets. Posting first gain in six months, orders for durable goods grew 3.4 percent while the US new home sales gained headway by 4.7 percent in January, sparking cautious optimism that the world’s top economy finally may have hit bottom.

It is hoped, for the sake of the global economy, that such economic gains in the US are sustained to the point that it bounces back to good financial health. Anyway, if at this point you are wondering how we ranked in the Global Technology Report for the current year, here’s how we scored: The Philippines dropped to 85th place from last year’s 81st in terms of network-readiness.


___________________________________



RP slips in network-readiness index
GMANews.TV -
Friday, March 27
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/gma/20090327/tbs-rp-slips-in-network-readiness-index-1da90e5.html

MANILA, Philippines The Philippines slipped a few notches in a list of network-ready economies, lagging behind its neighbors, a Switzerland-based group said.

In the latest Global Information Technology Report 2008 to 2009 of the World Economic Forum, the Philippines dropped to 85th place out of 134 countries in terms of network-readiness. In the previous poll, the Philippines ranked 81st.

The report underlines that good education fundamentals and high levels of technological readiness and innovation are essential engines of growth needed to overcome the current economic crisis.

The Networked Readiness Index examines how prepared countries are to use ICT effectively on three dimensions: the general business, regulatory and infrastructure environment for ICT; the readiness of the three key stakeholder groups individuals, businesses and governments - to use and benefit from ICT; and their actual usage of the latest information and communication technologies available.

Topping the list is Denmark, followed by Sweden and United States, respectively.

Singapore, the only Asian country which placed in the top 10 rankings, came in fourth, followed by Switzerland and Finland.

Also included in the top 10 were Iceland, Norway, Netherlands and Canada.

"The development story of the most networked countries in the world, including the Nordic countries, Singapore and the United States among others, has owed much to a consistent focus in the national agenda on education excellence, innovation and an extensice ICT access. This success stands as a reminder for leaders in both the public and private sectors not to lose on ICT as an important enabler of growth and competitiveness in times of crisis," said Irene Mia, senior economist of the Global Competitiveness Network at the WEF and co-editor of the report.

Other Asian countries which fared better than the Philippines' were South Korea, 11th; Hong Kong, 12th: Taiwan, 13th: Japan, 17th: Malaysia, 28th: China, 46th: Thailand, 47th; Brunei, 63rd; Vietnam, 70th: and Indonesia, 83rd.

^^^^its alright.

The point is we are getting better each year.

Singapore?

Well it should. It such a small country it will be surprising if its not at the top ten.

The ultimate question is, are they happy being hi-tech.

Tayo kahit beat up lang celphone natin at low-tech na 3g lang, masaya tayo.

This country is populated by a happy people contented with what they have. (of course maganda kung hi-tech ang celphone at made in the Philippines)

Isabela schools get ‘Text2Teach’ academic package

Written by Rosenda B. Alluad / Correspondent
Sunday, 29 March 2009 19:57
ILAGAN, Isabela—At least 20 public elementary schools in Isabela would be able to access rich multimedia lessons via mobile phones.

The Text2Teach program, launched recently at the provincial capitol here, uses mobile technology for schools to access multimedia videos for lessons in math, science and English.

The program would improve the quality of teaching in Grades 5 and 6 through “highly interactive and easy-to-use multimedia packages designed to help make learning more exciting and meaningful among students,” according to Ayala Foundation Inc. director Mario Deriquito.

School heads and students from the recipient public elementary schools received a Text2Teach package composed of the Nokia N95 8GB mobile phone, prepaid card, 29-inch colored television set, TV rack, 387 interactive videos and teacher’s guides.

At least 77 school heads and teachers underwent intensive training last year to ensure a standard quality of teaching with the Text2Teach program.

Deriquito said the 387 educational videos preloaded in the mobile phones are initially for Grades 5 and 6 students.

The five-minute videos bring the academic subjects to life, illustrating key concepts, skills and competencies that students are expected to master in class, he added.

“The video lesson plans also help make teachers’ lives easier, and these are compliant with the basic education curriculum,” he said.

Jeffrey Tarayao, Globe Telecom’s community-relations chief, said more educational videos are being developed and could be accessed by the schools using Globe’s 3G technology.

http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/8132-isabela-schools-get-text2teach-academic-package.html

Building a case for WiMAX
By Eden Estopace
PhilStar
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=453335


MANILA, Philippines - WiMAX is in the news. Globe Telecom recently launched a WiMAX service, boasting of a 2.5Ghz WiMAX (802.16e) broadband network, which is said to be the biggest in Southeast Asia.

This came four years after Intel Corp. and Innove Communications led the testing of a WiMAX site at Intel Corp.’s General Trias, Cavite plant.

In August last year, the Taguig City government announced that it would adopt WiMAX technology to help facilitate the delivery of basic services in the city. In 2007, a Taiwanese operator was reported to be eyeing a $10-million investment for a wireless Internet network in Subic, and was then looking at WiMAX as the network platform.

WiMAX or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access is a telecommunications technology that provides broadband connectivity to wireless networks and makes possible the public’s aspiration for a fully mobile Internet access.

WiMAX is here. In a press forum hosted by Intel recently, Kevin Lim, Intel Corp.’s managing director of WiMAX for Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, announced that the WiMAX spectrum is indeed already available nationwide in the Philippines, beginning in the second half of 2008 on the 2.5Ghz band. This has allowed some operators to introduce the service.

Lim clarified that there is really no demand for WiMAX per se but what the computing public is clamoring for is Internet broadband capability, both fixed and mobile. WiMAX will simply enable users to access the Internet at true broadband speeds wirelessly. This means that the speed of current wired broadband Internet connection will now be available on mobile Internet devices (MIDs) such as smartphones and cellphones, netbooks and notebooks anytime, anywhere.

The wireless world has been greatly changed once by Wi-Fi. When it was launched in 2002, wireless LAN was a niche technology, said Lim. Today, almost all notebooks, netbooks and MIDs are Wi-Fi-capable.

“WiMAX aims to extend the open, full Internet experience of Wi-Fi with mobile devices capable of replicating the home or work Internet experience on the go,” explained Lim.

Why the need for WiMAX

It is a fact: the Internet is big and growing even bigger. Lim cited figures: 1.4 billion Internet users, 150 million websites, 1.5 billion Web searches every day. Moreover, there are approximately one billion users of Instant Messengers (IMs), while 10 hours of new video are uploaded to YouTube every minute. Around 10,000 blogs are created daily.

This robust online activity is pushing the demand for broadband and the current network is quite unable to keep up with the demand. In the Philippines alone, the number of Internet users is 14 million, which makes it among Asia’s top 10 Internet countries.

However, in a country with approximately 14 million Internet users, only 1.3 million households are subscribed to broadband Internet. WiMAX could close the gap, as a fully mobile Internet is made available.

“Fixed broadband installations exhibit geographic limitations for countries with rural populations, and because of this, there is a growing demand toward mobile broadband services,” said Intel Technology Philippines Inc. country manager Ricky Banaag.

“Next-generation technology such as WiMAX can be the more cost-effective, back-haul solution to help build out this infrastructure to help drive growth,” he added.

Not a competitor of 3G

With the push for WiMAX gaining momentum not just in the Philippines but worldwide, Lim emphasized that it is not a competitor or an alternative to 3G.

“Its purpose is to create a new market category, which is mobile broadband Internet,” he said.

3G, he said, is a voice network and is really for voice but WiMAX is a 4G wireless broadband network suited well for data services.

Mobile WiMAX will continue to evolve, said Lim. At present, mobile broadband is available at 60+ Mbps through Mobile WiMAX 1.0 at 802.16e. However, in 2009 and beyond it will be available to achieve mobile broadband speed of 125+ Mbps (for Mobile WiMAX 1.5 on 802.16e Rev 2), and even 300+ Mbps (for Mobile WiMAX 2.0 on 802.16m).

Lim said even the basic Mobile WiMAX 802.16e could deliver fixed (at home or the office or any fixed location) or nomadic (outdoors or in non-fixed locations) access and full mobility (while on the move — in buses, trains, cars) to users depending on the packages to be rolled out by operators.

Spectrum policies are also aligning and efforts are underway to harmonize spectrum profiles in the region.

According to the WiMAX Forum, an industry-led, non-profit organization, WiMAX service providers now cover 430 million people in 135 countries. Locally, the push for WiMAX is being driven by collaboration among telecommunication service providers, policymakers and Intel.

Last year, Intel announced WiMAX-ready chipsets built on its Montevina platform, which means that devices running on these chipsets should be able to use WiMAX technology once it is deployed.

Lim bared that they are working with most PC manufacturers for the rollout of devices that are WiMAX-ready within the year.

Proposal to peg SMS at 50 centavos (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090401-197397/Proposal-to-peg-SMS-at-50-centavos)
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez

MANILA, Philippines--The House of Representatives would pass a resolution that would peg the cost of each text message at no more than 50 centavos, a lawmaker said Wednesday.

Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, the author of the resolution, said the measure would also impose 5 centavos metering fee for every calls made and text messages sent.

But the measure stressed that this would be shouldered by the telecommunications companies.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has given her nod to the resolution as long as it would result to the lowering of costs of text message and that the new fee would not be passed on to the consumers, said Suarez, the chairman of the ways and means committee, in a news briefing.

The President also wanted to ensure that the revenue generated from the metering fee would go only to a trust fund for computer literacy program, Suarez added.

Suarez said the resolution was approved at the committee level Wednesday after a meeting, which included officials of telecommunications companies.

He said he expects the resolution to be tackled in plenary when sessions resume on April 13.

“It was a long debate, but at the end of the day, they really don’t have to agree, we feel that what we are asking is fair and equitable,” Suarez said.

Even with the 50-centavo ceiling for every text message, Suarez said telecommunications firms would still rake in profits because the real cost of each text message is only 18 to 19 centavos.

The 5 centavos metering fee, which would be collected by the National Telecommunications Commission, was included in the 50 centavos charge, Suarez said.

When the resolution is approved, software would be installed to monitor the number of calls and text messages of each telecommunications providers.

Suarez said he believes the companies have not been declaring their true revenues to the government.

He said that for 2007, the three telecoms have declared only a combined income of P150 billion pesos.

He said he believed this was way below what the telecoms earned considering that there were at least two billion text messages sent every day.

Yes! Yes!:cheers:

Manila TImes

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Extelcom eyes San Miguel
for cellular network rollout

By Darwin G. Amojelar Senior Reporter

S*AN Miguel Corp. (SMC) may fund the cellular network rollout of Express Telecommunications Co. Inc. (Extelcom), the telco’s executive said.

Luisito Sapiera, Extelcom officer-in-charge, said the company is allotting $1.3 billion in capital expenditures for 10 years to build 5,365 cellular mobile telephone service (CMTS) base stations nationwide.

Sapiera said the funding requirement is a combination of debt and equity, adding that Southeast Asia’s largest food and beverage conglomerate may finance the telco’s capex “if SMC joins the company.”

Ramon Ang, SMC president and chief operating officer, had said the conglomerate is in the “final stage” of acquiring Extelcom.

The group led by businessman Roberto Ongpin and UK-based Ashmore Investment Management Ltd. is buying shares from the creditors of Extelcom, which is currently under rehabilitation with a total outstanding debt of P9.017 billion.

Based on its application with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Extelcom said its rollout will focus on both coverage and quality. It will build a network with a broad population and geographic coverage in the first five years.

Extelcom is also asking the NTC for an additional frequency under the 925 to 935 megahertz band to pair with its existing 880- to 890-frequency band so that it can offer CMTS.

Sapiera said the company’s re-entry will “entice stiff domestic competition” in the CMTS market, which is in accordance with the NTC’s previous pronouncements on competition.

“The company’s re-entry will give the Filipino consumers more choices,” he said.

The Extelcom executive said the existing players are expected to upgrade their respective networks in preparation for new entrants.

The company expects to exit from rehabilitation and become a viable telco.

Trans Digital Excel Inc., which acquired the 59.04-percent stake of Millicom Cellular S.A. in Extelcom filed for rehabilitation proceedings before the Manila lower court.

I hope that with introduction of WiMax in the Philippines, it will hopefully catapult broadband usage and push the prices even lower. :)

PLDT diversifies into tele-conferencing (http://http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business4_april1_2009)
By Roderick T. dela Cruz

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. has teamed up with global industry giants Cisco and Tata Communications to introduce in the Philippine market the PLDT Telepresence, which enables companies to hold visual conferencing.

In a statement, PLDT described Telepresence as the newest innovation in visual conferencing that will allow corporations and enterprises to enhance productivity while remaining cost-efficient.

“PLDT Telepresence is a solution that enables high-definition video and audio communication and immersive room solution for a face to face, in-person conferencing experience, and enables enhanced business productivity, quick-to-market opportunities, with rapid decision-making and reduced travel costs,” it said.

Eric Alberto, PLDT senior vice president, said PLDT Telepresence was a breakthrough in conferencing solutions that would change the way businesses collaborate across regions and continents.

“Telepresence users globally find their systems highly utilized. Only Telepresence comes close to the face to face experience so crucial in business meetings, providing a real alternative whereas typical conferencing solutions have been found lacking,” Alberto said.

JAZA bullish on Globe growth prospects (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=454226&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann LL. Reyes Updated April 02, 2009 12:00 AM



MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala has expressed confidence the Ayala Group’s telecommunications subsidiary is well-positioned to weather the current downturn and improve its market position.

In his message to be delivered today at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting, Zobel pointed out that Globe has a leading market position, with almost 25 million cellular, 423,000 wireline voice and 234,000 broadband subscribers.

He also emphasized that the company has a solid financial position, with its wireless EBITDA (earnings before interests, taxes, depreciation and amortization) margins among the highest in the region, its prudent balance sheet management, and its ability to generate high dividend yields.

Zobel likewise stressed that Globe has solid support from its strategic shareholders, particularly Singapore Telecom and Ayala Corp.

Meanwhile, Zobel, who also chairs Ayala Corp., announced that outgoing Globe president Gerardo Ablaza will move back to the parent company to help oversee the group’s business interests in telecommunications, banking and other allied fields. Ablaza will remain in the Globe board and will be the incoming chairman of the executive committee.

Zobel also pointed out to the shareholders that the weak economy created a highly challenging operating environment in 2008, as rising food and fuel prices drove inflation to a peak of 12.4 percent in August (the highest level in 16 years) and the stock index down 48 percent at end-2008. The inflation rate was at 9.3 percent at the close of the year compared with 2.8 percent in 2007 while GDP growth was lower at 4.6 percent last year as against 7.3 percent in 2007.

In spite of this, he noted that Globe posted a net income of P11.3 billion last year, 15 percent lower than 2007 but still among the highest in Globe’s history. Last year was also the third consecutive year of returns in equity in excess of 20 percent, he said.

He likewise stressed that Globe continued to provide attractive returns to its shareholders, with a 55-percent compounded annual growth rate on dividends from 2003 to 2008.

Zobel said the company is investing for the future, with continued investments in its existing cellular, broadband, and wireline voice and data business, as well as in new businesses as a source of future growth.

Globe has entered the business of content creation and distribution with its acquisition of Entertainment Gateway Group, one of the leading content providers in the country. He noted that EG is a promising platform for value-added services in other Asia-Pacific markets, particularly those with sizeable overseas Filipino communities.

It has also entered into a microfinance bank joint venture with sister firm Bank of the Philippine Islands and Ayala Corp.

He pointed out that Globe’s capital expenditure of P20 billion in 2008 was one of the highest over the past five years. The capex includes costs related to TGN- Intra Asia Cable System, a second landing station in North Luzon, and related backhaul facilities. The TGN-IA system links the Philippines to Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan, with Globe as the exclusive landing partners in the country.

Meanwhile, Globe incoming president and CEO Ernest Cu said the company is capitalizing on opportunities presented by the financial crisis to create more shareholder value. “Our fundamentals are healthy and we are improving productivity, while serving our customers better. Our core business remains strong and subscribers can rely on our brand promise of quality, affordability, and integrity,” he said.

He also stressed that broadband will be a key avenue for growth while Wi-Max is a strong step forward ahead of competition. “We will enhance Globe’s nimbleness and flexibility for us to win in the marketplace.”

^^^^its alright.

The point is we are getting better each year.

Singapore?

Well it should. It such a small country it will be surprising if its not at the top ten.

The ultimate question is, are they happy being hi-tech.

Tayo kahit beat up lang celphone natin at low-tech na 3g lang, masaya tayo.

This country is populated by a happy people contented with what they have. (of course maganda kung hi-tech ang celphone at made in the Philippines)

Yeah, Singapore maybe in the top 10 but they pirate a lot of IT workers from other countries most notably from our good ol Inang Bayan. There's a lot of Singapore recruiters who actually arrange mini IT job fairs albeit clandestinely at hotels especially in the vicinity of the Ortigas CBD where there's a high concentration of programmers and network engineers etc. In fairness to our neighbors, I believe they have an edge most probably in terms of the higher number of certified IT professionals due to the fact that a lot of our IT workers can perform their jobs relatively well even without these overly expensive certifications that do not necessarily guarantee expert level performance at the workplace. I guess one strategy for companies to improve employee retention is thru financial or other means that would help their core staff get certified and make them feel valued. Another area we also need to improve on is the landline telephone density ratio which up until a few years ago was the major focus but took a backseat due to the emergence of wireless technologies which are far cheaper, easier to maintain and where future revenue growth lies.

Yeah, Singapore maybe in the top 10 but they pirate a lot of IT workers from other countries most notably from our good ol Inang Bayan. There's a lot of Singapore recruiters who actually arrange mini IT job fairs albeit clandestinely at hotels especially in the vicinity of the Ortigas CBD where there's a high concentration of programmers and network engineers etc. In fairness to our neighbors, I believe they have an edge most probably in terms of the higher number of certified IT professionals which ironically is not really taken as seriously in our country due to the fact that a lot of our IT workers can perform their jobs relatively well even without these overly expensive certifications which doesn't necessarily guarantee that one will perform well at the workplace.

^^ In terms of IT, the Philippines is not far behind and may in fact be even be more advanced in certain aspects.

hmmm.... kaya pala Roberto Ongpin sold CURE (umobile / Red Mobile) to Smart.... He is interested in Extelcom.

hmmm.... kaya pala Roberto Ongpin sold CURE (umobile / Red Mobile) to Smart.... He is interested in Extelcom.

Now R. Ongpin (through Ashmore (Trans Digital) is selling Extelcom to San Miguel.

NTC urged to stop Dutch-owned VoIP firm (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090403-197678/NTC-urged-to-stop-Dutch-owned-VoIP-firm)
By Riza T. Olchondra

MANILA, Philippines — Charges have been filed at the National Telecommunications Commission
National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) against a Dutch-owned company for allegedly offering Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services without government approval.

According to the complaint filed against ISAP Telecom Philippines Inc., owned by Gijsbertus Marinus de Boer, also known as Ben de Boer, the company misrepresented itself as a VoIP service provider, as it was not registered with the NTC.

ISAP stands for International Solutions Advanced Provider.

The Dutch national was also accused of violating the Anti-Dummy Law by creating a company that purchased land for his personal benefit and abused the incentives enjoyed by foreign businessmen in special economic zones.

The complainants —Eric C. Santos, Joseph Limos and Maria Angelica M. Santos — said De Boer had been promoting his business, advancing proposals and offering different packages for VoIP services on the Internet.

They asked the NTC to issue a cease-and-desist order against ISAP Telecommunications Philippines.

In a written response, De Boer said the VoIP services were being offered by a different company. He said he had brought in phones and hardware for VoIP services but his business venture did not push through.

The NTC has set a hearing on the case for April 22 to give both sides a chance to present more information.

RP is one of the most lucrative telco markets in the region
04/06/2009

commuMANILA, Philippines- The Philippines is one of the most lucrative telecommunication markets in Asia, producing profits much higher than its regional peers given its level of industry concentration.

To further boost the industry’s growth, Express Telecommunications Co. Inc. , which is being eyed for acquisition by San Miguel Corp., urged regulator National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to adopt certain policies to promote domestic competition. Extelcom is the country’s first mobile operator.

Citing industry EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) margins of 64 percent, the Philippines is by far one of the most profitable compared with Korea, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Thailand, and China who have EBITDA margins that ranges between 27 percent and 50 percent..

In a statement, the company said that while the Philippines’ mobile market is large, profitable and growing strongly, there is still more room for competition.

The top two operators, Smart Communications and Globe Telecom, account for over 90 percent of the industry subscribers and over 97 percent of revenue and earnings before EBITDA over the past four years.

Extelcom said the relatively “high interconnection rates" in the country is a bottleneck that the regulators can act upon to promote competition.

It added that the Philippines interconnection rates of over $0.09/minute is nearly double that of Indonesia $0.045 and triple Thailand’s $0.03 and Malaysia’s $0.025. It is also more than “nine times" higher than China, India and Hond Kong who have interconnection rates lower than $0.01.

Extelcom also noted the relatively high churn levels and very low voice usage" which indicate “high tariffs" imposed on the average Filipino telecom user.

The company aims to achieve a market leading position in the Philippines with its intended re-launch.

:cheers:

RP is one of the most lucrative telco markets in the region
04/06/2009

commuMANILA, Philippines- The Philippines is one of the most lucrative telecommunication markets in Asia, producing profits much higher than its regional peers given its level of industry concentration.

To further boost the industry’s growth, Express Telecommunications Co. Inc. , which is being eyed for acquisition by San Miguel Corp., urged regulator National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to adopt certain policies to promote domestic competition. Extelcom is the country’s first mobile operator.

Citing industry EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) margins of 64 percent, the Philippines is by far one of the most profitable compared with Korea, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Thailand, and China who have EBITDA margins that ranges between 27 percent and 50 percent..

In a statement, the company said that while the Philippines’ mobile market is large, profitable and growing strongly, there is still more room for competition.

The top two operators, Smart Communications and Globe Telecom, account for over 90 percent of the industry subscribers and over 97 percent of revenue and earnings before EBITDA over the past four years.

Extelcom said the relatively “high interconnection rates" in the country is a bottleneck that the regulators can act upon to promote competition.

It added that the Philippines interconnection rates of over $0.09/minute is nearly double that of Indonesia $0.045 and triple Thailand’s $0.03 and Malaysia’s $0.025. It is also more than “nine times" higher than China, India and Hond Kong who have interconnection rates lower than $0.01.

Extelcom also noted the relatively high churn levels and very low voice usage" which indicate “high tariffs" imposed on the average Filipino telecom user.

The company aims to achieve a market leading position in the Philippines with its intended re-launch.

:cheers:

Agree! That is why there is more romm for more telco such as Extelcom and Liberty.

Bell telecom is also planning to join the market.

this is good for the consumers!!:cheers:

Yes! More unlimited calls!!

Go Extelcom and Sun!Destroy the duopoly!

Business MIrror

ExpressTel return may reduce call rates

Written by Lenie Lectura / Reporter
Monday, 06 April 2009 18:25

THE reentry of Express Telecommunications Co. Inc. in the highly competitive and lucrative cellular market could bring down voice call rates to as low as P1.10 per minute and consequently drive mobile penetration rate higher to 98 percent.

“We expect that our entry [in the industry] would lower prices and make [market] penetration higher,” the company stated in its business plan submitted to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Express Telecom, the country’s oldest cellular firm, is now preparing for a comeback.

From the current average of P1.50 per minute for on-net voice call rate, Express Telecom said the presence of another competitive player in the market would further drive down voice call price to P1.40 per minute then to P1.30 on the second year of its operation before this settles down to P1.20 per minute. By the sixth year, Express Telecom sees call rate at only P1.10 per minute.

“Increasing competition in the Philippines will result in declining per-minute prices. We would expect our entry to lower prices,” the company said.

At the current mobile penetration rate of 70 percent, Express Telecom noted there is still a high churn rate or the percentage of subscriber count leaving the network because the current tariff and interconnection rates remain high compared with other countries.

Express Telecom said interconnection rates in the Philippines at over $0.09 per minute is nearly double that of Indonesia ($0.045) and triple that of Thailand’s $0.03 and Malaysia’s $0.025. It is also more than nine times higher than in China, India and Hong Kong, which have set interconnection rates below $0.01.

Express Telecom pointed out that regulators should act on the relatively “high interconnection rates” in the country because this is “counterproductive.” From $0.09 per minute, Express Telecom sees linkup rates declining to $0.05 per minute by the third year before settling down to $0.03 per minute on the sixth year of operations.

The top two mobile phone operators account for over 90 percent of the industry subscribers and over 97 percent of revenues and Ebitda (earnings before interest taxes, depreciation and amortization) over the past four years, it said.

Based on industry Ebitda margins of 64 percent, the Philippines is by far is one of the most profitable compared with South Korea, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Thailand and China whose players have Ebitda margins between 27 percent and 50 percent.

Express Telecom said the combined pressure from its relaunch and the lowering of interconnection rate would surely lower overall industry Ebitda margins and ultimately benefit the consumers. The company aims to be a market leader with its intended relaunch.

Hinihintay ko yung time na parang landline na lang ang charges ng Cellular service. Kung titingnan mo kasi, yung wireless infrastracture mas madali i setup kay sa wired, at malamang bawi na nila ang investment sa technology.

Kaya sige extelcom umpisahan mo, at susnod na yung mga higante:D:D:D

sa pldt sa cebu at bayantel sa tacloban meron naman silang phone na landline ang pagbayad mo pero parang celfon naman na madadala mo kahit saan, malaki nga lang ang handset nya compared sa celfon natin.

sa pldt sa cebu at bayantel sa tacloban meron naman silang phone na landline ang pagbayad mo pero parang celfon naman na madadala mo kahit saan, malaki nga lang ang handset nya compared sa celfon natin.

Di ba may sim din yan? puede kaya ilipat sa cellphone mo sim nya?

hula ko , same technology lang namn kasi yan eh

teka ang PLDT gumamit pala ng smart signal, yung ibang network WCDMA.

I think this belongs here...

Breaking: Globe Telecom has launched a new cellphone-and-landline-in-one service called the Plan Duo Subscription. This service allows Globe subscribers to carry two numbers in a single SIM card — 1 mobile and 1 landline. Check the details of the plan below:




Globe Plan Duo subscribers are given a Duo Landline number. The mobile phone and SIM will have two (2) numbers: your current mobile number (i.e. 0917-XXX-XXXX) and your Duo Landline number (i.e. 02-XXX-XXXX).
With the Duo Plan, you get the following service at free of charge: Duo to any Landline calls, any Landline to Duo calls, and Duo to Duo calls. Calls made to other mobile numbers are charged regular mobile rates.
There’s no need for a special dialing number — just key in the Area Code + Landline Number and your ringing. Same with calling another subscriber on a Duo line.
Service is initially available in NCR and Cebu. All other calls outside the area code (02 for NCR or 32 for Cebu) will be charged regular mobile NDD rates.
Subscription to DUO Service is Php399 per month on top of your regular Globe Plan. Single SIM, two numbers? Time to ditch the landline.

How to get Globe Duo Plan:

1. Promo is open to all Globe Postpaid subscribers from April 5 to July 3, 2009 (not available for prepaid or corporate accounts).

2. Subscriber can avail of the service through the Business Centers or Register via SMS (with required SMS acceptance of Terms and Conditions). Simply text DUO to 8888.

3. There will be an initial 90-day holding period for new activations, subject to pre-termination fee of Php1,200. After the holding period, subscription is auto-renewed on a monthly basis unless otherwise requested by the subscriber.

4. You can only avail of one (1) active DUO landline number for every active Globe line, at any one time.

http://site.globe.com.ph/web/guest/duo

teka ang PLDT gumamit pala ng smart signal, yung ibang network WCDMA.

Other providers like Bayan Telecommunications use CDMA.
WCDMA and CDMA are not exactly the same.

Di ba may sim din yan? puede kaya ilipat sa cellphone mo sim nya?

hula ko , same technology lang namn kasi yan eh

teka ang PLDT gumamit pala ng smart signal, yung ibang network WCDMA.

yup, u can use PLDT SIM with any mobile phone since it rides on SMART's GSM Network. Bayantel rides on WCDMA network. :)

High Court rules on NTC licenses (http://mb.com.ph/articles/204072/high-court-rules-ntc-licenses)
By REY G. PANALIGAN

The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has no authority to cancel the certificates of public convenience (CPCs) and licenses of broadcast companies with legislative franchises.

In a decision written by Justice Dante O. Tinga, the SC affirmed a Court of Appeals (CA) decision that upheld the order of the NTC dismissing the complaint to cancel the license to operate of Consolidated Broadcasting System, Inc. (CBS) and the People’s Broadcasting Service, Inc. (PBS) – operators of Bombo Radyo Philippines.

The SC said that while the NTC is vested with the power to issue CPCs to broadcast stations, it has no authority to cancel such CPCs or prevent broadcast stations with duly issued legislative franchises from operating radio or television stations.

According to the SC, broadcast companies are already required to secure a franchise from Congress and a CPC from the NTC for them to operate. Thereafter, these companies are obligated to comply with the various regulatory issuances of the NTC, which has the power to impose fees and fines.

“Newspapers are able to print out their daily editions without fear that a government agency such as the NTC will be able to suspend their publication or fine them based on their content. Broadcast stations do already operate with that possibility in mind, and that circumstance ineluctably restrains its content, notwithstanding the constitutional right to free expression,” it said.

“However, the cancellation of a CPC or license to operate of a broadcast station, if we recognize that possibility, is essentially a death sentence, the most drastic means to inhibit a broadcast media practitioner from exercising the constitutional right to free speech, expression and of the press,” it added.

“Allowing the NTC to countermand State policy by revoking respondent’s (CBS and PBS) vested legal right to operate broadcast stations unduly gives to a mere administrative agency veto power over the implementation of the law and the enforcement of especially vested legal rights,” it stressed.

The cancellation of the franchise of CBS and PBS was sought by Santiago Divinagracia in a complaint filed before the NTC. He alleged that the broadcast firms violated the provisions of their franchise.

The NTC dismissed the complaint.

The dismissal was affirmed by the CA. Divinagracia elevated the issue before the SC which affirmed both the rulings of the NTC and the CA.

I think this belongs here...

Breaking: Globe Telecom has launched a new cellphone-and-landline-in-one service called the Plan Duo Subscription. This service allows Globe subscribers to carry two numbers in a single SIM card — 1 mobile and 1 landline. Check the details of the plan below:




Globe Plan Duo subscribers are given a Duo Landline number. The mobile phone and SIM will have two (2) numbers: your current mobile number (i.e. 0917-XXX-XXXX) and your Duo Landline number (i.e. 02-XXX-XXXX).
With the Duo Plan, you get the following service at free of charge: Duo to any Landline calls, any Landline to Duo calls, and Duo to Duo calls. Calls made to other mobile numbers are charged regular mobile rates.
There’s no need for a special dialing number — just key in the Area Code + Landline Number and your ringing. Same with calling another subscriber on a Duo line.
Service is initially available in NCR and Cebu. All other calls outside the area code (02 for NCR or 32 for Cebu) will be charged regular mobile NDD rates.
Subscription to DUO Service is Php399 per month on top of your regular Globe Plan. Single SIM, two numbers? Time to ditch the landline.

How to get Globe Duo Plan:

1. Promo is open to all Globe Postpaid subscribers from April 5 to July 3, 2009 (not available for prepaid or corporate accounts).

2. Subscriber can avail of the service through the Business Centers or Register via SMS (with required SMS acceptance of Terms and Conditions). Simply text DUO to 8888.

3. There will be an initial 90-day holding period for new activations, subject to pre-termination fee of Php1,200. After the holding period, subscription is auto-renewed on a monthly basis unless otherwise requested by the subscriber.

4. You can only avail of one (1) active DUO landline number for every active Globe line, at any one time.

http://site.globe.com.ph/web/guest/duo

Haha, just in time! i'm so amazed with this. Globe and SUN works perfectly for me now, this is so convenient than having a PLDT Wireless landline which means a third mobile handset for me.

i now have a Duo Landline, (032) 316-xxxx. and it's only available in NCR and Cebu (post-paid users only).

i had my family and friends call my Globe DUO number thru their landline, they can easily get thru and the voice quality is clear. another great innovation from Globe.

^^By the way, I just learned that Globe's DUO landline service is utilizing the Wireless Local Loop (WLL) technology.

The monopoly is slowly again showing its ugly head.:bash::bash:

Manila Times

Monday, May 04, 2009


Piltel, Smart set sale terms

By Darwin G Amojelar, Senior Reporter

SMART Communications Inc. and Pilipino Telephone Corp. (Piltel) have set the terms of the former’s purchase of the latter’s telecommunications business lock, stock and barrel.

In a disclosure, Piltel said the proposed sale and transfer of its Talk ‘N Text trademark, subscriber base and products/services as well as the Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) fixed assets would cost about P21.74 billion.

The company’s change in business direction came on the heels of its acquisition of about 22 percent of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) for P20.07 billion from First Philippine Holdings Inc. and First Philippine Utilities Corp.

The PLDT group said its investment in Meralco could lead to significant opportunities for operational and business synergies and result in new revenue streams and cost savings.

Smart, which holds a 92.81-percent controlling stake in Piltel, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT).

Piltel said it would assign to Smart the trademark registration in the amount of about P8.004 billion.

For the transfer of Talk ‘N Text subscribers, Smart will pay Piltel P73 per subscriber multiplied by the number of subscriber as of the effective date of the transfer.

As of March 31, Piltel’s Talk ‘N Text subscriber base stood at 15.57 million. This means that Smart will purchase the subscribers of Piltel for P11.36 billion.

Piltel offers voice and data services, primarily value-driven packages, including top-up services that provide a fixed number of messages with prescribed validity periods and call packages. The company’s top-up services also include text message bundles available to all networks as well as unlimited on-network text messages in various load denominations with designated expiration dates.

Piltel will also sell and transfer its GSM fixed assets to Smart at net book value at a cost of about P2.37 billion based on the estimated net book value as of July 31.

Piltel’s GSM fixed assets are located nationwide and consist of land, buildings and improvements, telecommunications equipment, transportation equipment, furniture and tools, installation materials, parts and supplies, and inventories.

The company would recognize the lump sum payment for the transaction as income.

“The transactions with Smart once completed and implemented, will serve to consolidate Piltel’s cellular business under Smart, which consolidation is expected to maximize revenue streams and eliminate any lingering regulatory issues relating to the traffic between the two companies,” Piltel said.

After the sale, Piltel will stop operating as a telecommunications entity and transform into an investment holding company.

“Consequently, there is a possibility that the license could be recalled or would expire. However, Smart would apply for renewal of the radio station licenses to enable it to continue operating the facilities,” Piltel said, adding, “There is no assurance that Smart would be able to obtain a renewal of such radio station licenses.”

Given Piltel’s change in business direction, Smart is considering a tender offer for 839,979.054 shares representing about 7.19 percent of the former’s outstanding common stock.

Piltel has commissioned CLSA Exchange Capital Inc. as financial advisor to determine the impact of the tender offer, as well as issue an opinion as to the fairness of the transaction for the minority stockholders.

PLDT profit weakens sans forex gains (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/159909/PLDT-profit-weakens-sans-forex-gains)
05/05/2009 | 12:17 PM

MANILA, Philippines-Growth in data and broadband revenues failed to buoy quarterly earnings of telecom giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. as non-recurring losses from foreign exchange revaluation of financial assets, liabilities and derivatives put a dent on its profits.

However, core net income or net income adjusted before the effects of foreign exchange and derivative transactions, improved by 9.39 percent to P10.22 billion from P9.34 billion.

“Despite earlier apprehensions that our core businesses would already be negatively impacted by the global recession, we are pleased by our strong performance in the first quarter of 2009. Activations for the period were the highest in recent history and revenues continue to grow," PLDT and Smart Communications Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Napoleon L. Nazareno said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

In fact, PLDT has spent around 14 percent of the P27-billion capital expenditure earmarked for this year at P3.9 billion.

While it was the second actively traded stock at 7.84 percent, PLDT shares bucked the uptrend as it gave up P5 to close at P2,175.

PLDT's net income declined by 8.29 percent to P9.58 billion from P10.45 billion even if total revenues grew by 4.04 percent to P35.81 billion from P35.39 billion. Expenses likewise went up by 8.11 percent to P21.76 billion from P20.13 billion.

PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said prospects for 2009 are “quite encouraging" for the company and Manila Electric Co. where it has a 20 percent stake with a new formula called performance-based rating scheme that will allow the power distributor to charge higher rates soon.

“We are buoyed by our strong start for 2009. We have sustained our growth in both subscriber numbers and revenues across business lines. We remain committed to our strategy of creating value for our stakeholders – to our customers, by improving customer focus and service quality; to our shareholders, by delivering profits this year better than last year while establishing new growth areas such as broadband; and to all Filipinos, by providing world-class telecommunications services that are relevant and affordable," he said.

Subsidiaries Smart and Pilipino Telephone Corp. (Piltel) pushed wireless service revenues six percent higher at P23.9 billion than P22.5 billion.

The PLDT Group’s total cellular subscriber base expanded by 17 percent to 36.9 million subscribers with Smart and Piltel adding 1.7 million subscribers compared with 1.5 million in the first quarter of 2008.

Smart recorded net additions of approximately 440,000 subscribers to end the period with 21.3 million subscribers while Talk ‘N Text added 1.3 million subscribers to end the quarter with 15.6 million subscribers. Together, Smart and Piltel maintained their leading market share in revenues and subscribers.

Smart Chief Wireless Adviser Orlando B. Vea said Smart continues to explore all means in making Internet access as affordable and accessible as possible.

“Our research shows that our internet traffic has been growing 80% annually since 2006, proving that internet access is fast becoming an indispensable communication tool. Whether via the cellular phone, PC, or any mobile internet device, we aim to provide our subscribers with a faster and richer broadband experience," he said.

Wireless broadband subscriber base using SmartBro grew by almost three-fourths to reach 596,000 with 30 percent or 183,000 on SmartBro’s prepaid service. Wireless broadband revenues increased by 40% to P1.3 billion from P 919 million recorded in the first quarter of 2008.

However, growth of fixed line subscribers was flat at 1.8 million while revenues from fixed line service rose 3.25 percent to P12.7 billion on gains from corporate data and residential DSL services.

“National long distance revenues were flat while international long distance revenues continued to weaken due to the shifting of traffic to cellular and other means of communications," the disclosure read. -Ruby Anne M. Rubio, GMANews.TV

Blackberry bets its new model will be popular in cellphone-crazy Philippines (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/160168/Blackberry-bets-its-new-model-will-be-popular-in-cellphone-crazy-Philippines)
05/06/2009 | 09:33 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Research in Motion (RIM), the Canadian company that makes the popular Blackberry smart phone, is upbeat on the Philippine market despite the deepening global recession.

This was disclosed by Gregory Wade, RIM regional vice president for Asia-Pacific during a briefing in Makati, the company’s first in the Philippines.

Although he declined to give growth projections for the Philippines, Wade told GMANews.TV that the company has already said it expects subscribers to rise by 3.9 million worldwide come end-May 2010.

“We have strong guidance on the first quarter. We are happy with the fact that we have 25 million subscribers around the globe," he said. “We are positive and bullish about where we are going in the future."

This month, RIM will be selling the much-awaited BlackBerry Storm in the Philippines.

Besides being the first touch-screen Blackberry, the smart phone also features the world’s first “clickable" touch-screen and delivers communications and multimedia features.

The BlackBerry Storm will be available from Globe Telecom Inc. and Smart Communications Inc.

The BlackBerry Storm smart phone’s unique SurePress touchscreen was cited as GSMA’s Best Mobile Technology Breakthrough award at the Mobile World Congress 2009.

When touched, the screen depresses slightly, enhancing the interface for both typing and navigation.

The BlackBerry Storm has a sleek, stylish design with chromed frame, contoured corners and stainless steel back.

The clickable touchscreen has 480x360 resolution at 184 pixels per inch to deliver sharp and bright colors.

It has a full HTML browser working in either portrait or landscape orientation and support for mobile video streaming on sites such as YouTube and other entertainment portals.

It has purpose-built applications to easily access popular instant messaging and social networking services such as Facebook, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk and Flickr.

It can synchronize with iTunes and Windows Media Player to enjoy music or through a home stereo using Bluetooth and BlackBerry Music Gateway.

PLDT unit offers direct-to-home satellite TV (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=465285&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann LL. Reyes Updated May 08, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - MediaScape, a subsidiary of telecommunications giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) has launched its direct-to-home (DTH) satellite television service under the brand name Cignal with an initial investment of $10 million.

MediaScape head Orlando Vea said they have covered the whole country in terms of signal. The recent soft launch of Cignal covers several provinces in Luzon, focusing on areas that still do not have cable TV access. In the next few months, the company plans to offer high definition pay TV.

MediaScape is a unit of MediaQuest Holdings which, in turn, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund.

PLDT acquired MediaScape, formerly GV Broadcasting Systems, Inc. in July 2007. It is licensed to offer DTH service and is currently providing on a trial basis Europe’s handheld-mobile TV service in partnership with Smart Communications.

Vea said MediaScape will not be teaming up with any other entity for the offering of DTH service. An earlier plan to enter into a joint venture with EchoStar Communications Corp., the largest DTH satellite television provider in the US, fizzled out.

Earlier, PLDT officials revealed they have tapped SES New Skies of Netherlands as MediaScape’s transponder provider for its DTH service. Transponders are satellite receivers and transmitters that relay the signals received back to Earth.

MediaScape will utilize the NSS-11 satellite of SES for its impending DTH satellite TV service to provide optimal coverage directly to its target markets.

NSS-11 satellite is currently home to a number of Chinese, Indian and Korean language TV channels and pay TV platforms. The satellite provides high-powered coverage which enables a full range of media and data applications, from DTH service to government communications and very small aperture terminal (VSAT) networks.

MediaScape’s DTH operation will initially offer 24 channels with content to be acquired from the content providers.

The PLDT Group’s foray into DTH service puts it in direct competition with Dream Broadcasting as well as with cable TV service providers. PLDT owns a minority stake in SkyCable, following the sale of the former’s Home Cable to the Lopez Group.

PLDT also announced that it is planning to roll out soon and implement the fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), a high-end service that promises better Internet access, by the middle of the year.

Meanwhile, Vea, who is also Smart Communications’ chief wireless advisor, revealed that following the success of their mobile virtual network operations (MVNO) in Italy, the group is now looking at two other countries in Europe. “We are also pursuing Macau and looking into Taiwan. Plans for MVNO in Japan are on hold due to problems with current regulations while entering the Middle East appears difficult also because of their MVNO regulations,” he said. MVNO allows Smart Communications to offer its services in other countries without actually building a network

GMA opposes rival’s digital TV application (http://http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/05142008/companies05.html)
By Lenie Lectura
Reporter

GMA Network Inc. is blocking the bid of rival ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. to offer digital television service to consumers.

In a filing with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), GMA said ABS-CBN’s application to convert its existing analog frequency channel to digital is really a move to operate a new service and not just a conversion. “Unfortunately, ABS-CBN misleads the affected parties by designating its petition as one for migration and conversion to digital service,” said GMA.

ABS-CBN is currently applying for a new frequency, preferably within the 500 to 506-megahertz range, which is not yet assignable for broadcast use. This frequency bandwidth is presently within the band for trunked radio service.

In its application, ABS-CBN said it intends to provide digital TV-terrestrial (DT-T) service in the said frequency, as maybe available and assignable by the NTC, or preferably Channel 19. The proposed conversion, it added, will initially be a migration to operate analog and digital services concurrently until such time that the NTC mandates termination of all analog TV broadcast transmissions.

GMA opined that ABS-CBN is actually applying for a new frequency, which it can use to operate another station simultaneous with its Studio 23 analog broadcast service. No migration or conversion to digital service will actually take place as ABS-CBN’s real intention is to operate DWAC-TC Channel 23 as its analog service and, at the same time, operate a digital TV station using a different channel until the mandatory analog switch-off date, GMA pointed out.

“The instant petition should be denied on the obvious ground that no migration or conversion to digital service is contemplated herein. ABS-CBN is not applying for a migration to conversion to a digital service but for an entirely new digital broadcast service, in addition to its analog service utilizing Channel 23,” said GMA.

Furthermore, the frequency bandwidth being eyed by ABS-CBN has not yet been reallocated by the NTC for broadcast use.

“What ABS-CBN is in effect doing in this application is to stake a claim on a frequency not presently within the domain of broadcast TV spectrum, and at the same time, preserve its privilege over Channel 23. This should not be countenanced by the NTC,” said GMA.

The broadcast company also has a pending application with the NTC to transform its Channel 27 UHF (ultra-high frequency) TV station to digital broadcast service.

“With the advances in technology, particularly the introduction of digital technology in the broadcasting service, it is imperative and in the interest of public service that GMA must take measures in order to meet the growing public demand for and address the technological challenge of digital TV broadcast service,” said GMA in its application.

The TV network said it is financially capable to adopt a digital terrestrial TV broadcast platform, and to acquire, operate and maintain the necessary equipment for use in the broadcast of quality TV programs. It presented to the NTC a proof showing its financial capacity. GMA’s capital was recently increased to P6.5 billion from P5 billion.

“The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved recently the increase of authorized capital stock from P5 billion divided into 3.5 billion common shares with the par value of P1 each and 7.5 billion preferred shares with the par value of P0.20 each to P6.5 billion divided into 5 billion common shares with the par value of P1 each and 7.5 billion preferred shares with the par value of P0.20 each,” said GMA.

Touch Mobile brand transfer to Globe approved by NTC (http://http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/05142008/companies04.html)
By Lenie Lectura
Reporter

THE National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has approved the transfer of Touch Mobile (TM), the cellular brand of Innove Communications Inc., to Globe Telecom.

Globe, in a statement, said the commission approved last May 9, the assignment by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Innove, of its TM consumer prepaid subscriber contracts in favor of Globe.

As a result, all consumer mobile subscribers using both Globe and TM brands and products will now be managed by Globe. The more than 8 million consumer prepaid subscribers of Innove CMTS (cellular-mobile telephone system) will enjoy the benefits of the superior services, authorized tariffs and promotions of Globe, without any diminution of whatever benefits they may currently be enjoying under their contracts.

Ferdinand de la Cruz, Globe consumer wireless business head, said this will enable the company to build on the synergies created by the earlier integration of the Globe and Innove wireless networks.

It will also better address the market demand with more focused services better tailored to the needs of subscriber segments. “We are very excited with this new development as this is a significant milestone for Globe and our subscribers. This will not only enable the company to further strengthen its market competitiveness, but also allow both Globe and TM subscribers to enjoy the benefits of superior products and services at a more affordable rates,” said de la Cruz.

“The transfer also paves the way for more convergent and complementary services to both Globe and TM subscribers market while Globe targets a different class. But in terms of promos, the customers of both brands will enjoy the same offerings,” said Cherry Chan-Tan, Globe investors relations head, in a phone interview.

It better that Globe will consolidate its brands Globe and TM (same with Smart and Talk and Text) so that people will realize that there are actually only 3 brands in the telco market-Globe, Smart and Sun.

Im really hoping to see the emergence of Liberty-Express Telecom of the San Miguel group to see some real competition in the market.

Globe enters wireless landline fray (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090510-204176/Globe-enters-wireless-landline-fray)
By Alexander Villafania

MANILA, Philippines – Globe Telecom recently introduced a new service that would allow subscribers to make cheap unlimited landline and mobile phone calls.

Called Globe Duo, the service is a hybrid telecommunications service that lets subscribers make and receive free phone calls on Duo-enabled and Globe mobile phones for free, as long as the numbers are within the same area code.

Globe Duo still runs on Globe Telecom’s GSM cellular network and thus requires the use of a SIM (subscriber identity module). Existing Globe mobile subscribers can apply for the service and will get an additional number that will be used for making calls to Duo-enabled handsets.

Calls made and received by Duo numbers to mobile phones will be free. Landline phone calls are routed as normal voice calls.

The service costs P399 for 30 days.

The new service pits Globe Telecom with existing free unlimited voice call services offered by BayanTel and PLDT.

In an interview, Globe Telecom Product and Services Delivery Group International and Core Services Head Nikko Acosta said the service targets heavy voice calls users in residential and commercial establishments.

Acosta said that Duo reduces the need to manage separate billings for mobile and landline payments. Duo will only require one billing statement for landline and mobile services.

“The goal here is to maximize the use of voice calls while reducing cost and minimizing the hassles of managing separate billings,” Acosta said.

Acosta said Globe is not shying away from existing subscribers of competing products and aims to have them shift to use their service instead. “We’re enticing the market to start using Globe Duo and be introduced to other Globe services. There’s huge potential from this kind of service.”

Acosta said the service is currently available in Metro Manila but rollouts to other metro cities across the country are being planned. “We could have the service available in some areas outside Metro Manila this month.”

Smart readies rollout of new 3G technology (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090510-204224/Smart-readies-rollout-of-new-3G-technology)
By Abigail L. Ho

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Smart Communications Inc. is gearing up for the nationwide rollout of a 3G technology that will allow the operator’s subscribers to use existing 3G applications at higher speeds.

In a briefing here, Smart access networks senior manager for planning and engineering Joselito Bacoy said HSPA850, a type of high-speed packet access (HSPA) technology under the 3.5G platform, offers speeds of as fast as 14 megabits per second (Mbps).

This is seven times faster than the 2 Mbps that WCDMA (wireless code division multiple access) currently offers.

The higher speed, Bacoy said, would give users a better experience when using their mobile devices for video calling, video streaming and even gaming.

Apart from the three services, he said other services that could be offered via HSPA850 include the ubiquitous text and multimedia messaging, instant messaging, wireless access protocol (WAP) browsing, audio streaming, multimedia downloads and broadband Internet browsing.

Consumers can take advantage of the HSPA850 technology in three ways: Via compatible mobile handsets, a PC with a USB modem and a PC with an HSPA850 modem or Wi-Fi router.

These devices must have an HSPA850-enabled SIM card as well as HSPA850 coverage to work.

Compatible mobile devices include the Blackberry Bold 9000, HTC TYTN II, the Sony Ericsson K850i and W760i, and the Nokia 6120c, 6500s, 6500c, 3120c, 6600s and E51.

Smart HSPA to bring faster broadband
(Manila Times, 05/10/2009, Rose May Cabacang and Viel Rodriguez)


Subic, Zambales: Smart Communications revealed on Friday another innovation to the list of 3G technologies through HSPA850, which could give existing users a faster and wider broadband service, at a media briefing here at the Free-port Zone.

“Today, there is a need to find solution, and that’s through innovation,” said Jay Bacuy, Engineering Department of Smart Technologies. “It’s a competition about speed in downloading and uploading a variety of multimedia files.”

HSPA850 or High Speed Packet Access provides faster downlink of up to 14.4 Mbps and an uplink of up to 5.76 Mbps, while riding on existing 3G technology. This allows subscribers to experience all the current multimedia features of a 3G network such as ultrafast Internet access, video call, video streaming, and online gaming.

Bacuy explained that this scalable technology is the next stage in their natural evolution path of the GSM system: from 2G to GPRS and EDGE; to 3G technologies such as WCDMA and HSDPA.

Focusing on existing users of SmartBro —these subcribers will surely benefit from the telco’s new technology, according to Smart.

Smart’s HSPA850 will be available through various network connectivity devices such as mobile handsets, USB modems and an HSPA850 modem with WiFi router.

The fixed HSPA850 router, deployed for home networks, could provide faster downloads to a maximum of four computers sharing a single network connection.

“The network coverage of HSPA, operating on an 850 MHz frequency band, allows a larger capacity that reaches about three kilometers compared to the 1800 MHz spectrum that 2G offers,” said Wo Rosete, head of Smart Media Relations Department.

“The coverage and capacity layering strategy of Smart allows millions of people to transact with your network,” Bacuy added.

Smart and PLDT said that it would be activating its HSPA 850 platform within the last quarter of 2008.

Business Mirror

Express Telecom enters final phase of rehab plan


Written by Lenie Lectura / Reporter
Monday, 11 May 2009 21:29

AFTER completing the first two phases of its rehabilitation program, Express Telecommunication Co. Inc. said it is now ready to revive its plan to go into mobile-phone service.

“With the completion of these first two phases, Express Telecom is now poised to relaunch its services under Phase 3 of the rehab plan, which is aimed at making Express Telecom a viable corporation again,” the company said in a statement.

Express Telecom was placed under rehabilitation on June 21, 2006. Phases 1 and 2, which it has successfully completed, consisted of quasi-reorganization and a debt-to-equity conversion, respectively.

“Phase 3 is the roll out of a new digital wireless platform. As per the decision of the rehab court, Express Telecom has three years upon the accomplishment of the debt-to-equity conversion to carry out Phase 3. This is without prejudice to any extension as maybe recommended by the rehab receiver,” said Plaridel Bohol II, counsel for Trans Digital Excel Inc., the creditor-turned major shareholder of Express Telecom, in a text message.

But before it could do so, Express Telecom faces one remaining stumbling block in the move of the National Telecommunications on the reallocation of frequencies.

Despite the court-ordered rehabilitation, Express Telecom said it has not given up on its mobile phone venture. In fact, it said, in going into cellular business, it plans to shift to digital platform from an analog-run mobile phone network.

In implementing the first two parts of the rehabilitation plan, Express Telecom said it underwent corporate restructuring which involves the reduction of the par value of its shares from P10 to P1.80 per share, and increasing the number of shares from the original 200 million shares to 1.111 billion shares.

Express Telecom said after the change in par value, its creditors, principally Trans Digital Excel Inc., which holds more than 25 percent of Express Telecom’s total debt, converted their exposures into 911.111 million shares. Under the new capital structure, the original stockholders retained their 200 million shares.

NTC, which regulates the operations of telecommunications companies, plans to reallocate the frequency band 1710-1720/1805-1815 megahertz from wireless local loop to broadband wireless access, which may affect Express Telecom’s assigned frequencies are adjacent to those frequencies.

CURE (Red Mobile of Smart) is losing money...

Here comes San Miguel's Extelcom!:)

Hi Guys,
Do you have an idea as to when is the target commercial launch of San Miguel/Liberty? thanks.

Smart buys into wireless broadband firm (http://mb.com.ph/node/200797)
By EMMIE V. ABADILLA

Seeking to fortify its lead in the wireless broadband business, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), initially bought 40 per cent of Primeworld Digital Systems, Inc. (PDSI) with the intent to fully own the pioneering Internet Service Provider (ISP) within the year.

PDSI had been operating for the past 13 years and has evolved into a telecommunications company specializing in Internet Protocol (IP) communications services such as premium Internet connectivity, data center services, Virtual Private Network (VPN), Voice Over IP (VOIP) and managed security.

PDSI has established a reputation for excellent customer service with a nationwide client base of government and educational institutions, and medium to large corporations. The company also owns and operates its own wireless local loop network.

The company operates under a legislative franchise, Republic Act No. 8992, granted in 2001, to provide telecommunications services

throughout the Philippines and between the Philippines and other countries and territories, including mobile, cellular, wired or wireless telecommunications systems and their value added services.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has granted PDSI a Provisional Authority to build and operate an information and data communications network.

Smart eyes wireless broadband 'blanket' coverage this year (http://mb.com.ph/node/200893)
By JOEL D. PINAROC

Wireless leader Smart Communications is planning to provide a blanket coverage of its latest wireless broadband services in key cities in the country this year.

According to Smart, it will use HSPA850, a new-generation 3G technology that promises to deliver up to 14 megabits per second (Mbps) access speeds via wireless.

HSPA stands for high-speed packet access (HSPA) technology, and HSPA850 is a variant of this technology and is considered now classified as 3.5G.

The optmized 14-Mbps speed is radically faster than the now more common W-CDMA 3G standard which can only deliver a maximum 2Mbps, according to Joselito Bacoy, Smart access networks senior manager.

First up for this new high-speed broadband service when this commercially rolls out will be Metro Manila, according to the executive.

Actually, Bacoy said, some users of Smart's 3G-powered wireless broadband are now using HSPA850, particularly in areas where Smart is conducting tests.

However, Smart has yet to set an exact date as to when the blanket coverage of the technology will happen, according to Wo Rosete, Smart media relations executive.

The executive said Smart is "quietly" testing the technology and will bare a commercial plan "this year."

Users, however, can use the technology if its available in their areas. Users with a cellular phone, laptop or any other wireless device can access the network via HSPA850, provided the devices have HSPA modems.

For devices that do not have built-in HSPA modems, users can use a USB-plugged modem or a device that can act as a receiver for HSPA850 and as a Wi-Fi device that a laptop can then use.

Smart's Bacoy said the new device is one of the products that Smart will be pushing.

"You have one device that can receive HSPA850 signals, and then transmit these signals to wireless devices via a traditional Wi-Fi setup," Bacoy said.

In theory, the device can be plugged into a power supply and can be used wherever there is a Smart cellsite that has an HSPA850 box in it, Bacoy said.

And the good thing about HSPA850 is that it can still provide the more "traditional" services such as voice calls and data including SMS, MMS, Internet, etc., the executive further said.

Globe claims tech breakthrough, merges mobile, landline services (http://mb.com.ph/node/200892)
By MELVIN G. CALIMAG

The fierce battle among mobile operators in the Philippines has gone a notch higher with local carrier Globe Telecom unveiling late last week what it said is the world’s first unlimited mobile and landline service.

Globe Telecom, owned by local conglomerate Ayala Corp. and regional telecom player Singtel, said its “Duo” offering is a fully convergent solution that works across fixed and mobile networks. It is, however, purely a voice service and does not include text messaging.

A Globe executive said Acision, a third-party technology vendor who was involved in the roll-out, has declared that the Duo service is the first in the world to offer unlimited landline and mobile calls in just one SIM card.

A subscriber to the service is provided with a SIM card that carries two numbers —w a mobile and a landline number.

To avail of its “unlimited” features, one must use or call the right number. Thus, if the subscriber is calling a landline number, he or she should use his Duo landline number. In the case of mobile-to-mobile calls, the unlimited feature can only be used when calling Duo-to-Duo.

Ferdinand dela Cruz, consumer wireless business head at Globe, said during the launch that the service makes use of “landline re-routing” feature available under the GSM technology.

“Also, it has an intelligent system that allows the phone to use the landline number when a landline number is coming in or the mobile number when a mobile call is coming in,” Dela Cruz said.

Existing Globe subscribers don’t have to change their numbers as they can merely activate a Duo landline number to go along with their mobile number, executives said.

The service is priced at P399 per month, which is charged on top of the post-paid plans of subscribers. Observers, however, said Globe’s advertising materials don’t indicate that the service entails an extra fixed cost and is not part of a subscriber’s monthly consumable plan.

Dela Cruz said that the service may soon be introduced under the pre-paid model.

The Duo service is aimed at neutralizing two mobile services that surprisingly clicked with mobile subscribers — the unlimited voice service pioneered by low-cost proponent Sun Cellular and the innovative wireless landline service introduced by Bayan Telecommunications.

These unique services shook up the local telecom market when they were introduced in the local market. It also pushed the two leading players — Smart Communications and Globe — to temporarily stop monitoring each other’s move and introduce similar offerings.

The “unlimited” trend started by Sun actually gave the operator a big boost in subscriber take-up, leading some observers to predict it may even catch or surpass Globe. Smart, owned by dominant landline operator PLDT, meanwhile, moved to bring into the market its own wireless landline offering that sought to minimize the advancement of Bayan’s wireless landline.

Ronald Dee, a top executive of a local PC distributor, said in an interview that the Globe may have a hard time catching up with the “unlimited” voice offerings of its rival telcos. “They started three years ago and they have built a huge base already,” he said.

But, Nikko Acosta, a Globe official, said that with the introduction of the Duo service, phone users no longer have to keep a separate landline phone apart from their mobile unit. Acosta said memorizing a landline number, in addition to their mobile number, wouldn’t pose a problem since subscribers have grown accustomed keeping a landline unit anyway.

The Duo service is currently limited within Metro Manila, specifically with the “02” area code, and within Cebu province, with the area code “032.” Subscribers must put these area codes when dialing any landline number in their respective localities.

Hi, just want to ask if questions regarding price of mobile phones are entertained here? Just want to know handset cost of Blackberry 8900 Curve and Nokia 3120c

SingTel Group's Mobile Customer Base Expands to 249 Million

Singapore Telecommunications Group is now serving 249 million mobile lines, up 35 percent or 64 million customers year-on-year, as of 31-March-2009. The Group’s aggregate mobile customer base in all eight markets, Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, grew 7.3 percent, or 17 million on a sequential quarterly basis despite the intense competition in the markets and the slowdown in the economies.

The proportionate mobile customer base rose 33 percent from a year ago or 7.0 percent from a quarter ago.

Bharti, India’s number one mobile phone operator, posted the biggest jump in customer numbers among the associates. Its mobile base reached 93.9 million customers as at 31 March 2009, an increase of 52 percent from a year ago or 9.7 percent from a quarter ago. It also achieved its highest ever quarterly net additions of 8.3 million mobile customers this quarter and had 24.0 percent market share of the total wireless subscriber base as at 31 March 2009.

Indonesia's Telkomsel grew its mobile customer base by 41 percent or 20.8 million from a year ago. In the quarter, the Indonesian operator added 6.8 million customers and grew its market share by 3 percentage points to 49 percent as at 31 March 2009 from a quarter ago.

Thailand and the Philippines, the more mature markets, also posted strong mobile customer additions. AIS added 2.5 million mobile subscribers or 10 percent more from a year ago. Globe added 4.5 million mobile customers or 21 percent more from a year ago.
In Pakistan, Warid grew its total customer base by 3 million to 17.4 million, an increase of 21 percent from a year ago. PBTL's total mobile customer base in Bangladesh was 1.9 million, an increase of 315,000, or 20 percent more from a year ago.

In Australia, Optus’ mobile customer base expanded 9.1 percent from a year ago to 7.79 million as at 31 March 2009. The solid growth was evidenced by the addition of 156,000 new mobile customers in the March quarter, including a total of 105,000 postpaid customers, driven by continuing strong demand for innovative offers including iPhone 3G, “Timeless” unlimited plans and wireless broadband. The number of 3G subscribers increased to 2.58 million this quarter.

In its home market of Singapore, SingTel added 405,000 new customers, or 16 percent more from a year ago, bringing its total mobile customer base to 2.98 million and extended its market share to 46.4 percent as at 31 March 2009, an increase of 3.0 percentage points from a year ago. A total of 34,000 new mobile customers were added during the quarter, of which 22,000 were postpaid net additions.
http://www.singtel.com

Smart cuts Internet surfing prices (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090519-205930/Smart-cuts-Internet-surfing-prices)
By Alexander Villafania

MANILA, Philippines – In an effort to boost usage of their wireless mobile Internet services, Smart Communications announced that it was offering a service targeting pre-paid subscribers.

Through its budget Internet services, Smart would allow subscribers to pay a P50 flat rate for five hours of Internet access for its “Budget Surf” package. Another package, the Daily Surf, would cost subscribers P100 for 12 hours.

But excess usage beyond the five-hour and 12-hour period would be charged with the regular P10 per 30 minutes of use.

These price cuts, however, are not permanent and will only be offered until June 30.

Ayan na ang San Miguel owned Liberty telecom!:cheers:

Manila Times

Saturday, May 23, 2009


AS KIRIN SHIFTS EXPOSURE TO SMB

San Miguel hikes stake in local telco

By Chino S. Leyco, Reporter

ONE of Japan’s biggest beer makers has completed its exit from San Miguel Corp. (SMC), as Southeast Asia’s largest food and beverage conglomerate followed through on its diversification with the purchase of an additional substantial stake in a Philippine telecom company.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, SMC said its board of directors authorized the purchase of up to 49 percent of Liberty Telecommunications Holdings Inc. The conglomerate will buy an initial 32.7 percent stake in Liberty for P2.2 billion.

SMC said it will “pursue the acquisition of the balance of the investment in coordination with its joint venture partner, Qatar Telecom QSC” (Qtel).

The board action comes after last December’s agreement between SMC and Qtel for a telecom venture in the country.

Under the agreement, SMC will own 60 percent of the joint venture, while Qtel will put in an initial investment of $150 million, raising this to $1 billion after a year.

Qtel, which operates in 16 countries including in Southeast Asia, is aiming to become among the world’s top 20 telecom companies by 2020. It is licensed by the Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology to provide both fixed and mobile telecommunications services in the state of Qatar.

The SMC-Qtel partnership through Liberty is geared towards offering wireless broadband, mobile, and mobile broadband businesses in the Philippines.

Ramon Ang, SMC president, earlier said the conglomerate and Liberty are in talks with various equipment suppliers on how to operate its telecom business.

Ang had said Liberty would offer Internet broadband using the power lines of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), where SMC has a 43 percent interest.

In separate disclosures, SMC also said long-time shareholder, Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd. has sold its stake in the Philippine conglomerate, and secured a significant position in its domestic brewery business.

Kirin sold its 19.9 percent stake in SMC to Q-Tech Alliance Holdings Inc., marking the Japanese brewer’s exit from the Philippine conglomerate. Q-Tech is an affiliate of Qtel and is chaired by Eric Recto, who is also president of Petron Corp.

Kirin shifted its investment to SMC unit, San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB), with the parent firm completing the sale of 4.479 billion shares or a 43.249 percent stake in SMB to the Japanese brewer for P8.841 apiece.

Separately, SMC also said its board approved a plan to offer shareholders the option of exchanging each common stock they hold for a preferred share to be called Series 1 Preferred Shares. The preferreds will have a par value of P5 a share, and will be cumulative and non-voting, which means takers would lose their voting rights but would enjoy precedence over common stockholders in claims against the company.

The SMC board authorized management to determine the preferred stock’s issue price, which shall form the basis of the dividends that shareholders would enjoy. The company also would have the option to redeem the preferreds on the third anniversary of their issuance.

In light of the planned issuance of preferreds, the SMC board also modified the company’s authorized capital stock of 4.5 billion common shares — consisting of 2.7 billion Class A shares and 1.8 billion Class B shares — to an authorized capital stock of 4.5 billion shares consisting of 3.390 billion common and 1.11 billion Series 1 Preferred shares. The common shares will consist of 2.034 billion Class A and 1.356 billion Class B shares.

Kaya nga siguro di natuloy ang National Broadband Project.....

ASPAC undersea cable system eyed
Written by Lenie Lectura / Reporter
Thursday, 28 May 2009 00:14


PHILIPPINE Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and other foreign carriers will build an international undersea cable system in Asia-Pacific to serve the growing demand of bandwidth, the phone giant said on Wednesday.

The proposed undersea cable system will be called the Asia-Pacific Gateway (APG) and will link major economic-growth countries in the region. It is currently planned to link Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, mainland China, Japan and Korea.

Besides PLDT, other members of the group are Chunghwa Telecom (Taiwan), China Telecom (China), China Unicom (China), KT Corp. (Korea), NTT Communications (Japan), Telekom Malaysia (Malaysia) and VNPT (Vietnam).

PLDT is also involved in the $550-million Asia-America Gateway (AAG) cable project, a 20,000-km long fiber-optic cable network that will connect Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Guam, Hawaii and the US West Coast. Of the $550-million total cost, PLDT’s contribution is $50 million.

The consortium for the APG, on the other hand, signed on Monday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to plan and develop the proposal to build the cable facility, which will provide additional capacity for growing demand and an alternative, diverse routing within the region—with a view to avoiding some of the
areas most prone to seismic activity, conditions which are hazardous to undersea cables.

The cable system will span about 8,000 km and will use the latest Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing technologies with a minimum design capacity of 4 terabits. It is planned to be ready for service in 2011.

“The planning and eventual implementation of the new Asia Pacific Gateway project is timely due to the growing bandwidth demand of PLDT and the other proponents. It is also intended to meet the requirements for cable route diversity, protection, and to provide capacity to replace the retiring cables in the region,” said Alejandro Caeg, PLDT first vice president, International & Carrier Business Group.

The proposed cable system can provide an alternative route or restoration paths to existing cable systems in the region, as it is designed to provide a high degree of interconnectivity with existing and planned high bandwidth systems.

As for the Asia-American Gateway, AAG’s construction will enable the Philippines to become a hub for regional and trans-Pacific connectivity, while meeting the expected explosive growth in the country’s international bandwidth requirements to support cutting-edge broadband applications such as IP-based data, video and other multimedia services.

As a terminal party, PLDT has built a new cable station in La Union province, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the La Union terminal station as well as the submarine cables within the country’s territory, while the consortium exercises joint control over the facilities.

The AAG is a consortium of phone companies: local carriers Bayan Telecommunications Inc. and Eastern Telecommunications Philippines Inc., the government of Brunei Darussalam, as well as 14 foreign telcos—AT&T Corp. (U.S.), Bharti Airtel Ltd. ( India ), CAT Telecom Public Co. Ltd. ( Thailand ), Communications Global Network Services Ltd. (UK), Pacific Communication Pte. Co. Ltd. ( Cambodia ), PT Indosat Tbk ( Indonesia ), PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk. (Indonesia ), Saigon Postel Corp. (Vietnam), StarHub Ltd. (Singapore), Telecom New Zealand Ltd. (New Zealand), Telekom Malaysia Berhad (Malaysia), Telstra Corp. Ltd. (Australia), Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (Vietnam) and Viettel Corp. (Vietnam).

Got a cell phone ringtone? That's so last year (http://digital.asiaone.com/Digital/Features/Story/A1Story20090528-144429.html)

Ah, ringtones. The current rise in their revenues not withstanding, both armchair and expert analysis have set binoculars on the end of the ringtone trend.

In other words, when the door slams during the latter part of '09, they'd fizzle out like a souffle.

I'm a self-righteous vibrate-only cell phone user. But I will confess to this delusional empowerment by music association: If there are people I want to impress, I go stony-faced and turn up Guns N Roses on my MP3 player so they could get the full impact of my anarchy. As if they'd care at all.

I can see this mistake when other people commit it. They've cranked up Usher in their earphones, which sounds like a mosquito to bystanders, and they caterwaul down the street while frightening children and superstarring in the fantasy of a private music video.

Ringtones have the hallmarks of a trend: dead earnest but still somehow insincere, a reduction of something real, virally passed on and fast-changing. They must go the way of friendship beads and Havaianas and ketamine.

But they keep morphing, and each new shape is financially beneficial to someone who will nurture it as a result.

In the case of monophonic and polyphonic ringtones, it was born-overnight ringtone companies that bought the music rights and made knock-offs, subsequently bringing home the bank. Record labels have learned their hard lessons to some extent (after forfeiting the big profits on videos in the early days of MTV, and failing to fathom the diamond mine of the Internet).

And now, with real tones, contractually, it's the label, the artist and the publisher who cash in.

Cynicism

Timbaland and Lady Gaga, studio masters for Beyonce, Jay-Z and 50 Cent, among others, are even composing ringtones. Some of them have reportedly built hundreds of ringtones anonymously.

When high-profilers are making these snippets of music with fanfare, the medium has truly arrived.

Billboard has a Hot Ringtones chart. Mobile company Telecom has held a ringtones music awards ceremony for the last two years. There's urgent talk of a ratings system. There's lowbrow (Britney Spears' laugh tones) and obsessive-compulsive (Morse code) and esoteric (minimalist atonal stuff).

So why the cynicism about the longevity of this phenomenon? Because the playing field is a disaster. Too many parties can own rights to a single song, making contracts a riotous affair.

Second, people resent paying more for a ringtone derived from a song they already downloaded for 99 cents and have found software like Xingtones to transform MP3 files into ringtones. And then, there's the fact that ringtones are simply wildly irritating.

All this may prove irrelevant, however. Many wireless carriers and music labels see ringtones as the stepping stone to cell phones becoming "the center of digital convergence," as if they aren't invasive enough already. This is the dream, and it seems a plausible one (see: iPhone).

With improved sound quality and battery life, phones could be hospitable environments for your digital music collection; songs are the new photographs in the mobile phone biz. And if phone companies do become tune vendors, the record companies are better protected in collecting revenue, since cellular phone service is a closed circuit, as opposed to the Wild West of the Internet.

Music companies also make more money per song than they do by most online downloads - thus the urgent permutations of comradeship.

Synthesis

It's a chaos of entities working toward the future without knowing what the future is. Per its press release, Universal's catalog was just acquired by Motorola iRadio. Music can now be transferred, for example, via Bluetooth technology from phone to car stereo.

This synthesis of technology is not elegantly simple enough to last. It's not meant to last. It's a fumble in the dark, a moment in the blossoming of a digital lifestyle, an educated endeavor.

Meanwhile, it's difficult to reconcile rock 'n' roll with the lowly job it's been handed. Hearing Patti Smith or Public Enemy bleeping from someone's Sony Ericsson W205 is enough to make one cry.

It's not right. Music, to take a puritanical approach, should be an end in itself; it should be listened to on a huge, ancient turntable in a dark bedroom, or through earphones while walking on a dirty, sweaty, criminally loud street packed with bodies. It should not herald a call from your office manager.

But if proper punk rock rebellion means trampling the status quo and investigating the frontier, and if ringtones segue into mammoth digital libraries for every member of humanity, then, despite appearances to the contrary, we are on track.

By Philip Tubeza
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:22:00 05/31/2009


MANILA, Philippines—The controversial right of reply bill will not only affect print and broadcast media but it could lead to Internet censorship because it also covers bloggers, texters and even iPod users, a party-list lawmaker warned Saturday.

Kabataan party-list Rep. Mong Palatino said the bill’s sponsor in the House, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, had admitted during interpellation that House Bill No. 3306 also covers websites, e-mails, Internet social networking sites, and other electronic devices in its scope.

Palatino noted that Section 1 of HB 3306 (Right of Reply) states, “All persons, natural or judicial, who are accused directly or indirectly of committing, having committed, or are criticized by innuendo, suggestion or rumor for any lapse in behavior in public or private life shall have the right to reply to charges or criticisms published in newspapers, magazines, newsletters or publications circulated commercially or for free, or aired or broadcast over radio, television, websites or through any electronic device.”

“The bill, therefore, would not only affect media outfits and journalists but also all website owners, website masters, e-mail account holders and other netizens who are not necessarily media practitioners,” said Palatino, who has been a blogger since 2004.

He said the bill would affect “the more than five million bloggers and millions more of Internet users in the country.”

“My fear is that when this bill comes to law, it will be used to regulate the content of the Internet, when we are checking our e-mails, when we open our Friendster or Facebook accounts, when we are checking our websites. Does this mean that we will be compelled to moderate, modify or edit our personal websites? Is this not Internet censorship and suppression of freedom of speech and expression?” Palatino said.

“Does this mean that whenever a criticism is published in these venues a person can use the Right of Reply to compel a blogger or moderator of a social networking site to publish a space or a reply for that person? Or when an individual decides to copy or repost an article from a news website in his or her personal blog, and in the future the said article becomes a subject of this Right of Reply, will he or she be sanctioned or fined also?” he said.

In reply, Abante said the bill would be defined more clearly through its implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

“Primarily, this bill refers to media publications and practitioners. I would think it will be defined more on the IRR,” he said.

But Palatino said that Congress should just remove the line “any electronic device” in the bill’s first section. The bill is still up for amendments in the House.

“Again, this would affect more than 60 million mobile phone users and iPod owners in the country,” Palatino said.

Palatino said he would oppose the right of reply bill on the grounds that it violates the freedom of the press and the public’s freedom of speech and expression. He also said he was not amenable even to a “watered down” version of the bill because it merely “renders the Right of Reply pointless.”

He also encouraged bloggers, netizens, texters and concerned youth to register their opposition to the “apparent railroading of the bill in Congress.”


...

Abante is not only a religious nutcase...

Digitel chief quashes takeover rumors anew
(Business Mirror, 06/02/2009, Lenie Lectura)


AN official of Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc. (Digitel) said the phone company of the JG Summit Holdings Inc. is not selling its telco despite being the subject of takeover rumors for many years now.


Digitel president James Go, in a recent interview, said “there is no need” to even entertain any unsolicited proposal from any party that has set eyes on Digitel. He even added that Digitel is contented with being the third player “for now.” In terms of the number of subscribers, Smart Communications Inc. is No. 1, followed by Globe Telecom.

“No, we are not [selling Digitel] because we are doing very well. We have the road map to grow and we are a very credible and strong No. 3 player. So, I think those positions will not even change. We are doing very well and there is no need to,” said Go.

Digitel has been rumored in the past and is still is the subject of takeover tales. There were talks that it has attracted a number of interested buyers from Europe and Asia, including the Government of Singapore Investment Corp. It was also rumored to have been in talks with Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing’s Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. All these have been denied by the company.

But Go said Digitel is open to building alliances, although he did not say if it is involved in any talks at the moment. “We might join to form an alliance as we are always open to that but there are no plans for any buy-in,” he said.

Aiming to be the preferred broadband company this year, Go said, “Digitel has the right technology” to remain competitive amid cut-throat competition in the wireless industry. For this year, one of the company’s [objectives] will be to synergize its mobile subsidiary, Sun Cellular, to providing Digitel the leverage to reach and touch base with non-Digitel service areas through its robust and advanced network facilities.

For many years, the company remains in the red as it poured millions to fund its aggressive rollout activities.

Go said Digitel is earmarking $350 million to fund Sun Cellular’s network upgrade. Of this amount, $200 million will be raised via borrowings from export credit agencies and the remaining from internally generated funds.

I support Sen. Enriles' move to look into the stealing of loads of CPs. Kala mu nakakatipid ka sa tinga tinga load, yun pala hindi.

RP carriers to deal with rising wireless cost (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090603-208625/RP-carriers-to-deal-with-rising-wireless-cost)
By Alexander Villafania

MANILA, Philippines--The deployment of 3G infrastructures among telecommunications carriers in the Philippines is among the most notable in the Asia Pacific region, particularly as wireless broadband services demand continues to increase.

But according to infrastructure equipment provider Ericsson, carriers would need to accommodate the increasing traffic and the cost of laying down infrastructure, which could affect revenues per user.

Ericsson Southeast Asia Head of MW Center of Excellence Patrik Nord explained the distribution of wireless broadband in a given area is dependent on the traffic available and the kind of service that would be required.

“Carriers would have to decide on what direction to take in specific areas without compromising service and remaining future proof,” Nord said.

But Nord said the Philippines would continue to see large deployments of wireless broadband service particularly in rural areas where there are no physical telecommunications infrastructure.

Ericsson provides carrier-level wireless broadband equipment, particularly HSPA (high speed packet access) platform.

The company recently introduced the Mini-Link TN radio access network solution for telecommunications carriers offering wireless broadband services.

Both Smart Communications and Globe Telecom are currently providing HSPA services.

Extelcom bucks fee for telecommunications transactions (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=473851&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes

MANILA, Philippines - Express Telecommunications Co. (Extelcom), the pioneer cellular phone service provider in the country, is opposing the congressional oversight committee’s proposal to impose a five-centavo regulatory fee for every telecommunications transactions.

In its position paper filed with the National Telecommunications Commission, the firm said it is also against the setting of price ceiling of SMS or text messaging services at 50 centavo per text.

Extelcom said its opposition is based on the proposal’s unconstitutionality and the fact that further study is needed to ascertain the viability and implementation of the proposed memorandum circulars of the NTC.

“Extelcom views that (the NTC) should reject the committee’s proposal on imposing the five-centavo regulatory fee for being constitutionally infirm. Also, that the said proposal is ultimately impractical and ineffectual since it lacks further planning, consultation and research,” Extelcom said.

On the other hand, Extelcom said it advocates the NTC’s endeavors in providing lower access charges in line with its mandate to promote a fair, efficient and responsive market to stimulate growth and development of the telecommunications industry.

It added that the committee’s proposed MCs regarding the five-centavo regulatory fee and the fixing of the 50-centavo ceiling price on SMS charges would cancel out the economic benefits that the lowering of access charges may provide.

“This includes, in particular, weakening market competition, discouraging new players from entering the market and at the same time becoming a serious disincentive to existing telecommunication companies,” Extelcom said.

Extelcom said it shares the view of the other telecommunication companies that the regulatory fee is in fact a tax imposition and not a regulatory measure.

Even if the NTC can promulgate a regulatory rule, Extelcom said the Supreme Court had ruled in the past that such fees must only be sufficient to cover the expenses of either issuing the license; or funding for the necessary surveillance or inspection needed to enforce the regulatory measure.

Extelcom said the committee’s proposal of imposing the 50-centavo regulatory fee is not commensurate to the cost of purchasing the metering devices estimated at $30 million since it is also suggesting applying the excess proceeds to another program not related to monitoring the revenue of telecommunication companies.

“The proceeds that will be accumulated from the regulatory fee would be exorbitant; thus, there must be an articulation of the scope and limitations as to how the tax measure will be applied not by an executive agency but by the legislative body, whose power is vested upon it by our Constitution,” Extelcom said.

It added that telecommunication companies are already paying for various charges, fees and taxes to the government, not to mention their operational costs.

PLDT launches new landline innovation (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=474178&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann LL. Reyes Updated June 04, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines – Telecommunications giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) has unveiled a new product that aims to revolutionize the residential landline segment by giving Filipinos unprecedented freedom to make calls all over the country all the time.

PLDT unleashed yesterday PLDT Call All, the first and only free local call service from all over the country.

The PLDT Call All Bundle consists of an existing PLDT wired landline and a PLDT Landline Plus (PLP) second line SIM offered absolutely free to current residential PLDT landline subscribers. The PLP second line SIM which can be used in any open line handset allows one to make free local calls to any landline number in the same local calling area.

The PLDT Call All service comes all-in at only P850 a month. That means for an additional P250 on a subscriber’s PLDT landline bill, one instantly gain unparalleled mobility to call from anywhere in the country.

“PLDT Call All is our way of giving our existing landline subscribers the best deal out there. They might as well get it from PLDT because we’re the leader in the industry with the technology and expertise to offer it. That’s a benefit we want to impart to our subscribers who have been loyal all these years,” according to PLDT assistant vice president for acquisitions Patrick Tang.

With PLDT Call All, there are no metered calls for local calling, no hidden charges, and no membership fees. Landline calls have never been this affordable, Tang said.

He pointed out that with the PLDT Call All feature, a Manila subscriber can take his PLP second line SIM to Cebu and call his friends in Manila for free. A doctor from Baguio may be in a seminar in Bacolod and still check on his patients back home at no additional cost. A mother from Ilocos can have peace of mind knowing her kids vacationing in Boracay are just a phone call away as long as they have their PLP second Line SIM on hand.

Once a subscriber signs up for the PLDT Call All Bundle, their monthly service fee is automatically converted to P850. For new subscribers, simply apply for a PLDT landline with an installation fee of only P1,100 and immediately avail of the Call All Bundle. The installation fee also comes with a choice of a free PLDT Landline Plus Prepaid SIM with free P300 load or a free caller ID unit. The PLDT Call All Service is immediately activated upon installation of the new landline.

Globe extends coverage of Duo (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=474454&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom has extended the coverage of its breakthrough service Duo, which combines mobile and landline in one, to include prepaid subscribers in Metro Manila and Cebu.

Fast becoming popular to customers in Metro Manila and Cebu, Globe Duo is now available in prepaid in Metro Manila starting June 5 and this was introduced in Cebu last May 25.

New Globe prepaid subscribers can get the special Duo prepaid SIM pack at only P45 to enjoy Globe Duo, after which they can experience the ultimate in unlimited mobile and landline calling within Metro Manila and Cebu for five days for just P125 and P350 for 14 days.

The new Duo prepaid SIM packs are available in Globe Business Centers and partner retailers in Metro Manila and Cebu.

“We want everyone to experience the best in unlimited calling at an affordable price. So we are introducing the prepaid variant and we have initially rolled it out in Cebu and now in Metro Manila. Duo is an innovative service and a great offering that we want to make available to more customers,” Globe consumer wireless business head Ferdinand dela Cruz said.

Also, Globe announced that new postpaid subscribers can get a Globe Plan for as low as the GFlex 250 and subscribe to Duo at P399 for 30 days to enjoy unlimited Duo-to-landline, landline-to-Duo, and Duo-to-Duo calls. Globe now offers the lowest unlimited Globe Plan at only P649 per month, making it simple and affordable to get on Duo. The GFlex 250 is a line-only plan.

Duo is the first and only unlimited mobile and landline call service in the world. It is a 2-in-1 service that makes use of just one SIM so a subscriber gets to carry around just one mobile phone for all his calling needs.

The new Duo enables subscribers to make unlimited calls from Globe to any landline number and from any landline to Globe, as well as to and from any Duo postpaid mobile subscriber for as long as they are all within the same area code.

For Globe prepaid subscribers, they can purchase the new Duo SIM pack then register via SMS to DUO: text DUO MM 125 or DUO MM 350 and send to 8888. Upon subscription to DUO, the amount (P125 or P350) will be deducted from the prepaid load and the subscriber gets a DUO landline number. They can then enjoy unlimited calls to any landline as well as DUO-to-DUO mobile calls immediately upon activation of the service.

Globe postpaid subscribers, can start using Duo by simply texting DUO <area> ON to 8888, where area is MM for NCR and CEB for Cebu subscribers. Once registered to DUO, enjoy unlimited calls to any landline as well as DUO-to-DUO mobile calls within the same area code at anytime of the day. DUO is currently being exclusively offered within Metro Manila and Cebu for free NCR to NCR and Cebu to Cebu calls.

Customers can also visit any Globe Business Center in Metro Manila and Cebu to get a Globe Plan and subscribe to DUO at only P399 for 30 days. Globe Plans start at P500 and even offer a free camera phone.

For postpaid, new Duo activations have an initial 90-day subscription that is automatically renewed on a monthly basis unless otherwise requested by the subscriber. Every Globe postpaid line is entitled to one Duo subscription. Subscribers of SME and corporate managed accounts must contact their account managers to get DUO.

Duo is an add-on to the Globe postpaid plan and the subscriber gets a Duo landline number, enabling a SIM to carry both a landline and a mobile number. Call any landline within Metro Manila by dialing 02 and the landline number. Any landline within Metro Manila can call the DUO subscriber by dialing the DUO landline number. Use the area code 032 for landline calls within Cebu. For unlimited mobile calls, dial the DUO number of the subscriber.

For prepaid subscribers, Globe said they should make sure not to remain unsubscribed to the Duo service for more than 30 days after the DUO subscription expires. This way, the subscriber gets to keep the same Duo number. A new Duo number will be assigned for Duo subscriptions made after the 30-day grace period. Unlike for postpaid, there is no automatic renewal for Duo subscription in prepaid as this is charged to the load credit.

Globe delivers new, innovative Duo service (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=475492&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Kathy Moran

MANILA, Philippines - “We are proud to bring to the Philippines another pioneering service from Globe, the company that Filipino consumers through the years have known to be at the forefront of mobile service innovation,” said Ernest L. Cu, president and chief executive officer, Globe. “Globe Duo is a testament of our commitment to continuously provide our customers with the latest wireless services in the world at the most affordable price and offer them every convenient means of connecting to one another.”

One SIM, two numbers is what the Duo is.

“Think of it like the concept of a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner,” said Ferdinand M. Dela Cruz, head, consumer wireless business group, Globe.

Many things are lost in translation when a text is sent. The most frustrating one of course is, “I didn’t get your text.” That could mean a big loss on a business deal.

For most people on the go (or at the wheel) texting is not an option. This is why many more people who do business on the cell phone have opted to go with Globe’s Duo. When a business deal depends on it, making a call is the best way to make sure that the message is delivered.

That is exactly what the Globe Duo is about. It is a unique and interesting techie advance, which makes owning a cell phone and a landline – easy. Think of it like techie gone two-in-one.

“If you look at the market today, most people carry more than one cell phone,” added Dela Cruz. “There are dual SIM cell phones and there is also a proliferation of mobile wireless landline and other similar services.”

Simply put, what the Globe duo does is give the Globe subscriber, whether post paid or pre paid, two lines in one SIM. Perfect for the businessman who can’t be bothered by too much texting. Besides, lots of business calls on the cell phone are made to landline numbers – and that makes the service a double plus.

Dela Cruz said the new system makes the switch automatically. When a 02 landline number is called then the Duo landline number kicks in – so, one can talk and talk and talk business and not have to worry about an extra charge. And, if and, when someone calls using a cell phone then, it is the cell phone number that kicks in.

It’s Here

“Technology today drives innovators for convergence, as the market demands for more efficient and effective means of communicating,” De La Cruz quipped. “For this reason, Globe is breaking the barriers between mobile and landline services by coming up with this revolutionary 2-in-1 service.”

The mobile and landline in one allows unlimited landline calls and unlimited Duo-to-Duo mobile calls at anytime of the day. Duo makes unlimited landline service cheaper now more than ever before and it is even more affordable than regular landline charges.

Get Connected

To start using Duo, get a Globe Plan then subscribe to Duo at only P399 for 30 days. This is an add-on to the postpaid plan and the subscriber gets a Duo landline number, enabling a SIM to carry both a landline and a mobile number. Enjoy unlimited calls to any landline as well as Duo-to-Duo mobile calls immediately upon activation of the service.

The service is now available to prepaid subscribers, too. New Globe prepaid subscribers can get the special Duo prepaid SIM pack at only P45. The prepaid services costs P125 for five days for just P125 and P350 for 14 days.

“We want everyone to experience the best in unlimited calling at an affordable price. So we are introducing the prepaid variant and we have initially rolled it out in Cebu and now in Metro Manila. DUO is an innovative service and a great offering that we want to make available to more customers,” said De La Cruz.

Globe recently announced that new postpaid subscribers can get a Globe Plan for as low as the GFlex 250 and subscribe to Duo at P399 for 30 days to enjoy unlimited Duo-to-landline, landline-to-Duo, and Duo-to-Duo calls. Globe now offers the lowest unlimited Globe Plan at only P649 per month, making it simple and affordable to get on Duo. The GFlex 250 is a line-only plan.

For Globe prepaid subscribers, purchase the new Duo SIM pack then register via SMS to Duo: text Duo MM 125 or Duo MM 350 and send to 8888. Upon subscription to Duo, the amount (P125 or P350) will be deducted from the prepaid load and the subscriber gets a Duo landline number. Enjoy unlimited calls to any landline as well as Duo-to-Duo mobile calls immediately upon activation of the service.

For Globe postpaid subscribers, they can instantly start using DUO by simply texting DUO <area> ON to 8888, where area is MM for NCR and CEB for Cebu subscribers. Once registered to DUO, enjoy unlimited calls to any landline as well as DUO-to-DUO mobile calls within the same area code at anytime of the day. DUO is currently being exclusively offered within Metro Manila and Cebu for free NCR to NCR and Cebu to Cebu calls.

For postpaid, new Duo activations have an initial 90-day subscription that is automatically renewed on a monthly basis unless otherwise requested by the subscriber.

Strong showing seen at CommunicAsia 2009 (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=475494&publicationSubCategoryId=66)


MANILA, Philippines - CommunicAsia2009 and BroadcastAsia2009 are expected to feature about 2,000 exhibiting companies from 65 countries and regions from across the globe, demonstrating the strong demand by companies to expand their footprint in Asia’s emerging markets and the importance of the annual exhibitions as networking and sourcing platform for the global infocomm and media industries. The shows are set to return from June 16-19,2009 at the Singapore Expo.

The infocomm industry’s strength is still evident despite the unpredictable conditions in the global economy. Infocomm sectors in many Asian countries are out-performing the rest of the global economy representing significant opportunities here.

The global gloom has accentuated the gleaming potential in Asia and increased the urgency in which international companies are moving into the continent,“said Victor Wong, project directorate show organizer Singapore Exhibition Services. “CommunicAsia and BroadcastAsia’s established reputation and repeated ability to attract trade professionals from across the Asia Pacific region makes the shows the first choice for exhibiting companies especially in the current environment of tighter budgets.” Visitors can look forward to exciting displays from market leaders like Blackberry, Google, Harris, Huawei, LG, Navteq, Samsung Yahoo! And ZTE.

As companies are turning to cutting edge technologies to meet the challenges posed by today’s tough economic climate, CommunicAsia2009 will focus on the latest Hot Technologies for applications solutions and hardware. These key technologies, which are already starting to have a huge impact on the way we live, work and play, include IPTV, Mobile Entertainment, WiMAX, Navigation & LBS, Sattelite, Femtocell, iGov, Wireless Technoligies, Green IT, and Mobile Internet.

Smart offers perfect school gear (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=475387&publicationSubCategoryId=71)

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/714/ntwrks3.jpg


MANILA, Philippines - With more and more students becoming increasingly tech-savvy, it’s time to look for the perfect gear that will help them stay productive and successful in school.

Smart Gold, the postpaid brand offered by Smart Communications Inc., offers a “SIM + laptop” postpaid plan.

Smart Gold postpaid plans of P1,800 and up come with a Smart Gold postpaid SIM, plus a free, 10-inch MSI Wind netbook, a small but full-featured laptop built primarily for computing on-the-go, in lieu of a free mobile phone.

For those who want to avail themselves of the bundle but at lower plans — such as plans 500, 800 or 1,200 — a one-time cash-out for the MSI Wind netbook will be required.

Students may also opt to avail themselves of the Smart Gold “Nokia 5000 + laptop” postpaid plan.

For plans 2,500 and up, both the Nokia 5000 and the MSI Wind laptop come free, while a one-time cash-out will be required to avail oneself of lower postpaid plans.

“With more and more students turning to gadgets for information and entertainment, these specially designed Smart Gold bundles will be the perfect campus gear for them — a laptop to keep them productive, and a Smart Gold handset to keep them connected,” said Miriam Choa, Smart Gold manager.

All Smart Gold postpaid plans come with free or subsidized handsets, free airtime, and free SMS.

Smart Gold subscribers also enjoy high-speed, mobile Internet and other state-of-the-art services offered by Smart’s nationwide 3G and HSPA coverage, and advanced mobile commerce tools, among others.

PLDT SME Nation beefs up support for business sector (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=475390&publicationSubCategoryId=71)


MANILA, Philippines - PLDT SME Nation reinforced its support for the country’s business sector through its sponsorship of a series of conferences mounted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

Serving as the sponsorship highlight was the awarding of 24 netbooks to the local chamber presidents and regional governors who have submitted the complete list of their membership database.

“Wherever there is an opportunity to help in the growth of the business sector, especially the new ones, expect PLDT SME Nation to give it a strong backing. PCCI’s database shows the potential of this sector and that is where we come in,” said PLDT SME Nation community consultancy head Gabby Cui, who was present to hand out the netbooks.

The event was held at the Heritage Hotel and coincided with the culmination of the 34th Philippine Business Conference and Expo, one of the series of conferences that PLDT SME Nation had supported.

The 24 netbooks that were given away were on top of other units that PLDT SME Nation provided to the best performing local chapters.

Three netbooks were also given to the major awardees of the Best Workplace POPDEV Programs and Policies (Local Chamber, Corporations and Corporate Foundations), five netbooks for the major awardees of the Best Local Chamber (NCR, North Luzon, South Luzon, the Visayas, Mindanao) and three netbooks for the major awardees of the Excellence in Ecology in Economy (small, medium, large).

The 34th Philippine Business Conference and Expo held at the Manila Hotel was the fourth and culminating gathering of the PCCI members that PLDT SME Nation sponsored.

PLDT SME Nation earlier had sponsored the 16th Metro Manila Area Business Conference, the 17th Visayas Area Business Conference, the 17th Mindanao Area Business Conference, and the 17th North Area Business Conference.

PLDT SME Nation was created to support the growth and development of small and medium-scale businesses in the country.

It has been creating business-enabling solutions that help ease the workflow and operations of startup and developing businesses.

The netbooks form part of the needs of startup businesses today, and PLDT SME Nation continually creates solutions for the benefit of Filipino entrepreneurs.

Smart, Digitel say cap on text to cut state revenues (http://www.yehey.com/finance/level3.aspx?id=241084)
By: Darwin G. Amojelar

Mobile-phone service providers claimed that their earnings could be cut because of the proposed cap on the price of short messaging service and this in effect would slash government revenue collections.

Roy Ibay, legal counsel of Smart Communications Inc., told the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) that the P0.50 rate per text would translate to telecom companies paying less income tax to the national government. Smart is the mobile phone service provider of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.

Edgardo Cabarios, NTC’s director for common carrier and authorization department, said the Department of Finance would study if the proposed cap of P0.50 per text would reduce the telcos’ earnings and its impact on corporate income taxes paid.

In the first four months, the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s income tax collection fell 8.13 percent to P144.61 billion from last year and was 3.5-percent short of the P149.68-billion goal.

Citing a report from the GSM Association, Ibay said a 10-percent increase in mobile phone penetration would lead to a 1.2-percent hike in the annual rate in the country’s gross domestic product.

Ibay said the government should not send the wrong signal that would turn away prospective investors, especially now that the global economy is in turmoil and the need to attract more investments in the country is much needed for economic survival.

In the first quarter of the year, the telecom industry grew to 6.4 percent from 4.4 percent last year due to weak consumer spending. In the same period, the economy expanded barely to 0.4 percent year-on-year.

William Pamintuan, senior vice president for legal services of Digital Telecommunications Phils. Inc., said imposing another broad spectrum fee will not only be detrimental to the industry but will also be oppressive to the millions of mobile phone consumers who will ultimately bear the brunt of this additional imposition

Manila Times

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Digitel claims rival engaged
in ‘unfair trade practice’


DIGITAL Telecommunications Phils. Inc. wants the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to probe the operation of a rival telco for allegedly offering 2G (second-generation) service without a permit.

In a filing with the NTC, the Gokongwei-led telco asked the regulator to investigate Red Mobile to determine if the company is allowed to offer 2G services.

William Pamintuan, Digitel senior vice president for legal services, said Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprises’ (CURE) permit to operate is only for 3G (third-generation) services.

“Are they authorized or not. It’s up to the NTC to decide,” Pamintuan said.

Three years ago, CURE, the operator of Red Mobile, obtained a license to operate 3G technology along with Smart Communications Inc., Globe Telecom and Digitel.

CURE is a unit of Smart, which is a subsidiary of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. Digitel, on the other hand, operates Sun Cellular.

Sought for comment, Wo Rosete, Smart’s head of corporate communications, said, “Will have to defer comment at this time. According to our lawyers, we have yet to receive a copy of Digitel’s complaint against Red Mobile.”

Pamintuan is also asking the NTC to issue a cease and desist order against Red Mobile for “unfair trade practice.”

Digitel’s complaint came on the heels of Red Mobile’s published advertisement claiming it has 8,477 cell sites, or more than the former’s 3,230.

Pamintuan said that under Republic Act 7925, or the Philippine Telecommunications Act, the NTC is mandated to protect the local telecom industry from unfair trade practices imposed upon it by other carriers.

James Go, Digitel president had said that Red Mobile’s advertisement was “totally fraudulent.”

“They understated our network by 1,400 cell sites. I think it’s [a] very unfair way of doing things. They are trying to mislead the consumers,” he added.

Go said Red Mobile does not have its own network since Smart bought the company last year.
-- Darwin G. Amojelar

Ang me ari kasi ang monopolistic-minded foreign-owned PLDT.:cheers:

Ang me ari kasi ang monopolistic-minded foreign-owned PLDT.:cheers:

I guess we need tougher laws to deal with monopolies and cartels.

I guess we need tougher laws to deal with monopolies and cartels.

^^ The Senate recently passed an Anti-trust law so hopefully that will address concerns on monopolies, cartels and combinations in restraint of trade.

I guess we need tougher laws to deal with monopolies and cartels.

Agree.

Fortunately, I think the Senate has already pass an anti-trust bill. So its the turn of of the house to have its own version.

The sooner we have an anti-trust law, the better because I want the asses of PLDT, Meralco and the old companies to be whipped hard!!!:bash::bash:

Battle for WiMAX market heats up in RP (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090612-210135/Battle-for-WiMAX-market-heats-up-in-RP)
By Alexander Villafania

Race is on for rivals Smart and Globe

MANILA, Philippines--After holding out for some time, Smart Communications is looking to implement its own Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) service, a key executive of the wireless communications firm said.

This development indicates a fiercer rivalry in the fastest growing business of providing wireless Internet in the country.

“We’re going to WiMAX definitely this year,” Smart Communications Chief Wireless Adviser Orlando Vea said during a press conference.

Vea did not reveal other details about the company’s plans to deploy WiMAX. But he said the decision would be based on the potential volume of users.

He stressed the telecommunications giant would still be focused on its more widespread cellular broadband technology,dubbed HSPA (high speed packet access), which also provides wireless broadband services.

Vea said HSPA is a more mature technology than WiMAX largely due to the presence of Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM)-based infrastructure in the Philippines.

He also said that that the company would still decide on the locations of its own WiMAX deployment.

Globe, on the other hand, has announced as early as March 2009 the deployment of its own WiMAX services in the country.

Globe said it targets to offer the broadband wireless Internet service in South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

WiMAX uses the 802.16 standard developed by the WiMAX Forum. It provides a maximum bandwidth speed of up to 70 megabits per second, which is apt for data hungry applications like streaming video.

But Globe has said that subscribers would initially get 512 kilobits per second of bandwidth.

Meanwhile, Smart said it is now focused on deploying its HSPA 850 infrastructure in the country.

Smart Communications Network Services Division Mar Tamayo said that the company now has 2,000 cellular base stations upgraded to HSPA 850, with another 1,000 to be upgraded by the end of the year.

Tamayo said current bandwidth allocation per user is up to 5.8 Mbps.

There are also 1 million mobile broadband subscribers, which the company aims to double by the end of the year.

Smart has about 8,500 base stations in the Philippines.

“We could have blanket coverage of HSPA 850 in three to four years,” Vea said.

The company recently finished deployment of an HSPA 850 network using Ericsson equipment in Metro Manila. It also has deployments in Cebu and Davao.

HSPA is considered a third-generation wireless network infrastructure from GSM. It provides much faster bandwidth on a wireless environment for data-intensive services, such as Internet.

HSPA provides ideal downlink of up to 7.2 megabits per second while its uplink is at 2 Mbps.

WiMAX, on the other hand, uses radio frequencies and is more similar to WiFi.

A preview of Abot Tanaw as a social media network (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=477032&publicationSubCategoryId=73)

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/9058/telecoms2.jpg
There must be better ways for overseas Filipino workers and
their families to communicate. Hearing the voice is good but
nothing beats looking at a face while talking. The Internet is
too complicated for many of our OFWs and it is too public.

The Philippines had an estimated eight million overseas workers deployed all over the world as of 2007, making it one of the biggest labor service providers in the world. In fact, the Philippines is the third largest provider of global labor, next only to China and India.

Filipinos are by nature closely bonded to family and loved ones — so imagine the millions of OFWs spending their hard-earned money to communicate with their loved ones in the Philippines on a regular basis. While high-tech communications are readily available — by cellular phone, landline and e-mail — the high cost of keeping connected makes even dollar-earners feel the pinch.

This situation had Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman Efraim Genuino thinking about how families of OFWs coped. Then one fateful day, at a meeting with businessman Kim Go, he voiced his very concern.

Go recalled Genuino, who is now Abot Tanaw’s senior adviser, telling him: “There must be better ways for overseas Filipino workers and their families to communicate. Hearing the voice is good but nothing beats looking at a face while talking. The Internet is too complicated for many of our OFWs and it is too public.”

Upon hearing this and realizing the feasibility of such a proposition, Go decided to establish Abot Tanaw.

Abot Tanaw is a social media network that gives OFWs relief from the high-cost of keeping in touch with their families — in fact, the service is available for free.

“Abot Tanaw makes accessible to OFWs and their families the means to communicate without charging them. Using newly developed technology that involves voice and video telephony services, Abot Tanaw is able to lessen the proverbial toll that separation takes on Filipino families,” said Go, chief executive officer of Abot Tanaw.

Abot Tanaw’s vast infrastructure and patented technologies allow it to deliver quality communication services worldwide.

The vision of Abot Tanaw takes full advantage of Web-based technologies to provide valuable free communication access to families. This is a boon to families of OFWs that cannot afford mobile and Internet subscriptions and investments in hardware such as computers, mobile and PC phones.

In order to provide its services, Abot Tanaw is setting up service hubs, or its technical communication centers, at SM Malls. These service hubs contain call stations or call centers that deliver voice, video and telephony services to families of OFWs.

“There will be booths in SM Malls where, for the first few months, videoconferencing will be offered for free to OFWs,” Go said.

Sustaining the services

Given this set-up, one wonders how the business would be able to sustain itself. This is where innovation comes in.

While Abot Tanaw offers its services for free to end-users (the callers, in this case, the OFWs and their families), it taps potential sponsors to be able to sustain itself.

Access to Abot Tanaw services requires membership registration, giving it the capability to gather valuable information, set up a database of its users and their profiles, and build a captive market network.

In exchange, Abot Tanaw has designed an infrastructure through which its sponsors and advertisers would be able to communicate messages to their target markets.

For example, the vicinity of Abot Tanaw service hubs may be equipped with media for use by advertisers and sponsors. Note that these hubs are potentially high-traffic spots, given the types of services provided.

With more creativity, Abot Tanaw service hubs provide potentially new and powerful ways for sponsors to reach their audiences and target markets. As the service hubs gain more users among OFWs, their families and friends, its captive market potentials become even more attractive.

And Abot Tanaw’s captive market cannot be ignored. Just think: the combined remittances of OFWs to their families and beneficiaries reached $15.7 to $16.5 billion by end of 2008. This represents almost half of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ annual foreign exchange reserve.

Innovative in concept but thoroughly in touch with the current situation of OFWs, the vision of Genuino and Abot Tanaw of closing the gap that divides hundreds of thousands of families will soon be a reality.

BT wants to charge video hosts for IP traffic
http://www.telecomasia.net/article.php?type=article&id_article=13825

June 12, 2009
By Dylan Bushell-Embling
telecomasia.net

BT wants to start charging online video services for delivering their content to consumers.

BT Retail managing director John Petter told the Financial Times these sites have had a “completely free ride” on BT's network for too long.

BT last week began throttling the speeds of services such as YouTube and the BBC iPlayer to 784Kbps between 5pm and midnight, down from non-peak time speeds of 8Mbps. But Petter insisted these speeds were sufficient for video streaming.

“We can't give the content providers a completely free ride and continue to give customers the [service] they want at the price they expect,” he said.

Petter wouldn't say “how many millions” video services were costing BT, but said it was a significant sum.

“Despite its popularity, the BBC iPlayer is just one of many services on the open internet and only makes up a small percentage of total internet traffic in the UK,” BT said in a statement.

Smart brings G2 Android phone to RP
By David Dizon/ abs-cbnNEWS.com | 06/11/2009 8:42 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WazqE9gZf28

Smartphone lovers, take note. Smart Communications, the country's leading wireless service provider, and Taiwanese firm HTC are bringing the first Android-powered smartphone to the Philippines.

In an exclusive interview, HTC Philippines country manager Mark Sergio said Smart Communications will start shipping units of the Android-powered HTC Magic to the local market by the end of the month. Dubbed G2 or the Google Ion, the HTC Magic will be offered in two variants - black and white - and will be locked to the Smart network for two years. Actual price of the HTC Magic for Philippine subscribers has yet to be announced.

"We've received a lot of interest for this phone. I believe consumers are willing to pay a premium for this phone because using it is highly addictive. Mobile surfing is so much easier and it is backed up by Smart's HSPA network, which is the widest in the country," Sergio told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

The HTC Magic runs the Android Operating System and comes pre-installed with a WebKit based browser. Standard Google applications are included in the phone such as Gmail, Google Maps, Google Talk and YouTube.

It features a 3.2-inch half-size video graphics array touch screen display with 320 x 480 pixel resolution, a trackball for navigation, a 3.2 mega-pixel camera and global positioning system. Other HTC goodies are the Smart Dialer and a versatile on-screen keyboard. Smart Dialer lets you call people in whatever way you think, by either dialing their phone number or by dialing the first few letters of their name. The versatile keyboard lets you choose your favorite way to type and the predictive text completion helps you write faster than you can finish your thoughts.

Other HTC handsets available in the Philippine market are the Touch Pro, Touch Pro 2, Touch Diamond, Touch Diamond 2 and the Touch Viva.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/technology/06/11/09/smart-brings-g2-android-phone-rp

Ericsson to supply WCDMA/HSPA network to Smart (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=477689&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
Updated June 15, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - Ericsson has been selected by Smart Communications, Inc. the Philippines’ largest GSM operator, to provide a WCDMA/HSPA network, enabling high-speed data mobile broadband across the country.

Under the agreement, Ericsson will be Smart’s main supplier of the 2G/3G common core packet data network and will also be one of the main suppliers of the radio access network in the Philippines. The network will have the latest HSPA functionality to enable Smart to offer the highest possible 3G (WCDMA/HSPA) speeds available in the world today. Ericsson will also provide services, network design, network deployment, training and system integration to Smart.

Orlando Vea, chief wireless advisor of Smart, says: “We are launching a much more powerful and more versatile network that will put the power of the Internet in the pocket of Filipinos wherever they go. This partnership with Ericsson will enable us to offer our customers exciting possibilities that will enrich their lives and enhance their communications and mobile lifestyle experience.”

Ericsson Philippines president and country manager Rajendra Pangrekar says this contract is “a remarkable milestone for Ericsson as it will enable us to launch a commercial HSPA project in the Philippines with one of the largest mobile operators in the region.”

Magnus Gall, Ericsson vice-president Ericsson Philippines, further states that “We are pleased to expand our partnership with SMART, This contract reinforces Ericsson’s technology leadership and will provide SMART with DSL-like data speeds.”

Globe, Intel roll out first commercial WiMAX service (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=477640&publicationSubCategoryId=71)
By Eden Estopace

http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/2944/ntwrks2.jpg
Making WiMAX technology happen:
(From left) Commission on Information
and Communications Technology Commissioner
Mon Ibrahim; Menchi Orlina, head of Globe’s
Consumer Broadband Business Group; and
Navin Shenoy, Intel Corp. VP for sales and
marketing and Asia-Pacific general manager.


MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom and Intel officially rolled out last Thursday the first commercial WiMAX service in the Philippines, strongly focusing on underserved areas where Internet access was previously difficult to provide.

WiMAX or Worldwide Interopera-bility for Microwave Access is said to enable the deployment of high-speed wireless broadband access and is a cost-efficient alternative to existing Internet services, as it can cover distances greater than those covered by Wi-Fi, CDMA or 3G.

Although the WiMAX spectrum has been available nationwide since the second half of 2008 on the 2.5Ghz band, the Globe-Intel rollout is the first commercial deployment of the service. Globe says its network is the first and biggest 2.5Ghz WiMAX (802.16e) broadband network in Southeast Asia.

The Globe WiMAX service is said to be 33 percent faster and 25 percent cheaper than existing broadband plans, which starts at P795 per month for a broadband connection with speed up to 512Kbps. If bundled with a landline, the same package can be had for only P995. For a connection speed of 1Mbps or more, the package is priced only at P1,295.

Globe likewise rolled out affordable PC and laptop bundles with the WiMAX service subscription that come with an aggressive 30-day money-back guarantee if the customer is not happy with the service.

“We challenge anyone with a competitive wireless subscription to try out our WiMAX-backed plans,” says Menchi Orlina, head of Globe’s consumer marketing group. “Should you be unhappy with the connection within one month from installation, we’ll give you your money back, no questions asked.”

The service is immediately available in select areas in Metro Manila; Cavite, Batangas, Laguna and Quezon in southern Luzon; Cebu, Bacolod, Dumaguete and Silay City in the Visayas; and Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao.

By the end of the year, Globe says it will be available in more areas such as Rizal, Benguet, Nueva Ecija, and Bataan in Luzon; and Bohol, Iloilo, Leyte, Guimaras, Capiz, and Negros in the Visayas.

To make the WiMAX service more affordable to the public, Globe also launched special plans that bundle a PC or laptop with the broadband subscription, in partnership with Intel and Radiowealth Finance Corp.

There are three available bundles — the student plan, which bundles the broadband subscription with a NetTop PC for a minimum downpayment of P999 and a monthly fee of P1,472 for one year; the basic plan, which bundles broadband with a Neo Vivid V1100, also for a downpayment of P999 and P1,751 monthly fee; and the techie plan, which throws in a Neo B2143N with the broadband subscription for a slightly higher downpayment of P1,499 and a P2,029 monthly fee.

The Internet is growing, says Navin Shenoy, vice president of the sales and marketing group and general manager for the Asia-Pacific region of Intel Corp., and mobile data are doubling every year but broadband has been unevenly distributed. WiMAX, as a 4G solution, can meet the demand for high-speed wireless Internet.

Telecoms firm to use fuel cells (http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20090619-211331/Telecoms-firm-to-use-fuel-cells)


MANILA, Philippines – After harnessing wind and solar energy to power cell sites, Smart Communications Inc. is preparing to use fuel cell technology as part of its “Alternative Power for Cell Sites” program.

Smart and a global fuel cell solutions provider have successfully tested fuel cell technology in its cell sites outside Manila.

Initially, Smart plans to use the earth-friendly technology instead of diesel generator sets as backup power supply in six cell sites. It will be the first telco in the Philippines to do so, with the end in view of reducing not only carbon emission and noise pollution but also huge maintenance costs.

Fuel cells convert chemical energy into electricity to generate power. Hydrogen, natural gas or liquid methanol may be used for fuel cell solutions to work.

“Using alternative power sources like fuel cells allows Smart to conduct its business with minimal impact on our environment, especially since we have the most number of cell sites spread throughout the country,” Mario G. Tamayo, head of Smart’s Network and Platforms Services Division, said in a statement.

Smart opens online store at shop.smart.com.ph (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=479166&publicationSubCategoryId=73)


MANILA, Philippines – A more secure and convenient way to purchase mobile handsets and other broadband gadgets and devices is now available to consumers.

The Smart Shop — https://shop.smart.com.ph — the virtual store of leading wireless services provider Smart Communications Inc., is now online and ready to serve customers 24/7.

The Smart Shop initially offers Smart Buddy prepaid phone kits, Smart Bro Prepaid broadband kits, and Plug ’N Talk USB-type communication device.

As a special opening promo, the virtual store will offer free delivery for all orders within Metro Manila until July 25, and a P200 discount on some of the Smart Buddy prepaid phone kits available online.

“We are happy to make available to our customers an online store, which is a more secure and convenient channel through which they can buy and enjoy the services offered by Smart,” said Joe Bondoc, head of Smart’s adaptive credit practice and payment systems department.

Credit cardholders will be able to securely transact through the Smart Shop, and purchase is capped at up to two items per day.

All items bought from the Smart Shop are also guaranteed to be delivered anywhere within Metro Manila within one to two days upon approval of the purchase.

The Smart Shop also offers Filipinos abroad the convenience of sending Smart products to their loved ones in the Philippines by simply shopping from the online store, and choosing to send it direct to the recipient’s home.

Smart Shop deliveries are initially limited to Metro Manila, and purchases for delivery outside Metro Manila will not yet be accepted.

“The Smart Shop is just one of many Smart services that seek to improve the quality of life of our subscribers, wherever they are in the world. We are excited to expand it very soon to offer more of Smart’s cutting-edge services,” said Kathy Carag, head of Smart’s international services department.

Sun offers prepaid roaming (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=479165&publicationSubCategoryId=73)


MANILA, Philippines – Sun Cellular has introduced its newest service, Sun Prepaid Roaming, which provides prepaid subscribers who travel abroad with a convenient yet affordable way to keep in touch with their family and friends.

This service is especially beneficial to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) wanting to remain in constant contact with their loved ones.

Sun’s Prepaid Roaming Service can be activated in any Sun Prepaid SIM — Sun Super Value SIM, Super Combo SIM, Sun Call & Text International SIM or Super Budget SIM.

Subscribers traveling to countries like China, Macau and Singapore can avail themselves of the prepaid roaming service without having to change their current Sun prepaid SIM.

Activation of the service is easy. Just text “ROAM ON” to 222 (free of charge), and the roaming service is immediately activated. With the roaming service, one can make and receive calls and text messages.

But what makes Sun Cellular’s service unique is that family and friends in the Philippines can send unlimited text messages to the Sun subscriber abroad. All they have to do is load any of Sun Cellular’s unlimited texting products, then they can send text all they want, just like local text.

Furthermore, Sun Cellular’s prepaid roaming service does not require a maintaining balance in order to receive text messages.

Sun Prepaid Roaming SIM is initially available in China, Macau and Singapore. But for Sun postpaid subscribers, international roaming service is already available in 100 countries with over 200 roaming partners.

For more information, call the Sun hotline 395-8000 using a landline, or 200 from a mobile phone, or log on to www.suncellular.com.ph.

Smart opts for HSPA over WiMax – for now (http://mb.com.ph/articles/207633/smart-opts-hspa-over-wimax-now)
By MELVIN G. CALIMAG

The seething rivalry between Smart Communications and Globe Telecom took another interesting twist on June 11 when the mobile operators held simultaneous press events to launch two pioneering technologies – Smart for HSPA and Globe for WiMax.

HSPA, short for high-speed packet access, is the latest reincarnation of GSM technology that claims to offer mobile Internet connection of up to 5.8 Mbps per user. WiMax, on the other hand, is a form of wireless broadband technology that provides a bigger geographical coverage than Wi-Fi.

In a press conference arranged by equipment supplier Ericsson Philippines, Smart said it upgraded its network infrastructure with an HSPA system to boost its 3G mobile connection, as well as to enhance the speed of its other broadband offerings such as Smart Bro fixed and mobile broadband, which pick up their signals from the company’s cellular base stations.

Smart’s HSPA deployment is one of the first in the world, Ericsson and Smart officials said. It is also the first mobile broadband service in Southeast Asia to make use of the powerful 850 Megahertz frequency, they added.

Orlando “Doy” Vea, chief wireless advisor of Smart, said the company opted for HSPA over WiMax because that is “where the critical mass is” right now.

The official said it makes good business sense to upgrade its GSM infrastructure because of “economies of scale,” as he pointed out that giving high-speed broadband access to mobile phone users offer greater potential – as of now – than to laptop users.

Ericsson Philippines vice president Magnus Gall presented a chart during the briefing which showed that HSPA still has a huge lead in terms of user base and revenue potential.

Compared to WiMax, Gall also pointed out HSPA is a more versatile network and can be easily deployed since it is an evolution of the GSM technology. He also noted that HSPA-equipped laptops are also starting to emerge.

The Swedish network vendor did not disclose the amount paid by Smart for the installation of the HSPA system in Metro Manila. The PLDT-owned cellular carrier said it also has other HSPA suppliers in different parts of the country.

Although Smart said it is hoping that the HSPA would bring mobile Internet to the mainstream, it is not closing its doors on WiMax. In fact, the company said it may roll-out its own WiMax service in the last quarter of the year.

Mar Tamayo, head of network services division of Smart, admitted that “WiMax is actually a good fixed wireless technology.”

This is why, he said, Smart has also sought the permission of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to deploy WiMax in the country. However, the agency has not granted yet the frequency needed for the roll-out.

Smart offers to buy out Piltel minority owners (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=479776&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Communications has offered to acquire from the minority shareholders of subsidiary Pilipino Telephone Corp. (Piltel) the shares held by them at a premium, in a bid to consolidate Smart’s ownership in Piltel.

At present, Smart owns 92.8 percent of the total outstanding common shares of Piltel.

Last Friday, Piltel announced that at a meeting held earlier that day, its board of directors was informed of Smart’s intention to make a tender offer to Piltel’s minority shareholders.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) chairman Manuel Pangilinan, who chairs both Smart and Piltel, said that if Smart succeeds in acquiring a significant portion of Piltel stake held by minority shareholders, then Piltel might by delisted from the local stock exchange.

Subject to shareholder approval at the annual general meeting scheduled for June 30, Piltel has said it will sell and transfer its cellular assets, subscriber base and Talk ‘N Text trademark to Smart.

Piltel is selling its GSM cellular mobile fixed assets to parent Smart at net book value. It will also license the use by Smart of the former’s Talk ‘N Text brand for which Smart will pay Piltel a lump sum royalty fee based on a percentage of projected net service revenues. Piltel will also transfer its existing Talk ‘N Text subscriber base to Smart in consideration of a one-time payment equivalent to the subscriber acquisition cost which Smart would have incurred for the acquisition of its own subscribers.

The tender offer and the transfer of Piltel’s assets to Smart, once completed and implemented, will transform Piltel into a holding company with its 20 percent holdings in Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) as its major asset.

Piltel is acquiring a 20-percent stake in Meralco from the Lopez-owned First Philippine Holdings for P20 billion.

Pangilinan has said that most of the P20 billion will be from internally generated funds while some will be sourced from loans. “The funding is already in place. We hope to close the deal soon,” he emphasized.

Smart’s tender offer is intended to provide an exit opportunity for Piltel’s minority shareholders, given the change in Piltel’s business direction, Pangilinan explained.

The country’s biggest mobile phone service provider is offering a tender offer price of P8.50 per common share to acquire the 839,979,054 shares held by Piltel’s minority shareholders.

The offer price is at a 15 percent premium over the P7.40 share price when the proposed transactions were first announced, 13 percent premium over volume-weighted average share price from Jan. 2 to June 18 of P7.51, 11-percent premium over average share price for 2009 of P7.69, five percent premium over Piltel’s closing share price on June 19 of P8.10, and 20 percent premium to the average share buyback price of P7.09.

An independent committee from the Piltel board had been conducting a review of Smart’s anticipated tender offer, in consultation with CLSA Exchange Capital, the independent financial advisor appointed by the committee for this purpose, to ensure that the terms of the tender offer are fair and reasonable from the perspective of Piltel’s minority shareholders, company officials said.

The committee and CLSA are expected to complete their review by June 25.

The tender offer period will begin on July 1, 2009 at 9:30 am and end on July 29, 2009 at 12 noon. The tender offer is for cash and Smart said it will accept any and all shares tendered, subject to fulfillment of requirements. The tender is not conditional on any minimum number of shares being tendered, it added.

ATR KimEng Securities has been appointed the tender offer agent.

PLDT officials have earlier explained that these arrangements, once completed and implemented, will serve to consolidate the PLDT Group’s cellular business under Smart, thereby maximizing revenues streams and eliminating any lingering regulatory issues relating to the traffic between the two companies.

Globe launches new SIM for Pinoy seafarers (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=479789&publicationSubCategoryId=66)


MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom has launched a new SIM card offering the most affordable rates to the Filipino seafarer and his family.

The Globe-Seanet SIM, a partnership with Seanet Maritime Communications AB, an innovative maritime network operator in Sweden, offers the cheapest all-day rate for GSM voice and SMS roaming services, making it competitive with prevailing maritime calling services.

The service allows Filipino and non-Filipino seafaring crew members and even tourist cruise pasengers to call and text their loved ones in the Philippines at very affordable rates.

The SIM works on Seanet’s on-board technology which allows the seafarer to use his cellphone to call or text while at sea with no special handset required like a satellite phone. It will also make it easier for seafarers to buy load as they can also purchase prepaid cellphone load inside the ship.

According to Seanet chief executive officer Klas Lundgren, the Globe-Seanet SIM service provides significant contribution to crew welfare as they are given a cost-efficient means to communicate while on board.

“Personal communication using a personal device, rather than a shared phone on the bridge has significant integrity advantages,” Lundgren said.

“It is essential for the Filipino crew to be able to communicate easily while at sea. That is why Globe continuously comes up with various products and services that will ensure every overseas Filipino, including seafarers, will remain connected to their families especially those who are on Globe or TM network at very inexpensive rates,” Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu added.

For more information on Globe’s services for Filipinos worldwide, log-on to www.globekababayan.com.ph.

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See you guys there

Smart seeks faster broadband service (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090622-211881/Smart-seeks-faster-broadband-service)
By Doris Dumlao

SMART COMMUNICATIONS Inc. has tapped a global telecommunications supplier to provide a wireless network that will allow the mobile phone giant to offer faster data broadband service.

Under a new agreement, Ericsson will be Smart’s main supplier of second and third-generation (2G/3G) common core packet data network and will also be one of the main suppliers of the radio access network in the Philippines.

The network will employ the latest HSPA technology to enable Smart to offer the highest possible 3G (WCDMA/ HSPA) speeds available in the world today. Ericsson will also provide services, network design, network deployment, training and system integration to Smart.

HSPA (high speed packet access) refers to 3G networks that support high-speed data downloading and uploading speeds, while WCDMA (wideband code division multiple access) is the radio access scheme used for 3G cellular systems that support wideband services like high-speed Internet access, video and image transmission.

“We are pleased to expand our partnership with Smart,” Magnus Gall, Ericsson Philippines vice president, said in a statement. “This contract reinforces Ericsson’s technology leadership and will provide Smart with DSL-like data speeds.”

DSL (digital subscriber line) is also a high-speed Internet service that operates over standard copper telephone lines like dial-up service, but is many times faster than dial-up.

“We are launching a much more powerful and more versatile network that will put the power of the Internet in the pocket of Filipinos wherever they go,” said Orlando Vea, chief wireless advisor of Smart.

Ericsson Philippines president and country manager Rajendra Pangrekar said the contract was “a remarkable milestone” for Ericsson as it would enable the firm to launch “a commercial HSPA project in the Philippines with one of the largest mobile operators in the region.”

Manila Times

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Extelcom to accelerate
mobile network expansion


EXPRESS Telecommunications Co. Inc. (Extelcom) will step up its cellular mobile telephone system (CMTS) network upgrade after it obtained an approval from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for an additional frequency.

In a letter to the NTC dated June 5, Ermar Benitez, Extelcom legal counsel informed the regulator that the company would upgrade its network and equipment, enabling it to use its 835 to 845 megahertz (Mhz), 880 to 890 MHz and 925 to 935 MHz frequency assignments for the provisioning of 3G (third generation) services.

“The company is currently in the process of rolling out its EGSM [extended global system for mobile communications] network,” Benitez said.

Luisito Sapiera, Extelcom officer in charge, earlier said the company is allotting $1.3 billion in capital expenditures for 10 years to build 5,365 CMTS base stations nationwide.

Sapiera said this would be funded through a combination of debt and equity, adding that San Miguel Corp. (SMC) may finance Extelcom’s capex if it “joins the company.”

Southeast Asia’s largest food and beverage conglomerate is venturing into telecoms, having acquired a controlling stake in listed Liberty Telecommunications Holdings Inc. Benitez said Extelcom’s 835 to 845/890 to 890 MHz frequencies had previously been identified in Memorandum Circular No. 07-08-2005 as suitable frequencies for 3G.

He said the company has committed to payment of the 3G spectrum user fee to forestall any concerns regarding the loss of revenues from the use of such frequencies.

“The payment of 3G fees for the 835-845/880-890 MHz frequencies was subsequently imposed as among the conditions in this Honorable Commission’s approval of Extelcom’s request on [additional frequency],” he added.

The NTC earlier approved Extelcom’s frequency under the 925 to 935 MHz band to pair with its existing 880- to 890-frequency band so that it can offer CMTS. This will allow Extelcom to optimize voice call services and short messaging service (SMS), or text messaging.

The firm already has a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), and has been assigned the frequencies under 835 to 845 MHz, 880 to 890 MHz, 1720 to 1725 MHz and 1815 to 1820 MHz bands.

“Extelcom strongly believes, and can show, that its current proposals will allow it to make the best use of the relevant frequencies at this time, and can even bring the company out of rehabilitation wi*thin a shorter period than contemplated,” Sapiera said.
-- Darwin G. Amojelar

Smart Communications unveils 'unlimited call' service
(Business Mirror, 6/23/2009, Lenie Lectura) The country’s largest cellular firm is set to unveil today its newest promo offering. “Get the real deal about unlimited. Join us on Smarttalk,” read the cellular firm’s invite.


Smart Communications Inc. continues to find ways to make mobile phone call rates more affordable as it launches today its newest unlimited calling service for all of its 38 million subscribers.

The country’s largest cellular firm is set to unveil today its newest promo offering. “Get the real deal about unlimited. Join us on Smarttalk,” read the cellular firm’s invite.

Sources yesterday said Smart will charge P500 for a month of unlimited calling service within the network. The promo will be open to Smart and Piltel’s ‘Talk ‘N Txt’ (TNT) subscribers whether their subscription is on postpaid or prepaid account.

“This is the real unlimited offering because it lasts for a month. No other cellular operator is doing this,” said a source.

The new service will initially be offered on a promotional basis. Normally, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) approves a promo offering for a trial period of 30 days. Should the network operator seek to extend the implementation, an application for an extension should be filed before the agency.

Smart currently offers Call All Night promo for P15, a service open from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. “Smart is making sure that the varying needs of the consumers are provided for. We are giving them so many reasons to ramp up their usage and encourage non-Smart subscribers to switch to us,” said another source.

The cellular firm also offers various SMS (short messaging service) promos. Basic SMS continues to drive the company’s data services, which comprise about 55 percent of the total cellular service revenues which grew by 8 percent to P93.6 billion in 2008.

Smart and TNT subscriber base exceed 35 million at the end of 2008. The total net adds for the year reached 5.2 million, higher than the PLDT group’s guidance of four to five million. Of the total net adds, 4.6 million were TNT subscribers. This brought the total TNT subscriber base to 14.3 million, making it the No. 2 brand in the country behind Smart with 20.9 million subscribers.

“Our subscriber base continues to reach new heights, having hit 38 million subscribers in May,” said PLDT and Smart president Napoleon Nazareno.

SMART Communications Inc. continues to find ways to make mobile phone call rates more affordable as it launches today its newest unlimited calling service for all of its 38 million subscribers.

The country’s largest cellular firm is set to unveil today its newest promo offering. “Get the real deal about unlimited. Join us on Smarttalk,” read the cellular firm’s invite.

Sources yesterday said Smart will charge P500 for a month of unlimited calling service within the network. The promo will be open to Smart and Piltel’s ‘Talk ‘N Txt’ (TNT) subscribers whether their subscription is on postpaid or prepaid account.

“This is the real unlimited offering because it lasts for a month. No other cellular operator is doing this,” said a source.

The new service will initially be offered on a promotional basis. Normally, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) approves a promo offering for a trial period of 30 days. Should the network operator seek to extend the implementation, an application for an extension should be filed before the agency.

Smart currently offers Call All Night promo for P15, a service open from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. “Smart is making sure that the varying needs of the consumers are provided for. We are giving them so many reasons to ramp up their usage and encourage non-Smart subscribers to switch to us,” said another source.

The cellular firm also offers various SMS (short messaging service) promos. Basic SMS continues to drive the company’s data services, which comprise about 55 percent of the total cellular service revenues which grew by 8 percent to P93.6 billion in 2008.

Smart and TNT subscriber base exceed 35 million at the end of 2008. The total net adds for the year reached 5.2 million, higher than the PLDT group’s guidance of four to five million. Of the total net adds, 4.6 million were TNT subscribers. This brought the total TNT subscriber base to 14.3 million, making it the No. 2 brand in the country behind Smart with 20.9 million subscribers.

“Our subscriber base continues to reach new heights, having hit 38 million subscribers in May,” said PLDT and Smart president Napoleon Nazareno.

Americans Favor Internet Over Cell Phone and Cable TV

Americans value broadband more than ever with home broadband adoption rates up 15 percent in 2009 and consumers favoring Internet over cell phone and cable TV, according to new research from the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

"We found that broadband is now in the 'must keep' category for Americans, even when economic times are tough," said Horrigan, principal author of the report. "Many consumers view their home broadband connection as a conduit for connecting to community and economic opportunities."

The new research shows 63 percent of adult Americans surveyed now have broadband Internet connections at home. The growth in broadband adoption indicates that the economic recession has had little effect on decisions about whether to buy or keep a home high-speed Internet connection. The survey found that people are twice as likely to say they have cut back or cancelled a cell phone plan or cable TV service than internet service.

* 9% of Internet users say that in the past 12 months they have cancelled or cut back online service.
* 22% of adults say they have cancelled or cut back cable TV service in the past 12 months.
* 22% of cell phone users report that in the past 12 months they have cancelled or cut back cell phone service.

Broadband users were also asked, for the first time in a Pew survey, how they view the importance of broadband to civic and community life. Some 55 percent of home broadband users said broadband was very important to at least one dimension of their lives and community, such as communicating with health care providers, government officials, sharing information about the community, or contributing to economic growth.

"The broadband stimulus package is intended to achieve targeted job creation," said Larry Irving, co-chairman of the IIA. "However, we need to look beyond the temporary effects of the stimulus and make sure that we are investing in projects that create sustainable infrastructure. Especially when invested in emerging technologies like smart grids and e-Health, stimulus dollars have an opportunity to make a significant, and more importantly a lasting, economic impact."

Posted to the site on 17th June 2009

Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/38055.php

NTC plans new rules for cheaper, better cellphone services (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=481937&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes Updated June 29, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - Amidst calls from the Senate for an improvement in the current mobile phone service regime, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) plans to issue at least five new circulars hopefully by next week aimed at reducing the cost of and improving the quality of cellular phone services in the country.

NTC commissioner Ruel Canobas disclosed over the weekend that a consultation will be conducted among the various telecommunications companies and other stakeholders today on the new rules. “We hope to be able to submit these new circulars to the Senate at the next hearing so that we could let the senators know what we are doing. We will just be furnishing the Senate copies. We are not seeking their approval on these circulars,” he said.

NTC officials have been the subject of intense grilling from the Senators over the past few days, triggered by a complaint from Senator Juan Ponce Enrile that his cellphone load has mysteriously disappeared. His service provider, Globe Telecom, however produced a record of his recent transactions which showed that he downloaded content that caused a reduction in his load balance.

The first NTC circular will impose a cap on the voice and text messaging interconnection rates being charged by telcos on one another, the benefits of which, NTC officials hope, will be passed on to consumers in terms of lower mobile call and text rates.

As planned, from the current P4 interconnection rate per call, this will have to be reduced to P2.50, then to P2 and P1. The reductions are made at intervals of every two years. Meanwhile, from the 35 centavo per text interconnection rate, this will have to go down to 25 centavos, 20 and 15 also in two-year intervals.

“But since what we will be imposing are ceilings, the telcos can always agree on lower rates,” Canobas said.  Interconnection charges are imposed by telcos only on calls or text messages that land on their network from other telcos. On-net calls and texts or those made by subscribers belonging to the same telco network have no interconnection charges ( i.e. a call from one Globe user to another).

The second NTC circular calls for a change in the current method of billing mobile calls, from the present per minute charge to per six-second and three-second charging. At present, calls are charged the full rate although the call is for just a few seconds. Globe and Smart Communications however offer on a promotional basis per second charging (10 centavos per second) but only for on-net calls.

NTC issued a circular many years back that called for a per six second charging of mobile voice calls but the commission received a permanent injunction from the courts. “We will not reissue that portion of the circular on the six second pulse rate because we might be the subject of contempt proceedings by the court. The scheme will be different this time and we do not expect much opposition from the telcos,” an NTC official said.

The plan is for the first six seconds to be charged a certain rate, after which the duration will be cut to three seconds for the succeeding time consumed per call.

The third NTC memorandum circular, meanwhile, aims to protect mobile subscribers from spam messaging, specifically those sent by content providers who advertise their products and services via text message.

Canobas said that under an existing MC, content providers are only allowed to send to a subscriber one free promotional text. The subscriber can opt to avail of the service by responding to the text but if no response from the subscriber is received by the content provider, this means that the subscriber is not interested.

However, members of the Senate have called the NTC’s attention to the fact that subscribers are being barraged by too many promotional text message.

The new circular will now prohibit content providers and even telcos from using text messages as a means of promoting new products and services. “They will have to use other forms of advertising such as newspapers, TV, or radio to promote their services. Right now, subscribers are receiving all these messages even without their consent,” Canobas emphasized.

The fourth set of rules to be issued by the NTC involves extending the expiration period of cellphone loads of prepaid users.

The agency has been prevented from setting the expiration and duration of cellphone loads by the courts. “We expect a withdrawal of the injunction upon the instance of the telco-complainants,” an NTC official said.

Canobas said the load expiry will depend on the amount of the load. “If it’s P10 or below, our proposal is three days. If it’s P600 and above, 180 days,” he revealed.

Meanwhile, the fifth proposed MC covers the revenue-sharing agreement between telcos and content providers. At present, it is 70 -30 in favor of the content providers. As planned, the sharing scheme will have to be cost-oriented.

Smart, NSN focus on service efficiency (http://http://www.mb.com.ph/node/204634)
June 28, 2009, 4:50pm

Smart Communications and Nokia Siemens Networks are working together to deploy a Service Quality Management Platform to optimize the end-to-end service environment of Smart’s cellular network. The two parties are also cooperating to implement capacity improvements in Smart’s network to prepare for the uptake of new services.

These measures are in line with Smart’s major service quality initiative that aims to enhance their customers’ service experience as it maximizes its traditional voice and text messaging services and moves towards a rich media environment.

Orlando Vea, chief wireless advisor, said that “Smart has adopted the strategy of ‘slicing and dicing” the market by developing service offers that address the specific needs of various segments of the cellular market. We are building up capacity and raising service quality to support this strategy. Smart’s operational organization is also undergoing changes and with the support of Nokia Siemens Networks, we see an opportunity to move to the next level of customer experience.” Bosco Novak, Chief Marketing Operations Officer of Nokia Siemens Networks, on a recent visit to the Philippines, welcomed the continued partnership noting that Smart’s initiative maps directly onto Nokia Siemens Networks’ own strategy focus of delivering service efficiency to enhance the customer experience.

“We at Nokia Siemens Networks will leverage our global experience to support Smart in optimizing its multi-radio network for superior end customer experience. Smart’s network connects a multitude of terminals to a wide variety of different applications.”

NTC plans new rules for cheaper, better cellphone services (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=481937&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes Updated June 29, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - Amidst calls from the Senate for an improvement in the current mobile phone service regime, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) plans to issue at least five new circulars hopefully by next week aimed at reducing the cost of and improving the quality of cellular phone services in the country.

NTC commissioner Ruel Canobas disclosed over the weekend that a consultation will be conducted among the various telecommunications companies and other stakeholders today on the new rules. “We hope to be able to submit these new circulars to the Senate at the next hearing so that we could let the senators know what we are doing. We will just be furnishing the Senate copies. We are not seeking their approval on these circulars,” he said.

NTC officials have been the subject of intense grilling from the Senators over the past few days, triggered by a complaint from Senator Juan Ponce Enrile that his cellphone load has mysteriously disappeared. His service provider, Globe Telecom, however produced a record of his recent transactions which showed that he downloaded content that caused a reduction in his load balance.

The first NTC circular will impose a cap on the voice and text messaging interconnection rates being charged by telcos on one another, the benefits of which, NTC officials hope, will be passed on to consumers in terms of lower mobile call and text rates.

As planned, from the current P4 interconnection rate per call, this will have to be reduced to P2.50, then to P2 and P1. The reductions are made at intervals of every two years. Meanwhile, from the 35 centavo per text interconnection rate, this will have to go down to 25 centavos, 20 and 15 also in two-year intervals.

“But since what we will be imposing are ceilings, the telcos can always agree on lower rates,” Canobas said.  Interconnection charges are imposed by telcos only on calls or text messages that land on their network from other telcos. On-net calls and texts or those made by subscribers belonging to the same telco network have no interconnection charges ( i.e. a call from one Globe user to another).

The second NTC circular calls for a change in the current method of billing mobile calls, from the present per minute charge to per six-second and three-second charging. At present, calls are charged the full rate although the call is for just a few seconds. Globe and Smart Communications however offer on a promotional basis per second charging (10 centavos per second) but only for on-net calls.

NTC issued a circular many years back that called for a per six second charging of mobile voice calls but the commission received a permanent injunction from the courts. “We will not reissue that portion of the circular on the six second pulse rate because we might be the subject of contempt proceedings by the court. The scheme will be different this time and we do not expect much opposition from the telcos,” an NTC official said.

The plan is for the first six seconds to be charged a certain rate, after which the duration will be cut to three seconds for the succeeding time consumed per call.

The third NTC memorandum circular, meanwhile, aims to protect mobile subscribers from spam messaging, specifically those sent by content providers who advertise their products and services via text message.

Canobas said that under an existing MC, content providers are only allowed to send to a subscriber one free promotional text. The subscriber can opt to avail of the service by responding to the text but if no response from the subscriber is received by the content provider, this means that the subscriber is not interested.

However, members of the Senate have called the NTC’s attention to the fact that subscribers are being barraged by too many promotional text message.

The new circular will now prohibit content providers and even telcos from using text messages as a means of promoting new products and services. “They will have to use other forms of advertising such as newspapers, TV, or radio to promote their services. Right now, subscribers are receiving all these messages even without their consent,” Canobas emphasized.

The fourth set of rules to be issued by the NTC involves extending the expiration period of cellphone loads of prepaid users.

The agency has been prevented from setting the expiration and duration of cellphone loads by the courts. “We expect a withdrawal of the injunction upon the instance of the telco-complainants,” an NTC official said.

Canobas said the load expiry will depend on the amount of the load. “If it’s P10 or below, our proposal is three days. If it’s P600 and above, 180 days,” he revealed.

Meanwhile, the fifth proposed MC covers the revenue-sharing agreement between telcos and content providers. At present, it is 70 -30 in favor of the content providers. As planned, the sharing scheme will have to be cost-oriented.

at least, something came out positive from that senate hearing. :)

^^^^good news!:cheers:

I just tried Smart's unlimited call for 1 month. 500 pesos lang isang buwan na akong telebabad:D good deal na to para sa akin. at sana pati internet nila unlimited na rin:D sana lang sumunod ang globe telecom, mas malakas kasi signal nila sa probinsya:D

I just tried Smart's unlimited call for 1 month. 500 pesos lang isang buwan na akong telebabad:D good deal na to para sa akin. at sana pati internet nila unlimited na rin:D sana lang sumunod ang globe telecom, mas malakas kasi signal nila sa probinsya:D

And wait til' San Miguel comes in with Express Telecom and Liberty phone...

...Sun Cellular might heat up the competition with plans to upgrade its network and offer cheaper rates. :)

yeah, sun's slowly shinning:D, I am waiting for their 3g activation in the province. if that happens, I could surf the net wirelessly faster. GPRS is just too slow and could not be utilized for yahoo web voice chat.

Manila Times

Thursday, July 02, 2009


Liberty revises rehab plan
as new investors step in

LIBERTY Telecom Holdings Inc. has revised its 10-year rehabilitation program after it secured new investors to finance the company’s expansion plans.

Based on the company’s amended rehabilitation plan, Liberty plans to spend P7.15 billion over 10 years to turn around the company.

Of the total, P2.04 billion, or $40 million will come from the newly infused capital and P5.11 billion from internally generated funds.

Of the P7.15 billion capital requirements, P4.53 billion is earmarked for the capital expenditure program, P367.75 million for payments of short-term loans, P361.81 million for long term loans and P336.16 million for payment of liabilities.

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) earlier disclosed that it would buy up to 49 percent of Liberty Telecom, while Qtel, the Qatar-based telecom provider, acquired a 27.12-percent stake through subsidiary wi-Tribe Asia Ltd.

The new investors came in after Liberty’s joint venture agreement to convert their outstanding loans into equity with creditor banks United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) bogged down.

“UCPB sold Liberty’s loan through a Special Purpose Vehicle and DBP’s recent plan to sell Liberty’s loan under the same vehicle,” Liberty said.

Liberty said it would focus on Internet Broadband and WiMAX to bring it back to profitability. It expects the two services would account for more than 90 percent of the projected sales and subscriber base.

The telco is also looking at generating commission revenue from the sale of prepaid mobile phone cards.

“The management expects a turnaround in year four when profits of about P445.06 million are projected to be earned. The period year four to year 10 will continue to be profitable.”

With the full implementation of management’s plans, revenues are projected to increase annually at a compounded growth of 1,865 percent from P445.06 million in year 4 to P8.30 billion in year 10.

“Liberty will be a highly profitable and stable company during the next ten years. These favorable financial results will build up starting in year three, only the third year of expansion plan period,” it said.
--DARWIN G. AMOJELAR:)

Cellphone 'load' to have longer expiration dates (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/166511/Cellphone-load-to-have-longer-expiration-dates)

MANILA, Philippines - Prepaid credits of mobile phones – popularly known as “load" – will now have longer expiration dates after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued new rules on Friday.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 03-07-2009, loads with higher values will have longer expiration or validity periods, the NTC said.

Credits worth P10 or lower will be valid for three days from the previous one-day expiration. Loads more than P10 up to P50 can be used for 15 days while credits worth more than P50 up to P100 will remain valid for 30 days.

Loads more than P100 to P150 will expire at the end of 45 days while credits of more than P150 to P250 will last for 60 days. More than P250 to P300 will remain valid for 75 days while credits worth more than P300 will last for 120 days.

These new rules will take effect 15 days after publication in newspapers.

Currently, a P10 load is only valid for a day while a P30 load can be used within three days. A P200 load will last for 30 days and P300 worth of credits can last for 60 days.

The credits’ validity will start upon confirmation receipt of prepaid load purchased, the NTC said.

Newly-purchased credits will be added to unused loads, thereby extending the validity of the total loads, the NTC added.

If a subscriber with an unused load of P20 buys P10 worth of new credits, the new validity period is 15 days, the NTC explained.

Accessing balance inquiry services through text messaging should be free of charge, the NTC said.

Nine years ago, the same agency issued Memorandum Circular 13-06-2000, which indicated that the expiry period of prepaid cards should not be less than two years.

The same memorandum also provides for the adoption of pulse charging – which are reportedly cheaper for subscribers – and the registration of each mobile phone’s SIM (subscriber identification module) card.

However, telecommunications companies have opposed the move and were successfully able to seek a court order that temporarily prevented its enforcement. (TRO na naman:bash:)

The case remains pending in a Quezon City court.

Also issued during the same day was a circular that tightened rules on disconnected call – or dropped call – rates to further protect consumers.

Under Memorandum Order 03-06-2009, only 2 dropped calls are allowed for every 100 calls from the previously allowed five dropped calls.

The same rules also indicate that an attempted call that is dropped before six seconds after the called party answers is not considered a call.

Blocked and dropped calls were caused by network congestion and system failure, the NTC said.

The regulator will also issue an order that will disallow “push" messages, which can be “commercial offerings, promotions, advertisements and surveys."

“Subscriptions or requests for contents and/or information shall be initiated by the subscribers," the NTC said, citing a draft circular.

Messages should be allowed only with prior consent from subscribers, it added.

Under the proposed circular, mobile phone companies will be required to keep records of all requests for contents and information from subscribers and should be forwarded to the commission upon request.

Since this year, 33 complaints regarding spam text messages have been filed against Globe Telecom Inc. while 69 were filed against Smart Communications Inc., data from the NTC indicated. All complaints were resolved.

Ten complaints of vanishing credits were submitted against Globe and six against Smart.

Last year, 136 complaints were filed against Smart, 77 for Globe, all of which were resolved.

During the same year, a dozen complaints against vanishing loads were submitted against Globe while 19 were filed against Smart.

The NTC will also issue a separate circular that will cut call rates.

Instead of charging calls by the minute, the circular will require mobile phone firms to charge on a per-second basis, an arrangement that will prevent consumers from paying for poor service and network congestion.

grabe nga ang expiration nila. pati yung SIM card mo pag di mo na loadan sa loob ng 2 buwan, automatic di na magagamit. kaiinis .

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/images/stories/Daily_Images/2009/July/07062009/oped-pic.jpg



Business Mirror

The stakes in telco-NTC ties

Written by Editorial
Sunday, 05 July 2009 22:01

IT is good that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has been prodded to respond to the chronic complaints of consumers on a host of issues, by releasing last week the first of four circulars to address these.



Millions of mobile-phone users have every reason to be glad over the issuance of new rules by a regulator taken to task by the Senate for being too “laid-back,” with the first such reform extending the validity periods of prepaid credits—to lessen, obviously, the complaints about “vanishing loads” that no less than Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile had fretted about.

Second, subscribers can access call data records and balance-inquiry services through text messaging free of charge.

The NTC is also expected to issue soon an order that would disallow “push” messages: commercial offerings, promotions, advertisements and surveys. Henceforth, subscriptions or requests for content or information shall be initiated by the subscribers.

Also in the horizon is another NTC order to cut call rates. Instead of charging calls by the minute, the regulator will require mobile-phone firms to charge on a per-second basis, an arrangement that will prevent consumers from paying for poor service and network congestion.

Earlier, the NTC had tightened rules on disconnected or dropped call rates to further protect consumers. Only two dropped calls are allowed for every 100 calls from the previously allowed five dropped calls.

The flurry of NTC orders is most welcome. But they should have been done long ago.

In 2000, the NTC issued an order that the expiry period of prepaid cards should not be less than two years. The memorandum also provided for the adoption of pulse charging—reportedly cheaper for subscribers—and the registration of each mobile phone’s subscriber identification module, or SIM. However, telcos opposed the move and got a court order that temporarily prevented its enforcement.

Now the clamor for change has reached fever pitch, and government regulators have been forced to take action.

There’s the class suit by a consumer group called Cellphone Owners and Users of the Philippines Inc., representing millions of mobile-phone subscribers in the country, saying subscribers who were “digitally robbed” of billions of pesos in illegal deductions and unexplained disappearance of credit loads must be reimbursed.

No doubt, the NTC circulars will cut the profits of telcos, which rely on the rapid turnover of their prepaid-load business for a steady cash flow. But they won’t go belly-up because of these.

It was the complaint of Senate President Enrile—he said his cell-phone load mysteriously disappeared although he did not know how to send text messages and he did not even touch his cell-phone the whole day—that triggered the inquiry. Then, the Senate trade and commerce committee hearings exposed to full view the range of consumer issues that the long-slumbering NTC should have exercised its powers on as industry regulator.

The vigilance over how a vital sector conducts business is necessary, if only because cell phones have become an indispensable gadget in our daily lives. Besides empowering the millions of migrant workers who shore up the economy, it has greatly boosted the business of, among other things, banks, manufacturers, farms and business-process outsourcing. Surely that makes the stakes worth watching over.

NTC to issue new circular prohibiting text spam (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=484083&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann LL. Reyes

MANILA, Philippines - The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is set to issue early next week a new circular that will prohibit the sending to mobile phone subscribers of text messages that advertise products and services, without the express permission of the subscriber.

After issuing on Friday a memorandum circular extending the validity of prepaid credits, NTC commissioner Ruel Canobas told the STAR that the next circular would govern text spam. “It will be out early next week,” he said.

The circular aims to protect mobile subscribers from spam messaging, specifically those sent by content providers who advertise their products and services via text message.

Canobas earlier said under an existing rule, content providers are only allowed to send to a subscriber one free promotional text. The subscriber can opt to avail of the service by responding to the text but if no response from the subscriber is received by the content provider, this means the subscriber is not interested.

However, members of the Senate have called the NTC’s attention to the fact that subscribers are being barraged by too many promotional text messages.

The new circular will now prohibit content providers and even telcos from using text messages as a means of promoting new products and services. “They will have to use other forms of advertising such as newspapers, TV, or radio to promote their services. Right now, subscribers are receiving all these messages even without their consent,” Canobas emphasized.

Amidst a Senate inquiry into mobile phone services, the NTC has said it will issue at least five new circulars aimed at reducing the cost of and improving the quality of cellular phone services in the country.

Aside from the extension of the validity of prepaid loads and the regulation of text spams, the NTC also plans to issue soon a circular will impose a cap on the voice and text messaging interconnection rates being charged by telcos to one another, the benefits of which will be passed on to consumers in terms of lower mobile call and text rates.

As planned, from the current P4 interconnection rate per call, this will have to be reduced to P2.50, then to P2 and further to P1. The reductions are made at intervals of every two years.

Meanwhile, from the 35 centavo per text interconnection rate, this will go down to 25, 20 and 15 centavos also in two-year intervals.

“But since what we will be imposing are ceilings, the telcos can always agree on lower rates,” Canobas said. Interconnection charges are imposed by telcos only on calls or text messages that land on their network from other telcos. On-net calls and texts or those made by subscribers belonging to the same telco network have no interconnection charges (i.e. a call from one Globe user to another).

Another circular calls for a change in the current method of billing mobile calls, from the present per minute charge to per six-second and three-second charging. At present, calls are charged the full rate although the call is for just a few seconds. Globe Telecom and Smart Communications, however, offer on a promotional basis per second charging (10 centavos per second) but only for on-net calls.

NTC issued a circular many years back that called for a per six second charging of mobile voice calls but the commission received a permanent injunction from the courts.

“We will not reissue that portion of the circular on the six-second pulse rate because we might be the subject of contempt proceedings by the court. The scheme will be different this time and we do not expect much opposition from the telcos,” an NTC official said.

The plan is for the first six seconds to be charged a certain rate, after which the duration will be cut to three seconds for the succeeding time consumed per call.

Also being mulled is a circular that will cover the revenue-sharing agreement between telcos and content providers. At present, it is 70–30 in favor of the content providers. As planned, the sharing scheme will have to be cost-oriented.

Globe Telecom, Visa named first founding partners of GSMA Mobile Money Exchange (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=483471&publicationSubCategoryId=73)


MANILA, Philippines – The GSMA, the body that represents the worldwide mobile communications industry, has announced the launch of the Mobile Money Exchange initiative at the Annual Mobile Money Summit in Barcelona, Spain.

Visa and Globe Telecom are the first two founding partners of the Mobile Money Exchange, which has been launched to engage with new stakeholders and sectors that are entering the mobile ecosystem.

Through this initiative, the GSMA is helping financial services companies who are entering the mobile environment, by providing a common voice and formal business forum for business collaboration.

The ethos behind the formation of the Exchange is for best practice and innovations to be highlighted and shared, both across industry and inter-industry.

The Mobile Money Exchange will feature an online knowledge portal with social business networking and community functionality designed to advise and serve the interests of the mobile money industry.

“Mobile Money Exchange builds on the Mobile Money Program that the GSMA launched in 2006 and which has been a tremendous success in terms of building a global community,” said Bill Gajda, chief commercial officer of GSMA.

“Through the Mobile Money Exchange, fundamental principles and requirements which are not currently being met, such as fragmentation and therefore lack of ability to scale, will be addressed and the Exchange will advance, advise and serve the interests of the mobile money market,” Gajda added.

“As a founding partner, Visa looks forward to helping drive thought leadership and industry participation in the Mobile Money Exchange program in collaboration with the GSMA,” said Tim Attinger, global head for product development of Visa Inc.

“We congratulate GSMA for the foresight to build on its successful Mobile Money Transfer initiative to this new Mobile Money Exchange program,” said Globe Telecom president and CEO Ernest Cu.

“At Globe we have been constantly involved in global initiatives to hasten the advancement of mobile money and moves to position it into a mainstream business line not only for telcos but for the financial services industry as well. Being a founding partner in this umbrella program provides us an avenue to collaborate with experts and stakeholders in the mobile commerce space to come closer to this objective,” he added.

The Mobile Money Exchange is open to any organization and seeks to establish a broad-based stakeholder community that comprises key areas of mobile money, including mPayments, mBanking, MMU (Mobile Money for the Unbanked) and MMT (Mobile Money Transfer).

It will facilitate new partnerships and business models, drive thought leadership, and champion innovation and knowledge transfer through engaging all elements of the mobile money industry.

The Mobile Money Exchange will have an advisory board consisting of a select number of thought leaders to shape and develop the Exchange, working alongside discussion groups and committees which will collaboratively set guidelines, standards and best practice.

Sun offers Wi-Fi zone anytime, anywhere (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=483472&publicationSubCategoryId=73)


MANILA, Philippines – There really is no stopping Sun Cellular from introducing the most cost-efficient products and services in the market today.

After proving its reliability as an ideal communication partner through its 24/7 Call and Text Unlimited service and its other value-for-money offers, Sun has again come up with a superior plan in the mobile broadband Internet market — Plan 1399 with 3Mbps speed.

For only P1,399 per month, subscribers can enjoy speeds of up to 3Mbps anytime, anywhere in Metro Manila. And because it’s unlimited, they don’t have to worry about paying for extra per-minute charges.

What’s more, by bundling Plan 1399 with Sun Broadband’s 3.5G-ready router, users can create their own Wi-Fi zone even while on the go.

Now with Sun’s “metro-widest” reach that even covers the cities of Antipolo, Cainta and Taytay, users can instantly create their own hot spot whenever and wherever they want to.

With Sun Cellular’s 3.5G High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) network, users can surf 24/7 wherever they are in the metropolis. And it’s backed by 3G/EDGE/GPRS technology so users can stay connected even in areas where 3.5G is not yet available.

For more information, visit nearest Sun Shop or call the Sun Broadband Wireless hotline at 333 using a Sun Cellular mobile phone or (02) 395-3333 using any landline.

Smart begins nationwide WiMAX rollout (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=483473&publicationSubCategoryId=73)


http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2121/telecoms5.jpg
Smart chief wireless advisor Orlando Vea (third from left)
and Motorola vice president for Asia-Pacific Eric Starnes
(second from left) inspect a WiMAX installation in one of
Smart’s cell site towers. With them are Smart public affairs
head Ramon Isberto (left) and Network Platforms and
Services Division head Mar Tamayo.


MANILA, Philippines – Smart Communications Inc. has taken its first steps to massively deploying WiMAX technology across the country.

The country’s leading wireless services provider has undertaken tests of the powerful wireless broadband platform with equipment manufacturer Motorola, paving the way for rapid rollout of the new network.

Motorola is the principal contractor for Clearwire Communications, the leading provider of mobile WiMAX service worldwide.

WiMAX or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access is a telecommunications technology that provides wireless broadband access to a wide area spanning several kilometers.

Smart’s WiMAX deployment, through its subsidiary Smart Broadband Inc. (SBI), is part of the company’s efforts to replicate the success it achieved in cellular phones in the field of wireless broadband Internet.

“It has been our vision to provide Internet for all Filipinos — no matter where they are or what device they’re using,” said Orlando Vea, Smart’s chief wireless advisor.

He added that Smart is set to build one of the most extensive WiMAX networks in Southeast Asia for fixed wireless broadband applications.

Smart’s WiMAX network will complement its High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) network, which is based on the most advanced mobile broadband technology. Smart is one of the only 20 mobile carriers in the world and the only in the region to have deployed HSPA running on 850 MHz.

“With our HSPA, WiMAX, and Canopy networks blanketing the whole country, Smart will have a unique and by far superior combination of wireless broadband networks,” Vea said.

Smart’s WiMAX network will be a key component of its Internet For All initiative, including its schools connectivity program. Under the Smart Schools program, the company has connected 250 public elementary and high schools to date.

In partnership with the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), Smart has connected an initial batch of 50 public high schools and is now working with the Department of Education in a program to provide connectivity to about 6,600 public high schools across the country.

WiMAX uses the 802.16 standard developed by the WiMAX Forum. It provides a maximum bandwidth speed of up to 70 megabits per second, which is apt for data-hungry applications like streaming video.

Since WiMAX covers a wider distance and serves more users at any given time while allowing high-speed data access, it can reach to “blackout areas” that currently have no broadband Internet access. It can enable Internet penetration even to the most remote barrios and barangays.

“We will make sure no Filipino family is left behind in terms of Internet access. We have done it with the mobile phone, we will do it again with the Internet,” Vea said.

To date, the company has about 8,700 cell sites across the country, housing various network equipment, including antenna for GSM, HSPA and Canopy. Very soon, these same towers will play host to Smart’s extensive WiMAX network.

For the trial, Smart and Motorola installed the latter’s WAP 450 WiMAX Access Points equipment to a number of cell site towers across the country. The WAP 450 utilizes tower top power amplifiers that can be housed in a small cabinet, allowing for a compact cell site configuration.

Smart begins nationwide WiMAX rollout (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=483473&publicationSubCategoryId=73)


http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2121/telecoms5.jpg
Smart chief wireless advisor Orlando Vea (third from left)
and Motorola vice president for Asia-Pacific Eric Starnes
(second from left) inspect a WiMAX installation in one of
Smart’s cell site towers. With them are Smart public affairs
head Ramon Isberto (left) and Network Platforms and
Services Division head Mar Tamayo.


MANILA, Philippines – Smart Communications Inc. has taken its first steps to massively deploying WiMAX technology across the country.
.

Puede, bilisan nyo:D at kailangan na namin ang internet sa probinsya?:D

Puede, bilisan nyo:D at kailangan na namin ang internet sa probinsya?:D

give the exact location :D para mauna kayo :D

Puede, bilisan nyo:D at kailangan na namin ang internet sa probinsya?:D

baka meron ng HSPA site sa lugar nyo, mas mabilis yun. :cheers:

baka meron ng HSPA site sa lugar nyo, mas mabilis yun. :cheers:

3G nga wala eh, pag andun ako nag t-tyaga na lang ako sa GPRS.

Pero, may liwanag na kahit papaano, meron nang 2 wimax na mag ro-rollout, sana man lang maisama ang lugar namin.

3G nga wala eh, pag andun ako nag t-tyaga na lang ako sa GPRS.

Pero, may liwanag na kahit papaano, meron nang 2 wimax na mag ro-rollout, sana man lang maisama ang lugar namin.

mas marami ang site nila sa HSPA using huawei equipments kumpara sa 3G/2100 Mhz using nokia.

mas marami ang site nila sa HSPA using huawei equipments kumpara sa 3G/2100 Mhz using nokia.

tumawag nga ako sa Globe para ma confirm, kasi may nakita ako sa website nila na HSDPA area ang lugar namin, pero sabi ng agent hindi raw.

Ma confirm ko lang to, pag uwi ko doon next week.


Sa wimax din, ang yabang nya, sabi, sige sir mag apply lang kayo, nationwide daw kasi, hehehe, sabi ko pa tingin nga uli kung wimax covered na yung lugar namin. ayun sabi nya hindi pa raw:Dtoink

teka, yung HSPA ba hindi nasasagap ng 3g/hsdpa capable nokia units? ibang frequency na ba yun?

Globe, USAID launch WiMAX for Mindanao schools


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Queenie Casimiro, ABS-CBN News Zamboanga | 07/06/2009 4:42 PM

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In a bid to bring internet and computer education closer to the youth in Mindanao, Globe Telecommunications has tied up with United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) to provide WiMax connections to six public schools in Zamboanga City.

The six are Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial National High School, J-Jireh School, Southcom National High School, Sinunuc Elementary School, Zamboanga City High School (Main) and Sinunuc National High School.

The schools are already part of the USAID-GEM's Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (CLIC) Program, which provides schools with computers that have Internet connection.

The launching was graced by US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, who was quick to test the program and chat with students of Don Pablo Lorenzao Memorial National High School. Kenney said it is important to expose the students to the new technology and make information available to them.

"Today's launch takes Zamboanga City nearer to developing health care opportunities, opens the doors to development and other prospects. It is wonderful to see education take our young people to places," Kenney said in her speech.

Globe said WiMax's larger coverage and higher bandwidth performance allows the company to provide high-speed Internet service to previously unserviceable areas. Fifteen WiMax sites, short for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Acess, have been established in strategic areas in Zamboanga City.

Hoyle Disuanco, Head of the Globe Consumer Sales in Visayas and Mindanao said four more WiMax sites will be established by September.

http://abs-cbnnews.com/technology/07/06/09/globe-usaid-launch-wimax-mindanao-schools

tumawag nga ako sa Globe para ma confirm, kasi may nakita ako sa website nila na HSDPA area ang lugar namin, pero sabi ng agent hindi raw.

Ma confirm ko lang to, pag uwi ko doon next week.


Sa wimax din, ang yabang nya, sabi, sige sir mag apply lang kayo, nationwide daw kasi, hehehe, sabi ko pa tingin nga uli kung wimax covered na yung lugar namin. ayun sabi nya hindi pa raw:Dtoink

nationwide nga, sa luzon=MM, sa Visayas=Cebu at sa Mindanao=CDO lang meron sila. :lol:

teka, yung HSPA ba hindi nasasagap ng 3g/hsdpa capable nokia units? ibang frequency na ba yun?

Yung HSPA network ng SMART 850 Mhz ang ginagamit na frequency, gagana kung capable ang nokia fon mo sa freq. na yan.

Here are the areas for Globe WiMAX

http://www.yugatech.com/blog/telecoms/globe-wimax-expands-to-visayas-mindanao/

Philippines, Technology News & Reviews

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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Globe WiMax expands to Visayas, Mindanao
Published by: yuga under: Telecoms , WiFi.
posted: June 15th, 2009

Last Thursday, Globe Telecom and Intel Philippines officially announced the formal launching of WiMax in the Philippines.

Although the Globe WiMax has been in service for several months now, Globe also revealed that they have expanded down south.

As of the first week of June 2009, Globe WiMax is also available in the following areas:

Select Areas in NCR
South Luzon (Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon)
Cebu Province
Bacolod
Dumaguete
Silay City
Cagayan de Oro City
By end of 2009, Globe expects to cover these areas as well:

Rest of NCR, Rizal
Benguet, Nueva Ecija
Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan
Bataan
Bohol, Iloilo, Leyte
Guimaras, Capiz
Negros Island
Zamboanga
Compostela Valley
Agusan Province
Lanao, Surigao
Cotabato Province, General Santos

NTC bans sending of 'push messages' (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=484749&publicationSubCategoryId=63)
By Paolo Romero

MANILA, Philippines - The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued yesterday a new regulation banning service providers from sending “push messages” or “text spam” that are mostly promotional advertisements and other forms of offerings to mobile phone subscribers.

NTC Commissioner Ruel Canobas told a news briefing at Malacañang that Memorandum Circular No. 04-07-2009 would amend MC No. 03-03-2005A or the Rules and Regulations on Broadcast Messaging Service.

Under the new memorandum circular, Canobas said consumers’ concerns and complaints will now be addressed as “push messages shall be prohibited.”

He said these are text messages sent to consumers and subscribers without their consent, such as promotional advertisements, surveys and other offerings.

Canobas said the NTC has been swarmed with numerous complaints of deceitful and unwarranted text messages for which recipient subscribers were eventually charged.

“Because of this, the President gave us the directive to immediately look into these various complaints of our subscribers,” Canobas said.

“Content and/or information providers shall not be allowed to send and/or initiate push messages as defined under MC No. 03-03-2005,” the new circular said.

It said a subscriber who wants to avail of the services offered by content and/or information providers and/or Public Telecommunications Entities (PTEs) may avail of such service/s only through his or her “operative act of communication with the content and/or information providers and/or PTEs through written correspondence, text messaging, Internet or other similar means of communication.”

“Commercial and promotional advertisements, surveys and other broadcast messages shall be allowed only upon prior written consent by the subscribers,” the circular said.

Canobas said any violation of the provisions of the circular would be a ground for the revocation or cancellation of the registration as contents and/or information provider and/or imposition of fines in accordance with law.

President Arroyo issued Administrative Order No. 226 on June 11 directing the NTC to immediately propose new measures and guidelines to address complaints against unsolicited messages also known as spam.

Canobas said the government is supporting the bill sponsored by House Information and Communications Technology chairman Rep. Joseph Santiago seeking heavier penalties for erring telecommunication firms ranging from P10,000 to P10 million.

As part of the President’s directive, the NTC issued last week a memorandum circular mandating telecommunication companies to extend the validity of mobile phone loads or credits depending on the amount of the load purchased.

For loads valued at P10 or lower, load credits are to be valid for three days.

For load worth P10 to P50, the validity is 15 days; P50-P100, 30 days; P100-P150, 45 days; P150-P250, 60 days; P250-P300, 75 days; and loads of more than P300, 120 days.

At present, a P10 load is valid for only a day; P30 load for three days; P200, 30 days; and P300, 60 days.

The NTC explained that if a subscriber has an unused load of P20 and buys an additional P10 load, the new validity or expiry period should be 15 days.

Access to balance inquiry service through text should also be free of charge.

The new NTC circular will take effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

NTC tightens rules on cellphone operations (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=484610&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes

MANILA, Philippines - The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has imposed more stringent service performance standards on cellular mobile telephone service (CMTS) operators in a bid to ensure the quality and reliability of telecommunications services in the country.

Under NTC Memorandum Order 03-06-2009, CMTS operators, in particular Smart Communications/Pilipino Telephone Inc. (Piltel), Globe Telecom, and Digitel Mobile (Sun Cellular) have to observe a grade of service (GOS) of four percent or not more than four lost calls for every 100 calls.

Meanwhile, the drop call rate (DCR) being experienced by mobile subscribers should not exceed two percent or two dropped calls for every 100 calls. 

Under a previous memorandum circular, 07-06-2002, CMTS operators are encouraged to improve their GOS by one percent and DCR by one percent every two years until the GOS is four percent and the DCR is two percent 

The NTC noted that since six years have already elapsed from the promulgation MC 07-06-2002, the GOS and DCR should have improved by three percent each.

Meanwhile, the NTC has proposed further amendments to its previous rules governing broadcast messaging services. 

In a draft circular which according to NTC commissioner Ruel Canobas will be issued early this week, the regulatory agency pointed out that one of the major reasons for “vanishing loads” is the alleged “opting-in” of subscribers to contents and/or information services offered by content as well as information service providers.

It will be recalled that Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile criticized CMTS operators after his prepaid load “vanished.” But his service provider, Globe Telecom, produced records to show that he downloaded certain value-added services and was charged for it. 

A previously issued circular 03-03-2005 allows content and/or information providers to initiate the “opting-in” of subscribers to content as well as information services through push messages;

Such practice, the NTC said, is a source of dispute between subscribers and content and/or information service providers.

Under the proposed amendments to MC 03-03-2005, push messages will not be allowed so that subscriptions or requests for content and information shall be initiated by the subscriber only.

Commercial and promotional advertisements, surveys and other broadcast messages shall be allowed only if prior consent from the subscribers is secured, the NTC added.

The draft rules also provide that contents and any form of information for a fee shall only be delivered to subscribers who requested for such content or information on a per request basis.

Another NTC draft circular calls for a fixed access charge instead of the prevailing revenue sharing arrangements between the content/information provider and the networks providers, to further encourage the development of contents and information.

The proposed rules state that networks, systems and facilities providers shall provide access to content/information providers upon request and based on an access agreement. Access to the networks, systems and facilities of duly authorized providers by duly registered content andinformation providers shall be mandatory.  

The access charge shall be negotiated, the NTC said, and shall be cost-oriented and not be higher than the prevailing retail rates for the service where the contents or information are offered.

^^ NTC - kumilos lang ngayon kasi na imbestigahan ng Senado....

Philippine Star

San Miguel acquires 32.7% of Liberty Telecoms

By Zinnia B. Dela Peña
Updated July 09, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp. has acquired 32.7 percent of cash strapped Liberty Telecoms Holdings Inc. (LTHI) for P1.88 billion.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), San Miguel said its wholly-owned unit Vega Telecom acquired 579.11 million LTHI shares from existing shareholders at P3.25 each share.

The purchase price was 22 percent lower than the earlier estimated price of P2.2 billion.

“The acquisition covered approximately 32.7 percent of the outstanding capital stock of LTHI.” San Miguel said.

The transaction is part of a plan to acquire upto 49 percent of LTHI.

San Miguel said the purchase of the remaining 16.3 percent of LTHI is still subject to management’s discussion with its joint venture partner, Qatar Telecom.

Qatar Telecom owns 27 percent of LTHI through subsidiary wi-Tribe Asia Ltd.

San Miguel has been actively diversifying its portfolio away from food and beverage and is eyeing high growth sectors like power, infrastructure, telecommunications and mining.

LTHI needs around P7.15 billion in fresh capital to boost its revenues while continuously improving and expanding its service capacity.

To accelerate revenue generalization, LTHI intends to fasttrack the deployment of Libertyphone public calling offices in year three to year five and grow the number of installed units from 2,200 by year three to around 4,021 by year five.

LTHI also plans to install Wimax broadband service infrastructure to market various data and voice services to more subscribers nationwide.

The Wimax service is expected to contribute more than 90 percent of LTHI’s projected total revenues.

“The next 10 years will see the increasing demand for this very promising service and Liberty would not want to lose the opportunity to supply the needed demand because of its capacity, existing technology and frequencies required of the service,” said LTHI.

LTHI, the holding company for Liberty Broadcasting Network, Inc. (LBNI) and Skyphone Logistics, Inc., sought a moratorium of its debt payments in August 2005, squeezed by tight liquidity problems.


Here comes Liberty Phone:)

^^ wow. edi 5 telcos na ang pwedeng pagpilian?

^^ NTC - kumilos lang ngayon kasi na imbestigahan ng Senado....

^^ it's very obvious...

dati tahimik lang sila...

ngayon sunud-sunod ang mga bagong regulations na ipinatutupad nila...

well, at least tumino sila kahit papaano...

^^ wow. edi 5 telcos na ang pwedeng pagpilian?

Actually 4 palang kung sakali para sa cell phone ( Smart-Red-Talk and Text; Globe-TM; SunMobile; soon to be Liberty) at 4 (same without Liberty; but with bayantel) for landlines...

Yung Express telecom malapit na rin...

Smart offers unlimited broadband access (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=485259&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll Reyes

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Communications Inc., the country’s leading wireless services provider, now offers a new postpaid plan which lets Smart Bro subscribers enjoy unlimited, high-speed broadband access at the flat rate of only P1,500 per month.

Offered by Smart subsidiary Smart Broadband, Smart Bro provides wireless, high-speed Internet access by connecting to Smart’s nationwide mobile broadband coverage.

Company officials said the new Smart Bro Plan 1500 comes with Smart Bro’s Plug-It, a USB stick-type modem – which can be used right out of the box after a quick and easy installation — making the service extremely portable and user-friendly, and gives broadband speeds of up to two mbps.

The new plan also comes with unlimited Wi-Fi access at all Airborne Access hotspots all over the country. Airborne Access is the country’s largest Wi-Fi hotspot operator, and is a subsidiary of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), Smart’s parent company.

“This new plan increases the broadband options available to our subscribers and gives them the freedom and flexibility to access and benefit from the Internet as long as they want, from wherever they are in the country,” according to Ava Española, product manager of Smart Bro.

Smart’s expanded and upgraded network coverage offers High-speed Packet Access (HSPA), which is the faster version of the original 3G technology. The entire Metro Manila area, as well as all major towns and municipalities from Ilocos Norte to Davao del Sur, are now covered with HSPA – or high-speed broadband experience on a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or a Smart Bro USB modem.

Officials added that applying for a Smart Bro Plan 1500 subscription is quick and easy. Interested individuals just need to fill out an application form, and present a valid proof of identification, a proof of address, and a financial document such as one’s latest income tax return, current bank statement, or a bank certification letter, at any Smart Wireless Center nationwide.

Are you ready for a Red-volution? (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=485577&publicationSubCategoryId=73)
By Kathy Moran

http://www.philstar.com/newphilstar/www/image/20090711/telecoms1d.jpg
Guido Zaballero, Bong Mojica, and Doy Vea
of Smart firing up the ceremonial button,
signaling the launch of expanded Red Mobile services.


MANILA, Philippines - “This newest service offering of Red Mobile is part of our efforts to provide the consumers with enhanced services to address their varying communication needs,” said Orlando Vea, Smart chief wireless advisor, at the launching of Red recently.

“By making our service now available on 2G, and by utilizing the ‘nationwidest’ network of the country’s leading wireless services provider, we are making value-for-money services more accessible to the increasingly mobile Filipino,” he added.

When Smart launched Red the intent was to literally put more voice calls for cellphone users. Red is a uniquely voice-centric service in a market that is very SMS-oriented.

“We wanted to give our customers a choice to be able to make calls also,” said Danilo Mojica, Smart wireless consumer division head. “We are doing that in the Smart brand that we call Red.”

Although the Philippines continues to be the texting capital of the world, many other ways of staying connected have been made more available to cellphone users. That is, of course, with the new cellphones one is able to connect to the Web.

Sites like Facebook, Friendster and Twitter are beginning to replace a lot of SMS sending.

Mojica shared that last Christmas instead of sending a text to greet everyone on his cellphone directory what he did was to post a Merry Christmas greeting on his Facebook wall and that was as good (if not better) than texting everyone.

“It was definitely much cheaper,” he laughed. “And many more people are using the Web to stay in touch with other people, so that perhaps texting is not as prevalent today as it was two or three years ago.”
Smart is also seeing that there is a change in the way consumers communicate today, as more and more people prefer to make voice calls.

“There is a renaissance of voice and people want to hear the voice at the end of the line,” said Vea. “Whereas before you only had the SMS as a key option value, we want to make sure that for those who prefer to call we offer good value for the consumer.”

Red is that option.

In a study done by Smart what they discovered is that people who have 3G phones (for video calls) and make video calls stay on the line longer. With Red, the price of a video call is the same as a regular call, and it is because of this that more Red users with 3G cellphones are opting to make video calls. Blame it on the fact that we want to see who we are talking to.

Smart is also aware that the bulk of Pinoy cellphone users still use 2G handsets. Smart estimates that about 20 percent of cellphone users have 3G phones. And those who actually use the 3G functions are even less. That is because up to today there is still no 3G signal in many areas around the country.

“At Smart we are aware that since most people still have 2G cellphones we look at delivering services like Red as being very important to our consumers,” said Mojica. “The resurgence of voice calls makes it important for us to give our consumers that option at a good price.”

Recently, Red mobile, the newest prepaid network in the country, unveiled hotter load deals and expanded its service offerings that are now available on the 2G network. For as low as P30, subscribers get the country’s lowest call rate of P0.50 per minute, for all Red-to-Red voice and video calls.

In April, Smart purchased Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprise Inc. (CURE) in a bid to expand its 3G service. The move complements Smart’s 3G service expansion and enhancement efforts, which include the rollout of higher speed wireless broadband services.

“By combining Red Mobile’s revolutionary call rates and services with Smart’s telecommunication infrastructure and technology, subscribers may be assured of the same network coverage, same call quality, and same load distribution channel comprised of over a million load retailers nationwide,” said Mojica.

“This move to make the country’s lowest call rate available to a wider consumer base via the 2G network is our response to the clamor for more affordable call packages,” said Guido Zaballero, Smart department head for Red Mobile. “We are confident that Red Mobile’s enhanced and expanded services will provide the consumer with an ideal combination of product value and quality service.”

The newest offering of Red Mobile, which now only needs a top-up of P30 worth of load, no longer requires registration to avail oneself of the P0.50 Red-to-Red call rate. The P30 load offering is valid for both 2G and 3G calls.

Red Mobile’s offer is consumable to the last centavo, giving the subscriber the flexibility to make a phone call or send an SMS message Red-to-Red or even to another network.

“If we think that the service can be extremely significant for the consumer we launch it in a big way. We think that this service is very good for the consumer in the long term and therefore the public needs to know,” Mojica said.

In these hard times it is always good to hear that the price of something has gone down. Smart wants to provide value packages that will make staying in touch, which is so important to Pinoys, still affordable.

“We want to make Filipinos’ lives a little bit better,” said Mojica. “And with Red we are doing just that.”

With Red there will be no more room for missed SMS and misinterpretation of text messages because it is just as economical to call.

“We are also seeing the trend worldwide. The gap between texting and calling is getting closer,” said Mojica. “If you we go by global trends then one day in the future it will cost the same to send an SMS and to make a call.”

‘Star Wars’: Wi-Fi vs WiMax in Zambo


By Jeffrey M. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:24:00 07/12/2009

Filed Under: Children, Education


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—It was like a scene from “Star Trek.”

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, sitting in front of her laptop webcam in a hotel, held a video conference with a class of high school students. Behind Kenney, a big-screen TV showed the faces of the children who were gathered in a school some three kilometers away.

It was a historic moment. So what should they talk about?

“Can you tell me your favorite PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) team?” Kenney asked the students of the Don Pablo A. Lorenzo Memorial National High School.

One girl said, “Ginebra.”

“Is anyone a San Miguel fan?” asked Kenney, who was in a function room of the Zamboanga Orchid Garden Hotel.

There were some whispers in the background and finally, the same girl replied: “No.”

It was later learned that Kenney’s favorite team was Purefoods.

Good morning, America

Earlier, the kids greeted the US envoy “Buenos dias (Good morning),” to which Kenney replied, “Gracias (Thank you).”

Puzzled young faces filled the big-screen TV.

“I am sorry… we cannot hear you,” said one girl, who then paused, waiting for an answer.

A technician tended to the momentary glitch and the video conference resumed.

And in that brief exchange—the future had arrived in the south.

Fun and amazing

For Kenney, the video conference with the students—which took all of five minutes—was “fun” and “pretty amazing.”

“It’s wonderful to see our young people become part of modern technology,” she said. “You know, I can’t get used to how… people talk to other people on the Internet and see their faces at the same time.”

She also said that the project was an “extraordinary step forward,” especially for the students of Zamboanga. “This is really opening the door… not only for the people of this city but also for many people in the Philippines,” Kenney said. “It’s really exciting for me and, I hope, for all of you to be part of this.”

The envoy was referring to Globe Telecom’s cutting-edge 4G wireless broadband technology called WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) that provided students instant access to the Internet.

WiMax vs Wi-Fi

WiMax is a wireless digital communications system that has a wider range of access than Wi-Fi.

WiMax provides broadband wireless access of up to 50 kilometers for fixed stations, and 5 km to 15 km for mobile stations. In contrast, Wi-Fi is usually limited to only 100 meters.

Both Wi-Fi and WiMax can be used for wireless networking, but the latter is designed to allow higher data rates over longer distances. For example, a person using WiMax can stream videos and download a movie file at the same time.

Globe’s WiMax system is the biggest 2.5 GHz broadband network in Southeast Asia, according to the telecommunication company’s fact sheet.

According to Hoyle Disuanco, head of Globe’s consumer sales for Visayas and Mindanao, the telco has already established WiMax connections in 15 communities in Zamboanga.

Each site covers about 2 km to 5 km, giving consumers broadband connection that is priced 20 percent lower than the packages offered by other Internet service providers.

Internet in schools

Globe’s service is part of its Internet-in-Schools-Program (ISP). Under the program, Globe will “provide free Internet for one year to serviceable public schools all over the country.”

It is the biggest education initiative to be undertaken by the telco.

In a paper, Globe has underscored the importance of preparing “young Filipinos to be globally competitive by introducing them to the Internet,” honing their computer literacy skills while still in high school, and “giving them access to information just like other students in other parts of the world.”

In Zamboanga, Internet penetration is still very low, according to Disuanco of Globe, while computer costs remain high.

With WiMax offering district-wide Internet connection, students and teachers would learn new things. This experience might even change the way they view things, Disuanco said.

WiMax-connected

Five other public schools in Zamboanga—J-Jireh School, Southcom National High School, Sinunuc Elementary School, Zamboanga City High School main campus and the Sinunuc National High School—will also receive free WiMax connection for a year, making them the first WiMax-connected schools in the Philippines.

Those schools are serviced by the Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM), a unit of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Through GEM’s Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (Clic) Program, the schools will be provided with computer units and fast Internet connection.

It was GEM that linked up Globe with the local community and concerned government agencies.

Jumpstart economy

Aside from the schools, Kenney said there would also be improvements in the business and medical sectors, as well as in social services.

“This is one of the projects that we hope will jumpstart economic growth in Zamboanga,” she said, adding that the city was chosen to be the beneficiary for the program because of its potential for growth.

The entry of Globe WiMax in Zamboanga, according to GEM, would also “spur the development of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.”

Ticket to cyber highway

For Jojie Ilagan-Bian, president of the Philippine Call Center Alliance, WiMax is Zamboanga’s ticket to the cyber highway.

“By investing heavily in expanding its information and communications services, Globe has not only expressed its confidence in the future of this city and this region, but has helped to create conditions under which other companies will be attracted to the city,” Bian said.

Globe’s Disuanco said the telco plans to open four more WiMax sites in the region.

“It is Globe’s aim that every home in Zamboanga be connected to the Internet,” he said. With a report from Eliza Victoria, Inquirer Research
Sources: http://www.wimax.com and Inquirer archives

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090712-215048/Star-Wars-Wi-Fi-vs-WiMax-in-Zambo

Philippines' Meralco says planning broadband via power lines

Top electricity distributor Manila Electric Co., better known as Meralco, plans to use its power lines to deliver broadband Internet service, a company statement said Monday.

The move is expected to make the Internet more accessible in the country, where only 20 million out of the population of 90 million can go online.

Listed Meralco told the Philippine Stock Exchange without elaborating that it was "set to implement the pilot test of the broadband over power lines project.

"The results of the said pilot test will guide the company in determining scope and coverage of the project, which will drive the investment requirements."

Meralco sells electricity to about 24 million people in Manila and its surrounding provinces, which comprise the country's richest three percent.

The plan was announced four months after dominant carrier Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and its pension fund became the largest shareholder in Meralco with a combined 30.17 percent stake.

A first-ever survey of Internet usage in the Philippines conducted by Yahoo! and pollster Nielsen earlier this year found just 22 percent of the population had Internet access -- most of them aged 29 or younger.

Online gaming and social networking were the most popular Internet activities in the country, with just three percent taking part in online commerce, according to the survey. - AFP

Ano kaya ang magiging slogan ng Meralco?

"There's internet, when there is power":D naks

"May internet pag may liwanag":D

"Internet acess? Plug in your power cord now"!:D

"Hanap mo ba ang ka prenster? Magpakabit na ng kuryente!:D

NTC defers extended validity for unused load credits (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=487359&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann LL. Reyes

MANILA, Philippines - Prepaid cellular phone service subscribers will have to wait a little longer before they can fully enjoy the benefits of new government rules that extend the validity period of load credits.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said it is suspending until further notice a portion of an earlier approved set of guidelines on prepaid loads, particularly the part which provided that “for each new load that is purchased, the amount of the unused loads earlier purchased that are still within the validity period shall be added to and accumulate to the new load.”

The suspended provision also states that “the new minimum validity or expiry period shall be based on the sum of the new load plus the unused load. For example, if a subscriber has an unused load of P2 and a P10 new load is purchased, the new validity or expiry period shall be 15 days.”

The new set of rules, which prescribes the validity or expiry periods of prepaid loads, was promulgated by the NTC in the wake of Senate investigations into so-called “missing loads.”

In justifying the suspension, the NTC explained that further consultation with the suppliers of software and intelligent network platform showed that there is a need for sufficient time for hardware acquisition, software development, testing and deployment.

Still in effect, however, are the other provisions of the circular, in particular those which provide for longer expiration or validity periods of prepaid loads.

Prepaid loads with higher value shall have longer expiration or validity period under the NTC circular. For loads of P10 or lower, the minimum expiry period is three days while loads of more than P10 but not exceeding P50 shall be valid for at least 15 days.

For loads of more than P50 to P100, the minimum validity period is 30 days while loads exceeding P100 to P150 shall be valid for at least 45 days. If the load is more than P150 but not more than P250, the period provided is not less than 60 days; for more than P250 to P300, 75 days; and for loads of more than P300, at least 120 days.

The NTC circular provided that the validity period of the prepaid load shall commence upon receipt of confirmation of the prepaid load purchased. However, public telecommunications entities or cellular mobile telephone service providers may offer longer validity or expiry period for prepaid loads.

Access to balance inquiry service through text messages shall likewise be free of charge.

Web, mobile phones drive economic growth

Study says technology leads to higher GDP
By Michelle Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:21:00 07/27/2009

MANILA, Philippines - The Internet and mobile phones have definitely made life much easier.But technology is not only good for improving people’s lifestyles.

The extensive use of the Internet and mobile phones also contributes significantly to economic growth of the Philippines and many other countries all over the world.

According to a report by the World Bank, Internet users in developing countries increased tenfold from 2000 to 2007.

Currently, there over 4 billion mobile phone subscribers in developing countries alone, Mohsen Khalil, World Bank group director for global information and communication technologies, said in the report.

Direct impact

The World Bank estimates that, for every 10-percent increase in the number of high-speed Internet connections, the economy is expected to grow by 1.3 percentage points.

This means that, without the contribution of IT and IT-related services sectors, the effects of the crisis on the Philippine economy would have been worse.

In the first quarter, the local economy grew by 0.4 percent—the slowest in 10 years.

Still, without the boost from the services sector, which includes the so-called sunshine industry of business process outsourcing (BPO) and other IT-enabled services, the economy would have contracted.

Wider base

The World Bank also said the Internet and mobile phones had given businesses a much wider customer base, translating into higher profits.

The Philippines, tagged as the “texting” capital of the world, is one of the top investment sites for firms engaged in IT (information technology) and IT-enabled services. Revenue generated by IT firms reached $6 billion last year, a substantial leap from the $100 million seen in 2001, World Bank said.

More jobs are also being created by the two sectors. As of mid-2008, the report added, the two industries employed 345,000 people in the Philippines, up by more than three times from 100,000 in 2004.

Citing a study by the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), World Bank said IT and IT-enabled service companies in the country would see an increase in their annual revenue to $13 billion by 2010.

“High-speed Internet and mobile phones are key to economic growth and job creation in developing countries ... These technologies offer tremendous opportunities,” World Bank said in the report.

Heavy promotion

The World Bank has thus urged governments, especially in developing countries, to further promote these sectors.

“Governments should proactively encourage the development of local IT services industries through policies and incentives directed at entrepreneurs and the private sector, and through investments in skills and infrastructure,” World Bank economist Christine Zhen-Wei Qiang, editor of the report, said in the statement.

One way of helping boost the industries is for governments themselves to spur demand for IT products.

World Bank likewise said that governments of developing countries should also adopt more technology to improve the delivery of public services.

Governments that have more sophisticated technology are more efficient in service delivery and more transparent in their operations, the lender said.

Even if the world is in a crisis, people’s use of the Internet and mobile phones will hardly shrink as both have become part of people’s lifestyle.

The World Bank said IT and IT-enabled services are “the tide that lifts the boat.”

Globe Business launches Net Accelerator for faster, optimized WAN (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=489802&publicationSubCategoryId=73)


MANILA, Philippines - Globe Business has introduced a new managed network solution that enables enterprises to optimize the use of their bandwidth and run applications faster across their Wide Area Networks (WAN).

The Net Accelerator is a fully managed WAN Optimization and Application Acceleration solution that addresses problems encountered on application performance, expensive connectivity, congested network, slow and long remote data backup and replication, and other network-related performance problems.

The Net Accelerator also enables business customers to derive savings as they can delay network infrastructure upgrades or potentially consolidate their IT infrastructure to meet their present network demands.

Furthermore, it can enable businesses to deploy mission-critical applications in areas where high quality/low latency bandwidth is not available.

As a managed service, it relieves the customer from the hassle of evaluating, procuring installing and managing a solution to ease network congestion and latency or network delay.

Globe Business, with its experienced 24/7 technical support team, will efficiently manage the availability of the WAN Optimization Solution, making sure it is reliable and operating at optimal levels.

“We understand our customers and provide solutions that fit, that’s why with our new Net Accelerator Managed Service we boost enterprises’ efficiency and productivity through Globe’s OPEX-based, managed services model. It is an IT solution that offers better network performance and cost efficiency,” said Jesus Romero, enterprise segments head at Globe Business.

He added: “As business customers enjoy the accelerated and optimized network operations, we help mitigate setbacks on money, time, productivity and opportunity losses due to network connectivity issues. As a solution that brings reliable connectivity, it helps enterprises improve their business processes.”

As the information and communications technology enabler and partner of enterprises, Globe Business delivers another customized and superior solution that brings reliable connectivity to businesses with the new Net Accelerator.

Smart offers affordable Internet mobile package (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=494591&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes

MANILA, Philippines - Prepaid subscribers of leading wireless services provider Smart Communications may now take advantage of affordable, off-peak mobile Internet rate of as low as 17 centavos per minute with the launch of the Off-Peak Lite mobile Internet package.

With Off-Peak Lite, Smart Buddy subscribers will receive one free additional hour of mobile surfing, when using their Smart cellphones to go online for an hour for the regular price of P20, during the off-peak hours of 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. The package is equal to two hours of mobile Internet for the flat-rate price of only P20.

With the launch of Off-Peak Lite, the wireless operator looks to beef up its mobile Internet value offerings, as more and more of its subscribers take up the use of the mobile phone as a tool to conveniently access the web, according to Jerome Almirante, Smart’s head of value-added and data services.

Off-Peak Lite may be conveniently availed of by using a cellphone’s built-in browser to access the menu in Smart’s mobile portal http://m.smart.com.ph/dataplan and clicking on the Off-Peak Lite link.

The Off-Peak Lite package must be purchased anytime between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. The P20 charge will be deducted from the subscriber’s prepaid credit at registration. A one-peso prepaid balance must be maintained while subscribed to the mobile Internet package.

Any amount of time exceeding the registered two-hour period will be charged Smart’s existing flat rate of P10 for every 30 minutes.

Smart was also the first mobile operator in the Philippines to offer pay-as-you-go data plans at the lowest rate of 14 centavos per minute when it offered the All Day Surf promo, which provided 12 hours of Internet access for only P100.

The contribution of mobile Internet services to Smart’s value-added and data revenues has been significantly increasing.

SMART, Negros Navigation set up first ever GSM coin payphone aboard vessel
August 16, 2009, 3:05pm
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/216116/smart-negros-navigation-set-first-ever-gsm-coin-payphone-aboard-vessel
Leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART), through its Global Access Group, partnered with Negros Navigation Co., Inc. (Nenaco) in installing the first-ever PLDT Wireless Payphone aboard passenger vessels.

“SMART aims to provide our fellow Filipinos real value for their money and a reliable communication means by mounting the PLDT Wireless Payphone not only in the mainland, but also aboard domestic vessels that provide daily transportation means to our many fellow Filipinos,” said SMART Global Access Head Tina Z. Mariano.

PLDT Wireless Payphone is the first-ever GSM coin payphone in the country that allows people to call their loved ones at an affordable rate, in areas without provisions for telephone lines — offshore and in the countryside. It is equipped with a SIM card that is powered by SMART’s nationwidest network, making it readily available to use almost anywhere in the country.

“This partnership with SMART is a privilege, as we provide safe and seamless transportation service to our clients,” said Nenaco President and Chief Operating Officer Jeremias E. Cruzabra. “SMART’s efficient and reliable communication service will provide the ideal backbone for us to successfully deliver a safe and competent transportation service,” Cruzabra added.

“We are grateful that, through SMART, Negros Navigation is the first in the shipping industry to provide Filipino travelers with a GSM coin payphone on board, offering a dependable, accessible and affordable communication means to both passengers and crew members,” said Eduardo G. dela Cruz, Nenaco Vice President for Ship Management.

Captain Henry G. Ledesma, Vessel Master of Negros Navigation M/V San Paolo, is equally happy of the newly installed PLDT Payphones on the ship. “I am happy and thankful that we now have our PLDT Payphone on the ship because I can conveniently call our home landline more often, without worrying about my cellphone load.”

“This PLDT Payphone is a big help to ship crew members like me, because we can now call our loved ones for as low as five pesos per minute only,” said Rose Sarceda, housekeeping staff of M/V San Paolo.

Like the typical PLDT public payphone, PLDT Wireless Payphone is coin-operated and follows the same operating procedure as the previous coin payphone units. Calls made with a PLDT Wireless Payphone to any landline number nationwide cost only five pesos per minute; calls to cellular phones anywhere in the country cost eight pesos on the first minute and five pesos per succeeding minute; and international direct calls to frequently called countries cost as low as 10 pesos per minute. The PLDT Wireless Payphone accepts both coins (P1, P5, and P10) and PLDT Touch and Budget Cards. The PLDT Payphone business is managed by SMART’s Global Access Group.

Good news!:cheers:

The only majority Pinoy owned telco is doing great against foreign owned Smart PLDT and Globe-TM!

Sun Cellular's revenues up sharply in 1st half

by Roderick T. dela Cruz
Manila Standard
August 17, 2009

Revenues of Sun Cellular, the wireless brand of the Gokongwei group's Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc., rose at a faster rate in the first six months of the year, eclipsing that of the two major telecom companies this year.

JG Summit Holdings Inc., the parent firm of Digitel, said its wireless business saw a 62.4-percent year-on-year growth in revenues in the first six months of the year.

This was much faster than the 2- percent growth in Globe Telecom's consolidated service revenues of P31.7 billion in the first half and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.'s revenues of P74 billion representing a 3-percent increase from a year ago.

Sun Cellular, which now boasts of 4,800 cell sites nationwide, has been investing $300 million annually for its network expansion since its was formed in 2003.

Sun Cellular accounted for 71 percent of the total revenues of Digital Telecommunications, whose combined consolidated service and non-service sales rose 35.9 percent to P6.69 billion in the first half of the year.

The wireless communications business posted a remarkable 62.4- percent improvement in its operating revenues of P4.78 billion during the six-month period ended June 30, 2009 from P2.94 billion during the same period last year, JG Summit said in a financial report.

It said net service revenues, with about 66 percent coming from unlimited services, improved substantially by 61.4 percent against reported revenues of the same period last year.

Qtel buys 24% stake in Liberty Telecom

Manila Standard
August 21, 2009

Liberty Telecom announced yesterday that Qtel West Bay Holding S.P.C. of Bahrain now owns 24.12 percent of the dormant telecom company.

Liberty said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that Qtel West Bay Holding, an affiliate of wi-tribe Asia, bought 426.8 million shares in Liberty on Aug. 11 through a special block sale at the Philippine Stock Exchange. wi-tribe Asia is also a unit of Qatar Telecom.

The shares were crossed by the Coherco securities company at the price of P3.20 per share, or for a total of P1.37 billion.

Qatar Telecom clarified that its acquisition of shares in Liberty Telecom was part of its previously reported investment in 2008 and that the recent share transfers consolidated previous share holdings.

Other shareholders in Liberty are wi-tribe Asia with 9.9 percent; White Dawn, 17 percent; and San Miguel Corp.’s Vega Telecom, 32.7 percent.

Liberty Telecom incurred a net loss of P212.46 million in the first half of 2009, up 3.36 percent from P205.55 million a year ago, resulting from increases in salaries, wages and other benefits, transportation and travel, professional, legal and service fees, and taxes and licenses partially offset by lower interest expense.

The company approved the increase in the authorized capital stock of Liberty from 2 billion shares, consisting of 1.45 billion common shares and 550,000,000 preferred shares. Roderick T. dela Cruz:)

Good news!:cheers:

The only majority Pinoy owned telco is doing great against foreign owned Smart PLDT and Globe-TM!

Congrats Sun Cellular!! Soon the Telecommunications Leader! :applause: :applause:

Who has experienced slow internet in the past few days to certain sites like youtube?

sa playlist.com ra jud............... dle muplay ila............. no prob man sa youtube..............

sa SSC nuon............... bisag nireply ra kow.............. maun hinuon sa akong gireplyan............... nabali nah............

I hope more majority owned Filipino telecom will emerged i.e Sun Cellular to fight the duopoly created by Singapore owned Globe and Indonesia owned PLDT-Smart.:bash::bash:

Easycall gets license to offer data services

THE NATIONAL Telecommunications Commission has allowed Easycall Communication Philippines, Inc. to provide a nationwide data service for health care and educational facilities.

Renato R. Martinez, Easycall general manager, said in a statement that within eight months "Easycall shall infuse an additional P10 million in paid-up capital and not through a loan, in order to make the communication network viable."

Last month, Easycall submitted a financial and market feasibility study to support its application to provide broadband services.

Easycall proposes to offer broadband services to health facilities and educational institutions nationwide, at a minimum speed of 1.5 megabits per second (mbps) to be delivered through leased lines and digital subscriber lines (DSL).

The target subscribers of the said service include 3,850 private community clinics in the country, based on the data from the Philippine Hospital Association, and the 52,921 public and private elementary and secondary schools nationwide, according to data from the Department of Education.

A wireless data service at 512 kilobits per month in connection speed will be offered for $250 per month, while the one mbps and the two mbps broadband service will be available for $500 and $800 per month, respectively, the company said in its proposal.

Capital outlay, Easycall explained, will reach P7.06 million in a period of five years.

The telecommunications firm projects sales to reach P21.5 million in the next five years, but P4.5 million in losses will be incurred in the first year. This will be narrowed to just P1.1 million in the fifth year.

Easycall reported a net income of P860,000 in the second quarter, an increase of 46%.

Revenues surged to P5.2 million from just P3.25 million in the same period last year, while expenses increased by 55% to P2.71 million. — J. F. de Guzman

People really hooked on cellphones: poll :banana:

One in four said it would be harder to replace their phone than their wallet.

SINGAPORE — Cellphone feels like a part of your body? A global survey has found that most people can’t live without their mobiles, never leave home without them and, if given a choice, would rather lose their wallet.

Calling mobile phones the "remote control" for life, market research firm Synovate’s poll said cell phones are so ubiquitous that by last year more humans owned one than did not.

Three-quarters of the more than 8,000 respondents polled online in 11 countries said they take their phone with them everywhere, with Russians and Singaporeans the most attached.

More than a third also said they couldn’t live without their phone, topped by Taiwanese and again Singaporeans, while one in four would find it harder to replace the mobile than their purse.

Some two-thirds of respondents go to bed with their phones nearby and can’t switch them off, even though they want to, because they’re afraid they’ll miss something.

"Mobiles give us safety, security and instant access to information. They are the number one tool of communication for us, sometimes even surpassing face-to-face communication. They are our connections to our lives," Jenny Chang, Synovate’s managing director in Taiwan, said in a statement.

Mobiles have also changed the nature of relationships, with the survey finding nearly half of all respondents use SMSes to flirt, a fifth set up first-dates via text and almost the same number use the same method to end a love affair.

Apart from the obvious calling and SMS-ing, the top three features people use regularly on their mobile phones globally are the alarm clock, the camera and the games.

As for e-mail and Internet access, 17% of respondents said they checked their inboxes or surfed the Web off their phones, lead by those in the US and Britain.

One in 10 respondents log onto social networking Web sites such as Facebook and MySpace regularly via mobile, again led by Britain and the US.

"As the mobile becomes more and more an all-in-one device, many other businesses are facing challenging times. The opportunities for mobile manufacturers and networks however are enormous," said Synovate’s global head of media, Steve Garton.

Not everyone is tech savvy, however; 37% of respondents said they don’t know how to use all the functions on their phone.

The Synovate mobile phones survey was conducted online in June 2009 in Canada, Denmark, France, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Britain and the US.

--------------------

Story Location: http://www.bworldonline.com/BW090809/content.php?id=091

House committee OKs 5-centavo tax on text

Telecoms, not users, to shoulder new tax
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 12:52:00 09/08/2009

Filed Under: Laws, State Budget & Taxes, Telecommunications Services

MANILA, Philippines—The House committee on ways and means on Tuesday approved a resolution imposing a five-centavo excise tax on every text message, but said this would not be passed on to the consumers.

In a hearing, Quezon Representative Danilo Suarez, the main author of the measure, stressed that the tax would be shouldered by the telecommunications companies.

He said the additional tax was expected to generate at least P20 billion annually. The amount is intended for computer literacy program of public schools students.

Speaker Prospero Nograles, in a text message, said he supported the measure but wanted an assurance that the tax would not be passed on to the country's millions of text message users.

Globe Telecom offers IDD load for OFW families

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 09/09/2009 12:23 PM



MANILA - Globe Telecom Inc. is now offering prepaid credit for international direct dialling (IDD) services to help keep Filipinos connected to their loved ones overseas.

In a statement, the second-largest telecommunications firm said it has launched its IDD Suki promo, which allows Globe prepaid subscribers to purchase IDD credit in sari-sari stores, groceries, and other load outlets.

"Since it is readily available in all your suking tindahan, there is no need to go far to avail of this IDD promo," Globe Segment Business Head for Overseas Filipino Communities Alan Supnet said.

Globe offers 2 IDD Suki packages, depending on the country where one wishes to call. IDD Suki 20 allows a user to make an IDD call to the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Singapore for 5 minutes for P20, while IDD Suki 30 provides a 3-minute call to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, or Kuwait for P30.

Aside from being readily accessible, Supnet said Globe's promo is more convenient to use since it no longer requires users to dial PIN codes and prefixes, unlike traditional IDD phone cards.

"With Globe IDD Suki, Globe prepaid subscribers can now easily call their loved ones in 8 countries at very affordable rates. Compared to other IDD promos, IDD Suki is easy to use. There is no need to dial prefixes, prepaid call numbers or PINS, or listen to a recording," he said.
as of 09/09/2009 1:29 PM

No more unlimited SMS with text tax bill
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 09/10/2009 7:11 PM
:ohno:

Telco sees bill as 'one of the worst anti-consumer legislations

MANILA - Filipinos may no longer enjoy unlimited short message services (SMS) if the proposed 5-centavo excise tax on text messages will be implemented, a mobile phone firm warned on Thursday.

Globe Telecom Inc., the country's second largest telecommunications company, scored the House Committee on Ways and Means for approving "one of the worst anti-consumer legislations ever made."

"What we have at hand is one of the worst anti-consumer legislations that, once implemented, will destroy the viability of these aggressive promos that the public today benefits from, like free and unlimited SMS. The days of unlimited and free SMS will be numbered," Globe Chief Legal Counsel and Senior Advisor Atty. Rodolfo Salalima said in a statement.

On Tuesday, the House Committee on Ways and Means approved [12] a resolution imposing a 5-centavo tax for every text message. A consolidation of house bills proposed by Ilocos Rep. Eric Singson and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, the unnumbered measure is set to be presented to the plenary for deliberation.

Several senators, however, have expressed reservations about the House version of the text tax.

Not P1 per text anymore

This revenue measure is expected to ease pressure on the gaping budget deficit. At 5-cents tax per text, the House expects at least P20 billion in additional revenues. At 10-cents, the Senate expects about P35 billion.

However, these projections are based on an assumption that the telecommunication companies are earning P1 per text message sent.

In a statement, Smart Communications said, "It comes at a time when the effective price of a text message has already significantly come down with the proliferation of bucket pricing which includes unlimited plans."

In Smart’s case, 92% of its SMS traffic is generated out of bucket-priced plans. The average price of these bucket-priced SMS traffic is effectively 11 centavos per SMS. The P0.05-tax translates into a whopping 45.5% tax per SMS, said Smart.

According to Globe, only 9% of their customer base are availing of the normal P1 cost per text message.

Due to stiff competition in the industry, Globe said about 25% of their SMS are zero-rated under bucket-priced offers.

Under some promos, the company said an SMS may even cost 10 centavos or less.

"Imposing a 5-centavo tax on a 10-centavo text is certainly oppressive and confiscatory, thus unconstitutional," Globe said.

Aside from SMS, Globe said the unnumbered measure also charges a 5-centavo tax for every multimedia messaging service (MMS) such as ringtones and images, and for every outgoing overseas dispatch, message, or conversation.

With these propositions, Salalima said the new bill will "retard investment into the telecommunications industry."

P15-B losses

In an interview with Business Nightly on ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), Rep. Suarez said that the 5-centavos text tax is likely to hit the telecommunication firms by about P15 billion. (Watch: Rep. Suarez: Telcos to suffer P15-B loss from text tax [13])

“Globe makes reasonable profit on services rendered, enough to maintain the satisfaction and support of its shareholders. If government continues to pull down margins because of excessive taxation and regulation, this will dampen the enthusiasm of investors in the industry,” Salalima said.

This is not the first time that Globe opposed the said bill. In April, the Ayala-led firm said the 5-centavo tax would only lessen [14] its ability to provide more affordable services to consumers such as unlimited texting.

Rival firm Smart Communications Inc. also opposed [15] the proposed tax on text messaging months ago, saying that it may drive investors away from the Philippines.

The measure, Smart said, may give investors the impression that the government "punishes successful commercial investments through the tax on the perceived huge revenues of SMS providers."

For its part, Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc. appealed to Congress to take into consideration the negative impact this legislation will might on consumers.

“The tax on text will be an additional burden that will adversely affect the telcos and the millions of cellphone consumers by increasing the cost of sending text messages. We are hoping that the majority of the congressmen will realize the negative impact this will have on their respective constituents who will ultimately bear this additional tax,” said Digitel vice president William Pamintuan.

Excise tax defined

Globe said excise taxes, by definition, are indirect taxes imposed on the consumption of a specified list of goods or products. Although levied on the producer or manufacturer, the phone firm said excise taxes are passed on to the end-consumer as part of the selling price.

“Every producer or manufacturer who is subject to excise tax passes the tax on to the end-consumer as part of the selling price of goods sold. That is the nature of an excise tax," Salalima said, adding that the excise tax will also raise the amount of value-added tax payable by the consumer.

The tax on text bill's proponents (Singson and Suarez) have already assured that there will be a no pass-on [16] provision in the legislation, a condition which their Senate counterparts would like to keep.

Salalima argued, however, that it would be unconstitutional to prevent telcos from passing the tax on to consumers.

"In many decisions of the Supreme Court, (it) has upheld that all taxes are passable to the consumers, except the income tax. So why single out the telcos from doing the same? There is no legal basis for making such a distinction in the case of the telecommunications industry," he said.

Suarez earlier said that the additional tax from SMS is expected to generate at least P20 billion [12] a year. These, he said, will be used to fund the government's information technology (IT) and computer literacy programs.

"If they'll understand the full intention of the bill, then maybe they won't oppose it. But if they'll look at a possible revenue loss (for telcos), they'll go to court," Suarez said in a phone interview at ANC's "On the Scene" newscast on Tuesday.

Metering device

Globe also scored the proposal to procure metering devices to monitor revenues of telecommunications firms, saying that it is a "redundant" and "unnecessary government expenditure."

The text tax bill contains provisions from Suarez' House Resolution 282, which seeks to install [12] metering devices to monitor telco revenues such as text messages and interconnection fees.

"The proposed metering device as we understand it can only record the absolute number of telecommunications transactions passing through a network, but will not tell you how much earnings is priced for purposes of calculating revenues. The metering device cannot determine and discriminate which SMS have prices versus the free and unlimited SMS," Salalima said.

Aside from this, Salalima said Globe already has its own systems to measure traffic and revenue, which the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) can have access to if it wants to do an audit.

"The BIR is already authorized under existing laws to examine the books and records of telco operators. Just like other taxpayers,' the telcos' books and records are open for audit and verification," he said.

If anything, Salalima said the metering devices will pose a danger to subscribers' privacy.

“Certainly there will be components to the envisaged metering system that will be physically situated outside the control of telcos, exacerbating the danger that private data on a consumer’s life and lifestyle can be captured and housed where they may fall prey to public intrusion," he said. - with a report from Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News

Telcos say tax on text 'anti-poor'
By Mary Ann Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated September 11, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s two largest mobile telecommunications companies assailed yesterday a House panel’s approval of taxing text messages and other services, saying consumers would bear the brunt of the measure’s impact.

Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom raised the warning in reaction to the House ways and means committee’s approval of a measure imposing a five-centavo tax on every text message sent.

The consolidated bills approved by the committee also allow the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to acquire a metering device or portal, which will interconnect the NTC, the Bureau of Internal Revenue and other agencies with mobile phone service providers.

“The proposed tax on SMS or text is objectionable because it will constitute a big burden on consumers and it comes at a time when the effective price of a text message has already significantly come down with the proliferation of bucket pricing which includes unlimited plans,” Smart said in a statement.

Smart said bucket-priced SMS plans, which include the so-called unlimited plans, are the “basic communication needs of the country’s lowest income earners.”

It said the average price of bucket-priced text message is 11 centavos per SMS and the proposed five-centavo tax translates to “whopping 45.5 percent tax per SMS.” Bucket-priced plans comprise 92 percent of Smart Group’s SMS traffic, the statement said.

“SMS in this country, more than anywhere else in the world, has evolved into a basic and very affordable communications tool,” the statement read.

“However, the imposition of the tax on SMS will destroy and obliterate the bucket-priced SMS plans since the tax is imposed on each SMS,” Smart said.

“Consumers therefore can no longer expect to see bucket-priced plans, including the very popular unlimited text plans, if and when the SMS tax is imposed,” it added.

“SMS will revert to standard pricing which will not serve the needs of low income earners.”

Smart also expressed concern over the proposed setting up of metering device or portal.

“The capability of this ‘metering device’ or ‘portal’ to allow messages to be stored, retrieved, viewed, and read sends a serious chilling effect on the constitutional right to privacy of every individual,” Globe said.

“The technological capability of these ‘probes’ should be extensively examined and scrutinized since this capability can be abused,” Smart pointed out.

Smart said there is no need for such “portal” because the BIR has enough monitoring capabilities.

For its part, Globe Telecom said “imposing a five-centavo tax on a 10-centavo text is certainly oppressive and confiscatory thus unconstitutional.”

“Effectively, 25 percent of all SMS handled by Globe are either free or effectively zero-rated under unlimited or other offers; and only nine percent are rated at P1 per text. The balance is priced on average at about only 23 centavos per text. A new tax will make these low prices unsustainable,” Globe said.

“Consumers can bid farewell to today’s highly affordable and widely available mobile telephony that we have come to embrace,” Globe chief legal counsel Rodolfo Salalima warned.

Salalima said telcos have no recourse but to pass on the tax to consumers because a “no pass-on” provision is a violation of the equal protection clause in the Constitution.

“Globe makes reasonable profit on services rendered, enough to maintain the satisfaction and support of its shareholders. If government continues to pull down margins because of excessive taxation and regulation, this will dampen the enthusiasm of investors in the industry,” he said.

Globe also said the proposed metering device is an intrusion into the privacy of subscribers.

“With the metering device being maintained by third parties, there is every possibility that privileged and sensitive information that can be extracted using probes on which these metering devices operate can be made available to third parties, which unduly risks invasion of the consumers’ inherent and constitutional right to privacy,” Globe said.

Okay, but…

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Edgardo Angara said they are open to imposing tax on texts provided consumers are not burdened.

“My proposal, which I broached during the last Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council in Malacañang, was for the telcos to first reduce their current rates before any text tax can be imposed so that we guarantee that the tax burden will not fall on the shoulders of consumers,” Enrile said.

“For example, the current P1 per text rate can be reduced to 80 centavos and government can get a 10 percent tax on that rate. That way, after the tax, telcos still collect 72 centavos per text message,” he said.

“It will be fair because it ensures that the tax burden will not be passed on to the consumers,” he pointed out.

He noted that the measure would result in an “indirect tax on consumers.”

“I myself will vote against it if the interest of the texting public will be prejudiced,” he said.

In Legazpi City, Angara said the telcos should not pass on the tax to subscribers.

“We are not supposed to worry about this five centavos tax per text message because the proposed law prohibits these telcos from passing it to consumers. And since they are public utilities issued franchise by the government, they are bound to follow the law,” Angara told The STAR.

Angara was in Legazpi for a dialogue with officials and students of Bicol University.

The lawmaker said telcos should share with the government a small fraction of their high income from texting.

“They are gaining so much profit. They can afford to pay advertisements and support promos. So they should also share a few centavos so that the government could implement more social services,” Angara explained.

He said the projected P75-billion annual revenue from the measure could greatly help improve public health services.

But President Arroyo’s economic adviser and Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the proposed tax was a “bad economic and social policy.”

“First, text is already subjected to 12 percent VAT and 30 percent income tax. There is no compelling reason to tax it more than other products. Unlike alcohol and cigarettes, there is no consumptive logic, i.e. welfare increases by penalizing and reducing its usage,” Salceda said in a text message to The STAR.

He said the measure “will increase the cost of text packages patronized by ordinary Filipinos by 50 percent since the average is only 10 centavos.”

“I will recommend to President Arroyo to reject it,” he said.

Protests

Opposition leader and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay said the administration should improve the campaign against smuggling or utilize President Arroyo’s huge pork barrel funds instead of imposing tax on text messages to improve the country’s public educational system.

“Malacañang is taking the easy route by taxing text messages, but by doing so it is again displaying insensitivity and disregard to public welfare,” Binay said.

“The revenue lost to smuggling and to loopholes in tax collection would be enough to meet the goal of improving the state of education, which has been cited as the objective behind the tax on text messages,” Binay said

“Mrs. Arroyo enjoys billions in pork barrel funds. Why not do the right thing for once and use it to improve basic services like education instead of using the funds to buy political support?” Binay asked.

Filipino workers abroad have expressed strong opposition to the proposed tax on text.

Susan Ople, president of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, said various OFW groups have a common position against the tax per text message proposal.

“Even if there is a ‘no pass-on’ provision in the law, the five-centavo levy will inevitably be shouldered by the consumers, and once you impose a tax, just like in the case of the VAT Law, it will only go up as the need for more revenues rises,” she pointed out.

“In less than a year, we shall have a new president who will also form a financial and economic team. It is but prudent that we await this turnover of leadership so that any fiscal and economic reforms can be part of a new vision for the country,” she said. With Mayen Jaymalin, Cet Dematera, Jose Rodel Clapano

^^^ wala namang angal ang sun cellular eh haha.. di naman pinoy owned yun globe at smart sabi ni jpdm... hayaan niyo na silang malugi.

those f***ing telcos would have not introduced the unlimited SMS anyway if was'nt for the pressure that sun has given them.

^ lol. nanonood ka ba ng news? lawyer ng sun at globe yung nagreklamo. Kung hahayaan mong malugi yung mga companya gaya ng sinabi mo, hindi ba kababayan rin natin ang mawawalan ng trabaho, think!

tingin ko hindi ikalugi ng mga telco ang text tax. ang laki kaya ng nakuha nila sa akin mga load na hindi ko nagagamit:D sa akin pa lang yun, yung iba pa:D

^ donate mo nalang yun, marami ka namang pera. hehehe

ayun na nga nadonate na:D kahit wala akong pera, automatic yan:D

Ano ang mangyayari pag nangyari na ang text tax na iyan? Sa tingin ko, maapektuhan talaga ang paggamit ng cellphone ng mamamayan at malaki ang mababawas ng mga nagpapa-e-load. Yung mga unlimited text na iyan at kung ano anong promo, magiging free text na lang at pag naubos na ang free text, ung load madaling mauubos kasi sa bawat text meron na kaltas. In turn, pag humina na ang texting ng mamamayan, marami ring mga nagtatrabaho na malalagas sa mga kompanya ng telcos at ung mga nagpapa-eload, mababawasan ang kita dahil hihina ang benta sa eloading.

Eto lang masasabi ko sa mga gumawa ng bill na yan: PAKI SURE LANG PO NA SA KABAN TALAGA NG BAYAN MAPUPUNTA ANG .5 sentimos NA TAX.

^ lol. nanonood ka ba ng news? lawyer ng sun at globe yung nagreklamo. Kung hahayaan mong malugi yung mga companya gaya ng sinabi mo, hindi ba kababayan rin natin ang mawawalan ng trabaho, think!

Di ako nanonood ng TV... binasa ko lang yung article sa taas.

There will always be demand for communication. The fall of one technology is always the rise of another. They should improve our internet technology and make it faster and cheaper (our internet tech is way behind our neighbors)

Di ako nanonood ng TV... binasa ko lang yung article sa taas.

There will always be demand for communication. The fall of one technology is always the rise of another. They should improve our internet technology and make it faster and cheaper (our internet tech is way behind our neighbors)

Tama ka jan mas maganda nga palawigin ang internet d2 sa pinas, specially sa mga wifi and wimax access, you can use IP phone sa mga access point at possible pa na maging unlimited call pa yan. May natiktikan din akong balita na ang right of way ng PNR at North Rail ay lalagyan ng mga Fiber Optics cable for internet access, panalo yun sigurado bilis ng connection nun. Sa UP pa lng ako nakarinig na may Fiber Optics Networking.:lol:

Nakakainis itong mga companies na ayaw ng tax sa text tapos sinasabi pa na anti-poor daw. Eh sila nga anti-poor. Yung dapat na libreng service na SMS eh ginagatasan pa nila. Kung kaya nila magbigay ng hanggang 21st month pay via profit sharing, ibig sabihin lang eh sobra sobra na ang nakukuha nilang profit.

regular SMS

1.12kb = 1 peso (140 char SMS = 1120kb of data)

Unlimited text

1.12kb = 0.00023 peso (assuming you could text an SMS message every second of your day)

Bayan Internet (768kbps, 899peso)

768Kb = 0.00035 peso (899p / 30d / 24h / 60m / 60s)

Japanese Internet (50Mb/s, $35)

50Mb = 0.00066 peso

Nakakainis itong mga companies na ayaw ng tax sa text tapos sinasabi pa na anti-poor daw. Eh sila nga anti-poor. Yung dapat na libreng service na SMS eh ginagatasan pa nila. Kung kaya nila magbigay ng hanggang 21st month pay via profit sharing, ibig sabihin lang eh sobra sobra na ang nakukuha nilang profit.

Agree here.:)

Nakakainis itong mga companies na ayaw ng tax sa text tapos sinasabi pa na anti-poor daw. Eh sila nga anti-poor. Yung dapat na libreng service na SMS eh ginagatasan pa nila. Kung kaya nila magbigay ng hanggang 21st month pay via profit sharing, ibig sabihin lang eh sobra sobra na ang nakukuha nilang profit.

bakit hindi nalang habolin ng gov't yung mga company na hindi nagbabayad ng tax, base sa nabasa ko number 1 tax payer ang smart sa bir here (http://smart.com.ph/corporate/newsroom/SmartBIR.htm). Halos lahat nalang gusto ng gobyerno may tax.

need kc natin ng Tax ehh para sa services at saka dapat tlaga may tax yang text lagi na lang sila nagnanakaw ng load!

Any news on SMC-Extelcom deal?

Administration lawmaker bucks excise tax on text
By Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star) Updated September 17, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - A senior administration lawmaker has joined Speaker Prospero Nograles in opposing the tax on text, saying the measure would only be an added burden to Filipinos already suffering from the economic slowdown.

“Forget about an excise tax on texting! Text messaging is not tobacco. It is not alcohol. It’s the bridge between Bacolod and Manila, now affordably traversed by Juan and (his daughter) Jenny. I will not make texting any less affordable,” said Rep. Monico Puentevella.

The Bacolod congressman said imposing a new tax, even if it’s only five centavos, is untimely and “will prejudice” the country’s 70 million texters.

“These are not 70 million rich people blessed with an inexhaustible supply of wealth; rather, a great majority of them live under harsh conditions and whose only consolation is texting,” Puentevella said in his privilege speech.

“No amount of legislative power can force the telcos to offer text promotions at a price that cannot be sustained,” he said.

“Government cannot force these telcos to operate below cost; telcos will not operate at a loss, and it would be unreasonable to have them do so,” he added.

Puentevella, chairman of the House committee on transportation and communication, also complained that “the subject tax on text proposal will toll the death knell of unlimited text offers, which will prejudice the 70 million texters in this text-happy country.”

“Are we in Congress so unseeing and numb of the plight of the ordinary Filipino that we could induce a price increase in a basic commodity like text in these difficult times?” he asked.

“Please do consider that while a few more centavos may not mean much to you and me, Juan dela Cruz will be deprived of a hard day’s sliver of hope and happiness because of the very same few centavos,” Puentevella said.

“In these times of great economic difficulty, when every centavo makes a difference, it is cruel and unconscionable to put forth any proposal that seeks to bilk any more money from the Filipino consumer,” he said.

In a statement, Nograles said he will discuss the proposed tax on text with Antique Rep. Exequiel Javier, chairman of the House committee on ways and means, and seek assurance that there will be no increase in every P1 short messaging system.

“We will not allow any such additional taxes on the shoulders of the public,” Nograles said. He assured that any move to raise revenues to support the national government’s development programs should not be burdensome to the tax-paying public.

“It’s very clear that based on our previous hearings, there is no need to increase cost on the SMS service of our telecommunications because the P1 per text that is being charged from the consumers is more than enough to cover the five centavo tax for each text,” he said.

“It is my position that the proposed additional tax on text will be borne by the service providers and that the consumers will not be paying additional costs for texting,” the Speaker added.

“There will be no additional cost on texting. So instead of cutting down on the cost of texting, telcos should allocate at least 20 percent of their profits to a trust fund for education and health care,” Nograles proposed.

Javier earlier hinted at his committee’s preference for tax on text over raising taxes on alcohol and cigarettes.

He said the current tax rates on alcohol and tobacco have pulled down their sales by as much as 30 percent.

Revenue officials have noted significant drop in the sales of the so-called sin taxes after the adjustment in the tax rates.

^^^^

text should be taxed by the government. Users should not fight for the responsibilities accrued to the telco firms.

Telcos as a matter of fact are earning billions on text alone. If ordinary wage earners are taxed despite their meager salaries, why not the billions of telcos.

Dapat yung against dyan sa tax na yan pag-aralan munang mabuti.

Besides, the proposed law prohibits the telco to pass the responsibility to the users.

need kc natin ng Tax ehh para sa services at saka dapat tlaga may tax yang text lagi na lang sila nagnanakaw ng load!

Ang hirap nyan ninanakaw pa nila yun load na maliliit na tao para d halata...:bash: Nakakainis...

^^^^

text should be taxed by the government. Users should not fight for the responsibilities accrued to the telco firms.

Telcos as a matter of fact are earning billions on text alone. If ordinary wage earners are taxed despite their meager salaries, why not the billions of telcos.

Dapat yung against dyan sa tax na yan pag-aralan munang mabuti.

Besides, the proposed law prohibits the telco to pass the responsibility to the users.

tama Telco naman talaga dapat. Libre nga lang dapat ang text, pero pinagbayad nila mga subscriber, kaya dapat hati-an nila gobyerno sa kinita nila.:):)

Stumbled upon this today...

http://i339.photobucket.com/albums/n468/markyapphotography/SUPERunli.jpg

Globe Tattoo gives you Super-Unli. Enjoy unlimited texting AND calling to Globe/TM for only P150 for 5 days. Now you're free to connect non-stop with friends, anytime and anyway you want to because it is complete with unlimited texting and calling.

It's so easy to subscribe to Super-Unli! Simply text SUPER150 to 2824, and you'll enjoy unlimited texts to Globe / TM for 5 days. To make unlimited calls, change the 0 to 238 at the start of the Globe / TM number you are calling (eg 238917xxxxxxx).

Available for Globe Prepaid, Tattoo Prepaid and Postpaid subscribers


*Promo period from September 19 - October 18, 2009. Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 4858, Series of 2009.

http://site.globe.com.ph/web/guest/super-unli?sid=1253352444348

:nuts:tama Telco naman talaga dapat. Libre nga lang dapat ang text, pero pinagbayad nila mga subscriber, kaya dapat hati-an nila gobyerno sa kinita nila.:):)

I think you also have to consider the infrastructure maintenance and roll-out of the various telcos. Yes, text is a Value-Added-Service to the current infrastracture, but you also have to take into account the amount telcos spends to put up, upgrade and roll-out new facilities. If they rely plainly on voice usage, I don't think that the Philippines will have this much mobile coverage. I have a friend who works for one of the telcos, and he tells me that operations require huge investments, even for the upkeep of the current infrastracture, and it is only through text that telcos earn since generally Filipinos would rather text then call. So if text were to be free, I dont think telcos can offer the level of service they have today.

Plus, now telcos are compelled to deliver SMS on-time coz if it was for free, this would clog up their system due to the sheer volume of text messages passing through their system. SMS then would be delayed and they would be in no obligation to deliver your SMS on-time since it is free anyway. And as I have read in the business section, even if you say telcos earns billions, this is not enough for their expansion and upgrade as I read several times that telcos even have to borrow internally and externally to fund their capital expenditure.

Stumbled upon this today...



Globe Tattoo gives you Super-Unli. Enjoy unlimited texting AND calling to Globe/TM for only P150 for 5 days. Now you're free to connect non-stop with friends, anytime and anyway you want to because it is complete with unlimited texting and calling.

It's so easy to subscribe to Super-Unli! Simply text SUPER150 to 2824, and you'll enjoy unlimited texts to Globe / TM for 5 days. To make unlimited calls, change the 0 to 238 at the start of the Globe / TM number you are calling (eg 238917xxxxxxx).

Available for Globe Prepaid, Tattoo Prepaid and Postpaid subscribers


*Promo period from September 19 - October 18, 2009. Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 4858, Series of 2009.

http://site.globe.com.ph/web/guest/super-unli?sid=1253352444348

haha.. kc ang SMART di na rin pang-unlicall.. the SMARTalk now comes along with unlitext na rin... bat the Unli call is only valid from 10pm to 5pm the next day. :P

haha.. kc ang SMART di na rin pang-unlicall.. the SMARTalk now comes along with unlitext na rin... bat the Unli call is only valid from 10pm to 5pm the next day. :P

tried smart's smartalk. I hate it when it could not get through during peak hours. mas priority pa rin nila ang regular rate calls.:ohno:

NTC won't revoke BellTel's wireless frequency assignment (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=507429&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes

MANILA, Philippines - The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has dismissed an administrative case seeking to revoke the wireless local loop frequency assigned to Bell Telecommunication Philippines Inc. (BellTel).

The NTC said BellTel has not violated the provisions of NTC memorandum circular 3-3-96 for in-operation and not using the frequencies that were assigned to the company.

BellTel was assigned the frequencies in 1998 within the 1710-1720 and 1805-1815 MHz band to set up a wireless local loop which is a wireless communications link for traditional telephone service.

In August 1999, BellTel sought and received a permit to buy radio equipment from Airspan, which were delivered in October 2001, and asked for construction permit from the NTC’s Frequency Management Division (FMD) in December 2003 to put up two stations in Makati and Biñan, Laguna.

However, the FMD said it did not approve BellTel’s application after noting that the equipment it bought does not support operating within the 1710-1720/1805-1815 MHz band and those frequencies were already candidates for recall.

The FMD added that while BellTel was granted permit for the operation of 87 stations all over the country, it sought to put up two stations only — and Makati was not even included in its original list of proposed stations.

According to the FMD, BellTel’s permit to purchase equipment carries with it conditions that include the cancellation of the permit and the recall of the proposed frequencies for failure to file applications for construction permits.

It noted that BellTel’s frequencies were thus included in the list of candidates for recall since it sought permits for only two stations and did not apply for permits for the remaining 86 stations (since Makati was not in the original list).

NTC MC 3-3-36 also provided that assigned radio frequencies unused for at least one year from the date of issuance of permits and licenses shall be recalled after service of notice in writing.

Because of this provision, the FMD had decided that the proposed frequencies for the remaining 86 stations may be recalled as they have been unused since 1998 when BellTel’s permit to purchase was issued.

The FMD also said BellTel failed to pay its spectrum user fees (SUF) and MC 10-10-97 provides that frequencies assigned to defaulting carriers must be transferred to other duly authorized carriers.

It also pointed out the BellTel’s WLL frequency allocations are on shared basis only and were not assigned exclusively.

However, the NTC’s common carrier authorization department said BellTel should first have been ordered to explain why the equipment it bought were not suitable for its proposed frequencies.

The CCAD added that the FMD should have first allowed BellTel to put up its first two stations and then moved to recall the frequencies only if it had not expanded and installed the other 85 or 86 stations.

It said BellTel should also be asked to show proof of payment of its SUF.

NTC urged to reallocate idle Belltel frequencies (http://www.tribune.net.ph/business/20090925bus9.html)

09/25/2009

Trans Digital Excel Inc. (TDE), the majority shareholder of Express Telecommunications Co. Inc. had urged the National Telecom-munications Commission (NTC) to reallocate the frequencies assigned to Bell Telecommunications Philippines after it released a decision not to recall the frequencies which have not been used for 11 years.

Plaridel Bohol II, TDE counsel, pointed out that such scarce resource should not be left idle and should instead be reallocated for use by cellular mobile telecommunications system since there are not enough frequencies for this popular service.

"Belltel’s assigned frequencies in 1998 within the 1710-1720 and 1805-1815 MHz band is for a wireless local loop which has been rendered virtually obsolete by current technology and should thus be put to different use," said Bohol.

He noted that Belltel had intended, but never even purchased suitable equipment, for only two local stations in Makati and Biñan, Laguna 11 years after being assigned the frequency.

"Why should the frequency be held hostage by a company with little or no plan to use it when it can be put to much better use by others for GSM," said Bohol, adding that, this way, the frequencies will be optimally utilized nationwide instead of the local reach of two small stations.

He said the frequency band 1710-1720/1805-1815 MHz has been identified by the ITU as a suitable frequency for GSM and a considerable majority of countries have allocated, and are in fact using, the 1710-1720/1805-1815 MHz band for CMTS.

"This means that the CMTS technology platforms operating on this band have attained considerable maturity that it is now possible to deploy a CMTS network on the said frequency," said Bohol.

Aside from this, Bohol said a CMTS reallocation will earn the government significantly more of the much-needed revenues in the form of spectrum user fees, said Bohol, noting that Belltel still has unpaid SUF.

Bohol cited NTC decision which stated that its own Frequency Management Division wanted to recall Belltel’s frequencies for not seeking construction permits in 11 years for almost all of the 87 stations it was supposed to put up when NTC rules provide that the frequencies be recalled if not used within one year.

The FMD included Belltel’s frequencies on the list of candidates for recall following an order by then Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza to make an inventory of frequencies and recall those that are being "hoarded," because they remain unused or under-utilized by companies that only wish to speculate and make a quick profit.

Following this order, the FMD had listed for recall, among others, Belltel’s frequencies for WLL which it said can be used for 2G CMTS.

Belltel was ordered by the NTC to show cause why its frequencies should not be recalled since it is not in operation. An administrative case was eventually filed against Belltel for the recall of its frequencies.

Global mobile phone group funds Smart move to serve remote areas (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=508238&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann LL. Reyes

MANILA, Philippines - The GSM Association (GSMA), the global trade association of mobile phone operators, has provided Smart Communications Inc. with funding assistance to enable the company deliver mobile commerce solutions to remote rural communities in the country.

As the only Philippine telco and one of four global operators to receive the Mobile Money for the Unbanked (MMU) fund, Smart will channel the fund to roll out its Island Activations Program in areas that have limited or no access to financial services.

The other international operators which will receive similar MMU grants are AXIS in Indonesia, Oi in Brazil and Roshan in Afghanistan.

In 2008, Smart completed a successful pilot test of the Island Activations Program in Polillo Island, Quezon when the island’s financial channels were cut off. The only rural bank had gone bankrupt, while the telegraphic transfer center ceased operations. The nearest bank was three hours away by boat. Smart, together with the local cooperative, RHUDARDA Multi-Purpose Cooperative (RMPC), established a Smart Money Center, allowing island residents to perform mobile money transfers through their Smart mobile phones. The solution also enabled people to perform e-load purchases, bill and utility payments and other micro purchases, all through a few clicks on the mobile phone.

The Island Activations Program aims to maximize opportunities for island-based micro-finance institutions (MFIs), enabling them to deliver mobile commerce to expanded markets. The program will be replicated in 40 other islands in the remote parts of the Philippines. Its implementation will be in partnership with Seed Finance, a credit provider to MFIs and small enterprises, and several other MFI network organizations like MFI Councils in Mindanao, Caraga and Bicol.

“As the country’s leading wireless services provider, we are in a unique position to build ecosystems that are enabled by Smart products and services,” Smart president Napoleon Nazareno said.

He added that such ecosystems can bring exceptional benefits to their MFI partners and to the country’s poor and underserved communities, and can help uplift the lives of many people.

GSMA director Gavin Krugelo said these programs will not only provide mobile money services to the unbanked, but will also have the ability to enhance the way whole communities live and carry out business by helping them achieve stability, economic growth and fostering entrepreneurial opportunities.

“I am delighted to be working with these and other pioneering companies as we continue to strive to build financial security and an identity for the most disadvantaged in our society and work towards our goal of reaching 20 million unbanked people with mobile services by 2012,” he said.

For his part, Smart chief wireless advisor Orlando Vea pointed out that the Island Activations Program will enable them to help spur economic growth and create entrepreneurial opportunities for poor, unserved and underserved communities.

NTC revives proposal to register SIM cards (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=508245&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann LL. Reyes

MANILA, Philippines - The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is reviving its earlier proposal to register subscriber identity module (SIM) cards as a way to fight text messaging scams.

According to NTC Deputy Commissioner Douglas Mallilin, most complaints filed at the agency are text messaging scams. For the first eight months of the year, Mallilin said the NTC has received some 818 consumer complaints.

Mallilin said the NTC is unable to trace those who send text messaging scams since SIM cards are not registered to any specific user. As a result, he said all the NTC can do is block mobile phone units sending unsolicited text messages.

Telecommunications firms have earlier showed opposition towards SIM registration, arguing that such a move would entail higher costs for the company. Sun Cellular, in particular, said such costs would be eventually passed on to consumers.

For its part, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that SIM registration is not the only way to monitor text messaging scams. For instance, DTI said consumers can check for DTI’s promotional IDs in such promos if these are valid or not.

The promo IDs, DTI said, can be accessed via DTI’s official website.

DTI added that mobile phone users should also be wary of text messages that require them to give money before getting their price since legitimate promos usually send letters and formal communication to winners.

The bill on SIM card registration is still pending at the Lower House and the Senate. There is also an injunction, or a form of prohibition, for the implementation of the said measure.

Specifically, mobile phone firms obtained a temporary restraining order on the said directive from the Quezon City Regional Trial Court in November 2000.

NTC urged to recall BellTel frequency (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=508241&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann LL. Reyes

MANILA, Philippines - Trans Digital Excel Inc. (TDE), the majority shareholder of Express Telecommunications Co. Inc., has urged the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to recall the frequencies assigned to Bell Telecommunications Philippines and to reallocate them for cellular mobile telephone service (CMTS) use.

The NTC earlier dismissed an administrative case filed for the revocation of the wireless local loop frequency assigned to BellTel as recommended by the agency’s Frequency Management Division (FMD).

BellTel was assigned the frequencies in 1998 within the 1710-1720 and 1805-1815 MHz band to set up a wireless local loop, a wireless communications link for the traditional telephone service. TDE, however, pointed out that the frequencies have not been used by the company for the past 11 years.

TDE legal counsel Plaridel Bohol II pointed out that such scarce resource should not be left idle and should instead be reallocated for use by cellular mobile telecommunications system since there are not enough frequencies for this popular service.

“BellTel’s assigned frequencies in 1998 is for a wireless local loop which has been rendered virtually obsolete by current technology and should thus be put to different use,” Bohol said.

He noted that BellTel had intended, but never even purchased suitable equipment for only two local stations in Makati and Biñan, Laguna 11 years after being assigned the frequency.

“Why should the frequency be held hostage by a company with little or no plan to use it when it can be put to much better use by others for GSM,” Bohol said, adding that, this way, the frequencies will be optimally utilized nationwide instead of the local reach of two small stations.

He said the frequency band 1710-1720/1805-1815 MHz has been identified by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as a suitable frequency for GSM and a considerable majority of countries have allocated, and are, in fact, using the 1710-1720/1805-1815 MHz band for CMTS.

“This means that the CMTS technology platforms operating on this band have attained considerable maturity that it is now possible to deploy a CMTS network on the said frequency,” he pointed out.

Bohol said a CMTS reallocation will earn the government significantly more of the much-needed revenues in the form of spectrum user fees (SUF), noting that BellTel still has unpaid SUF.

NTC’s FMD wanted to recall BellTel’s frequencies for not seeking construction permits for 11 years for almost all of the 87 stations it was supposed to put up when NTC rules provide that the frequencies be recalled if not used within one year.

The FMD included BellTel’s frequencies in the list of candidates for recall following an order by then Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza to make an inventory of frequencies and recall those that are being “hoarded,” because they remain unused or under-utilized by companies that only wish to speculate and make a quick profit.

Instead of being a mere slave of foreigners, specifically, Indonesia's First Pacific, he should be the owner himself. Sayang galing nya. I hope this article is true.


MVP as controlling stockholder

Written by Emeterio Sd. Perez / By the rule
Monday, 28 September 2009 19:19
Business Mirror

IS Manuel V. Pangilinan leaving the chairmanship of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), Pilipino Telephone Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which are all listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange and controlled by First Pacific Co. Ltd. of Hong Kong? In making a major shift in the corporate role he plays, it appears he would much prefer to become a controlling stockholder in a public utility, a most dramatic change that Philippine business would witness. He is one of the highest-paid chairmen of listed companies, one of which PLDT granted its highest-paid executives an estimated P50-million bonus in 2008.

As to what Pangilinan would do next after he has tangled with San Miguel Corp. in buying into Manila Electric Co. remains unpredictable. But a document shows he has something more than fighting for control of local companies for First Pacific. In what could be a drastic reversal of roles, First Pacific, his employer, will play second fiddle to him when a plan conceived in 2007 is finally implemented. From being a top but highly-paid executive, Pangilinan is moving from the top—as chairman of a number of companies—to the top, as majority stockholder. If this happens, the question is, will he leave the chairmanship of PLDT and units Smart and Piltel and Metro Pacific?

Perhaps it would be unfair to preempt Pangilinan on what his corporate move would be. But would it be safe to assume that MVP, as he is more popularly known to close associates and even the public, may remain as chairman of First Pacific-controlled companies? After all, since he is responsible for the expansion of First Pacific’s presence in the Philippines, why should he not continue charting the growth of local units of the Indonesian-owned and controlled conglomerate, be it through takeovers, mergers or acquisitions?

****

HERE is how MVP’s new role may take shape: It seems everything has been planned carefully. First: A document draws the change in—or better still the additional—corporate role Pangilinan plans to take. This document is among the hundred of thousands of corporate files stored in the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It is dated sometime in November 2007—more than 16 months after MVP turned 60 in July that year—and lists Pangilinan as owner of 60 percent of outstanding capital stock of what in 2007 was a proposed public utility, with First Pacific holding the minority stake of 40 percent. The planned holding company with Pangilinan as controlling ownership is not a secret because the SEC has made available the document on the company’s equity makeup in its website (sec.gov.ph) in the name of transparency.

In a plan conceived in 2007, Pangilinan would end up the majority stockholder of the holding company, which was identified only as HoldCo, after dissecting through layers and layers of corporate ownerships. First layer: Pilipinas First Transmission Holdings Corp. owns 60 percent of Two Rivers Pacific Holdings Corp., which, in turn, would own 60 percent of the outstanding capital stock if HoldCo. This ownership distribution would make HoldCo “a Philippine national” qualified to own 100 percent of the outstanding capital stock of another company, identified only as “concessionaire,” which would serve as the final corporate vehicle to own 100 percent of a power utility.

****

HOW would the corporate stockholders in these layers of ownerships end up being Filipino-owned-and-controlled corporations?

Here is how the SEC defined the equity relationships based on a legal opinion signed by Vernette G. Umali-Paco, SEC general counsel: Pilipinas First’s 60-percent ownership would make Two Rivers “a Philippine national” because, according to a legal opinion issued by the SEC, Pilipinas First is controlled by Pangilinan with 60 percent, consisting of 29.4-percent ownership of Preferred Participating shares and 30.6 percent held by Philippine Pacific First Transmission Management Corp., a company which the SEC says Pangilinan also owns. The balance of 40 percent is held by First Pacific as the minority stockholder. “Moreover, Pilipinas First can be said to be a Filipino-owned corporation since 60 percent of its outstanding capital stock is held by a Philippine National, Manny Pangilinan, who is entitled to elect a majority vote of the board of directors,” the SEC said in a legal opinion it issued in 2007 suggesting that Pangilinan also owns or controls Philippine Pacific First.

Back to Two Rivers. It was important for the SEC to pass on the legality of the ownership composition of all these companies because Two Rivers, with Pangilinan as controlling stockholder, would own 60 percent of HoldCo, while Terna Rette Elettrica Nazionale S.p.A of Italy would hold 40 percent. In deciding that the ownership composition of the Two Rivers-Terna Rete would be in accordance with the constitutional requirements, the SEC said the 60-percent requirement is intended “to insure that corporations and associations allowed to operate a public utility shall be controlled by Filipinos.”

****

IN defining ownership composition, the SEC said, Filipinos should not only control 60 percent of the outstanding capital stock of a corporation that would own a public utility. “It is imperative that beneficial ownership must ultimately be in the hands of Filipinos,” the SEC said as a stern warning against the use of dummies to circumvent the constitutional 60-percent ownership in a public utility. “Any attempt to defeat the same shall be meted out the sanctions under applicable laws and rules and regulations.”

The legal opinion on the Pangilinan-led public utility venture on a query posed by lawyer Amado M. Santiago Jr. is only one of four the SEC promulgated in November 2007. The other consortiums that sought the SEC’s approval on their ownership compositions were Andre Navato Jr. of Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz for Citadel Holdings; Rafael C. Bueno Jr. for San Miguel Energy Corp.; and Peter D.A. Barot of Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos for Monte Oro Grid.

Was it also a coincidence that the SEC came out with its legal opinion on the same day—November 28, 2007—in response to all four queries, which were a few days after each other? Bueno filed its query on November 7; Barot on November 16; Santiago on November 20; and Navato on November 21.

:nuts:

I think you also have to consider the infrastructure maintenance and roll-out of the various telcos. Yes, text is a Value-Added-Service to the current infrastracture, but you also have to take into account the amount telcos spends to put up, upgrade and roll-out new facilities. If they rely plainly on voice usage, I don't think that the Philippines will have this much mobile coverage. I have a friend who works for one of the telcos, and he tells me that operations require huge investments, even for the upkeep of the current infrastracture, and it is only through text that telcos earn since generally Filipinos would rather text then call. So if text were to be free, I dont think telcos can offer the level of service they have today.

Plus, now telcos are compelled to deliver SMS on-time coz if it was for free, this would clog up their system due to the sheer volume of text messages passing through their system. SMS then would be delayed and they would be in no obligation to deliver your SMS on-time since it is free anyway. And as I have read in the business section, even if you say telcos earns billions, this is not enough for their expansion and upgrade as I read several times that telcos even have to borrow internally and externally to fund their capital expenditure.

Agree. Don't you know that Telecoms industry is so heavily taxed already? Regarding the huge income from SMS that the government is pinpointing, before the Telcos would realize such income requires very huge amount of investments running into hundreds of millions of dollars. If SMS would be for free, fine, but the grade of service would be sacrificed as well knowing the nature we Filipinos use SMS. Operational expenditures eats so much in the cash flow especially during calamity times wherein, service should be restored, no matter what it takes, at the soonest to provide seamless connectivity.

Seems there is no updates regarding Liberty Telecoms and Express Telecom.

any update about liberty telecom?

One size fits all phone chargers on the way: ITU

Reuters | 10/22/2009 8:12 PM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/technology/10/22/09/one-size-fits-all-phone-chargers-way-itu

FRANKFURT - Ever forget your phone charger and no one around has the same kind of handset?

Have a drawer full of useless old phone chargers at home?

Breathe a sigh of relief.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations' telecom arm, said on Thursday it had given its stamp of approval "to an energy-efficient one-charger-fits-all new mobile phone solution.

"Every mobile phone user will benefit from the new Universal Charging Solution (UCS), which enables the same charger to be used for all future handsets, regardless of make and model," the ITU said in a statement.

"Some manufacturers are already incorporating the UCS in their devices," an ITU spokesman said.

The association hopes a universal charger will help reduce waste by cutting down on the number of chargers produced and then thrown away with the purchase of a new handset.

There are already more than 4 billion mobile phone subscriptions around the world.

In June, top mobile phone suppliers such as Nokia, Sony Ericsson and other industry majors agreed to back an EU-wide harmonization of phone chargers, which means phones compatible with standard charging devices are available in Europe from next year.

The EU estimates unwanted phone accessories account for thousands of tons of waste in Europe each year.

Now, if only they could come up with a single plug.

Smart granted more frequencies for wireless broadband service

MANILA – Smart Communications Inc.’s long wait for it to be awarded frequencies in the 2.5 to 2.7-gigahertz (GHz) bandwidth is finally over.

The cellular firm is going to hold an initial launch of the service this week, said Smart chief wireless advisor Orlando Vea in an interview. The frequencies are said to be crucial for the company’s planned deployment of its WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) service.

“We will have an initial launch of WiMax by next week. We have enough frequency for the moment to launch the service,” the Smart official said.

Sources at the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said the cellular firm was awarded 20 megahertz (MHz) of frequency in the 2 GHz spectrum. Smart’s original application in 2006 was for the grant of 30 MHz, according to the sources.

The approval of Smart’s frequency bid paved the way for the cellular firm to push through with its WiMax service offering, touted to be the next-generation mobile technology after 3G (third generation).

WiMax is a telecommunications technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances in a variety of ways, from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular-type access. Among the basic services include broadband Internet, voice over Internet protocol, text messaging and electronic messaging.

Interactive broadcasting services and web applications can also be accessed through WiMax. Interactive broadcasting services include broadcasting portal, browser, shopping, multimedia service, e-mail, among others.

Other phone firms, including rival Globe Telecom Inc., have started offering WiMax services while others are waiting for the approval of their applications from the NTC.

The sources said Smart now has a total of 50 Mhz of frequency which can be used for WiMax service. The other 30 MHz is situated in the 2.3-Ghz spectrum. “Smart may apply for more. It has signified interest that it will do so because it needs more frequencies to strengthen its hold in the broadband arena,” they said.

Smart offers wireless broadband service through unit Smart Broadband Inc. (SBI) under the brand SmartBro.

“The prompt approval of the NTC of this request is indispensible for SBI to successfully offer WiMax services especially where alternative DSL (digital subscriber line) solutions are either not available or not economically viable to deploy. Thus, Internet access shall become accessible not only in urban areas, but more importantly, in rural areas because WiMax provides wireless data over long distances,” SBI’s application filed with the NTC stated.

Without the frequencies, SBI said it cannot fully maximize service offerings and provide optimum support to the government’s policies and objectives to make Internet accessible and ubiquitous, especially to schools and other learning institutions in the remotest areas of the country, due to this limitation.

“The grant of the frequency band and permit will revolutionize the way people communicate as it will allow them to stay connected with voice, data and video services seamlessly,” it added.

SBI continued to expand as its wireless broadband subscriber base grew 26 percent to reach 689,000 as at end-June 2009, of which 261,000 are on SmartBro’s prepaid service while 428,000 are postpaid subscribers. Smart Bro is today’s most widely available broadband service provider in the country.

“We may hit over a million SmartBro subscribers this year,” added Vea.

Wireless broadband revenues grew 30 percent to P2.6 billion, a significant improvement over the P2 billion recorded in the first half of 2008.

source: http://news.abs-cbn.com/business/11/02/09/smart-granted-more-frequencies-wireless-broadband-service


more tech News: http://beta.matnoganon.com/matnoganon/tech-news/

Facebook usage in RP surges:lol:

By David Dizon, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/04/2009 6:48 PM

MANILA - The number of Facebook users in the Philippines continues to surge with over 1.3 million Filipinos registering for new accounts in the social networking site in September alone.

Data from the Facebook Global Monitor showed that Facebook users in the Philippines grew by 31.25 percent or a total of 1,377,260 new users from September 1 to October 1, 2009. This made the Philippines the number one country in Asia in terms of growth in Facebook users for the month.

Taiwan registered the second highest number of new Facebook registrants in September, with 1,377,260 new users.

The total number of Facebook users in the Philippines as of October 1 now stands at 5,784,560. The Philippines has the third highest number of Facebook users in Asia, trailing top-ranked Indonesia (9,713,590 users) and Australia (6,926,620 users).

Facebook is also ranked as the number one most visited website in the Philippines, according to Alexa.com. (http://www.alexa.com/topsites/countries/PH)

Inside Facebook co-editor Eric Eldon said the rise in Facebook users in the region could be attributed to the popularity of Facebook gaming applications such as FarmVille, My Fishbowl, Restaurant City, and Pet Life.

"Developers active in the region have told us that many users are playing Facebook because of the games, and many don’t even realize that the games are not hosted and owned by Facebook," he said in an October 15 post.

RP is 13th highest Facebook user

Nick Burcher, head of the VNC UK and Products/Partnerships EMEA at VivaKi in London, said the Philippines is 13th in the world in terms of number of Facebook users.

In an e-mail interview, Burcher said Facebook was originally popular in English speaking markets like the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia as well as places like Sweden, Norway and Denmark where English is not a barrier to use.

He said the launch of Facebook's translation program in February 2008 allowed the site to grow its user base in non-English speaking countries.

"Facebook users translated the platform into different languages using the 'Translation Application.' The first languages were Spanish, German, French, Dutch and Italian. Growth in these countries was huge, with Italy increasing by 906 percent in just six months. Filipino is one of the languages that is now available and this has coincided with enormous growth," he told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

Burcher said Facebook growth tends to be viral, with new users inviting other friends to join. He said user numbers tend to grow exponentially once they have hit a certain critical mass.

He said the Philippines has a history of social networking due to the popularity of sites such as Friendster and Multiply. He added, however, that the functionality of Facebook, especially the Facebook Apps that are available "seems to have struck a chord and the rapid increase in Filipino users is impressive." David Dizon, abs-cbnNEWS.com

yup, i could see more facebook users now.

South Korea to spend US$151.1B in ICT over five years

Country goes live with rich communication suite; local telco and Bell Labs work on next-gen technologies

by Ek Heng, Asia-Pacific Correspondent
Thu. October 29, 2009
http://www.telecomengine.com/newsglobe/article.asp?HH_ID=AR_5847

Noted for its track record as a nation having one of the fastest and most widespread telecom and computer growth, South Korea announced in September it is slated to spend US$151.1 billion over a five-year period in info-comm technology whilst at corporate level, its technology players in the global league continue to invest in the future.


Earlier in October, SK Telecom signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bell Labs to work on next generation telecoms technology. The MoU brings together Bell Labs preeminent capabilities in emerging network technologies and the market experience of SK Telecom that could lead to new growth opportunities.

In the wireless arena, the two parties will collaborate on defining the architecture and shape of networks beyond 4G. Another research focus could be on self-optimizing networks with both parties developing the technology to facilitate the management of increasingly complex networks, and pave the way for self-configuration. For research with results in two to three years timeframe, cloud computing is another area for collaboration by the two parties.

Staying ahead of the game as a country
In September, South Korea’s Presidential Council for Future and Vision announced the nation will spend US$151.1 billion over five years to further heighten the competitiveness of its ICT sector.

Fives sectors have been identified in the vision which covers IT conversion, software, leading IT industries, broadcasting and communications and Internet infrastructure. Some US$1.2 billion will be financed by government and the remainder will be investments by the private sector.

The focus of government funds will be on helping small-and-medium companies with research and development, while the council envisions private investments will fund up to US$92.9 billion to further improve production and industrial infrastructure.

Among others, the proposals involve greater use of ICT to improve competitiveness of traditional manufacturing activities in the ship, automobile and energy production sectors. The strategy will be applied to other industries such as healthcare, textiles, machinery, aerospace, construction, national defence and robotics.

Already established as number one manufacturer globally for displays and memory chips and ranked number two in the production of handsets, another thrust of the investments is aimed at reducing the reliance on imported machinery for these industries.

The other goals call for the country to convert to fully digital television broadcast by 2012, along with promoting the use of Internet protocol television (IPTV), three-dimensional TVs and wireless broadband in which it has its WiBro technology that is similar to WiMax. Allied with it is an ongoing plan being implemented to build a ultra high-speed Internet backbone nationwide with a speed of 1 gigabit per second. Furthermore, foreign companies will be allowed to provide contents for IPTV services.

In computer gaming, the country’s exports for 2008 were US$10.9 billion against imports of US$3.8 billion which marked the sixth consecutive year that South Korea attained trade surplus for this sector.

Major telcos work to launch RCS
With cooperation of its three leading mobile operators, the country introduced the world’s first commercial service incorporating key elements of the rich communication suite (RCS) being promoted by the GSM Association.

The June launch by KT, SK Telecom and LG Telecom enables subscribers to capitalize on 3G technology with added capabilities to enhance address book features and allow for rich, mobile calls and rich mobile messaging.

The rich call features entails that users can exchange different types of contents, including videos and photos, during a call, while rich messaging expands on traditional messaging allowing for multiple messaging media. In addition, RCS provides support for multi-device environment for users to access services and applications from mobile and fixed terminal such as personal computers. More countries will be launching RCS services later this year, according to the GSM Association.

Said Michael O'Hara, CMO at the GSM Association: "We live in a world where users want to access and share information at any time, any place and from any device, and the GSMA's RCS initiative provides operators with the ability to launch a variety of new and enhanced communication services that fulfils this need."

libreng text dito o:D
try nyo lang. just follow the format.

http://apps.adobolabs.com/kuripotxt/

Facebook usage in RP surges:lol:

By David Dizon, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/04/2009 6:48 PM

MANILA - The number of Facebook users in the Philippines continues to surge with over 1.3 million Filipinos registering for new accounts in the social networking site in September alone.

Data from the Facebook Global Monitor showed that Facebook users in the Philippines grew by 31.25 percent or a total of 1,377,260 new users from September 1 to October 1, 2009. This made the Philippines the number one country in Asia in terms of growth in Facebook users for the month.

Taiwan registered the second highest number of new Facebook registrants in September, with 1,377,260 new users.

The total number of Facebook users in the Philippines as of October 1 now stands at 5,784,560. The Philippines has the third highest number of Facebook users in Asia, trailing top-ranked Indonesia (9,713,590 users) and Australia (6,926,620 users).

Facebook is also ranked as the number one most visited website in the Philippines, according to Alexa.com. (http://www.alexa.com/topsites/countries/PH)

Inside Facebook co-editor Eric Eldon said the rise in Facebook users in the region could be attributed to the popularity of Facebook gaming applications such as FarmVille, My Fishbowl, Restaurant City, and Pet Life.

"Developers active in the region have told us that many users are playing Facebook because of the games, and many don’t even realize that the games are not hosted and owned by Facebook," he said in an October 15 post.

RP is 13th highest Facebook user

Nick Burcher, head of the VNC UK and Products/Partnerships EMEA at VivaKi in London, said the Philippines is 13th in the world in terms of number of Facebook users.

In an e-mail interview, Burcher said Facebook was originally popular in English speaking markets like the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia as well as places like Sweden, Norway and Denmark where English is not a barrier to use.

He said the launch of Facebook's translation program in February 2008 allowed the site to grow its user base in non-English speaking countries.

"Facebook users translated the platform into different languages using the 'Translation Application.' The first languages were Spanish, German, French, Dutch and Italian. Growth in these countries was huge, with Italy increasing by 906 percent in just six months. Filipino is one of the languages that is now available and this has coincided with enormous growth," he told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

Burcher said Facebook growth tends to be viral, with new users inviting other friends to join. He said user numbers tend to grow exponentially once they have hit a certain critical mass.

He said the Philippines has a history of social networking due to the popularity of sites such as Friendster and Multiply. He added, however, that the functionality of Facebook, especially the Facebook Apps that are available "seems to have struck a chord and the rapid increase in Filipino users is impressive." David Dizon, abs-cbnNEWS.com

may plano pa ba ang friendster na magtayo ng sariling headquarters dito sa pilipinas? :lol: