Globe net profit up to P9.9B
By Doris Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer (http://www.inquirer.net/)
First Posted 22:47:00 11/06/2009

Filed Under: Telecommunications Services


GLOBE TELECOM reported Friday a 12-percent growth in nine-month net profit to P9.9 billion on the back of a modest growth in service revenues from mobile, fixed line and broadband businesses.

Core net income—which excludes foreign exchange, mark-to-market gains and losses and other non-recurring items--was flat at P9.4 billion during the January-to-September period compared to last year.

Consolidated service revenues amounted to P46.9 billion, up 1 percent from last year. The strong performance of the broadband and fixed-line data businesses, which grew year-on-year by 69 percent and 22 percent, respectively, compensated for the lower revenues from the mobile and traditional landline segments.
READ MORE... (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20091106-234688/Globe-net-profit-up-to-P99B)

Higher broadband seen to boost GDP

By Abigail L. Ho
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:58:00 11/07/2009

MANILA, Philippines - The government and the private sector should look at ways to further propagate broadband use in the country, as a higher broadband penetration level has been determined to be linked to higher economic growth.

Jaikishan Rajaraman, senior director for services at the GSM Association, said that according to an in-house study, every additional 10-percent broadband penetration would jack up a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by around 1 percent.

This was because higher broadband penetration rates redounded to a chain of direct and indirect benefits to the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, and a country’s economy as a whole, he said in a presentation during the Philippines Telecom International Summit 2009.

In the case of Argentina, he related that the country registered growth in foreign direct investments due to its good ICT infrastructure.

Zambia, for its part, experienced higher productivity as a result of better connectivity, while Bangladesh, Malawi and Rwanda were able to boost their knowledge and skills and improve their services through broadband facilities, he further said.

Higher investments in broadband networks in South Korea contributed to an increase in the country’s GDP, he said. In Japan, increased broadband deployment helped prop up earnings of the country’s equipment suppliers, and content providers, among others.

“Broadband really stimulates growth. It generates an enormous amount of productivity,” he said.

The Philippines could take advantage of the benefits of broadband if it could increase its penetration rate, he said.

He said mobile broadband was a good way for the country to further expand its broadband coverage.

“But the Philippines is lagging behind in mobile broadband. You have only around 100 million subscribers when you’ve had 3G since 2004 or 2005. We [the GSMA] are asking the government what we can do to help. We also want to show operators business cases where they can roll out something that’s sustainable,” he said.

“We have to create awareness in the market that we’re around. There’s a general lack of awareness of what mobile broadband can actually do,” he added.

...guys, have you tried NIMBUZZ?

http://www.symbian-freak.com/downloads/freeware/cat_s60_3rd/images/internet/nimbuzz_01.jpg
pic source: symbian-freak.com

...free calls, free messaging and free chat from your mobile phone to your contacts in Yahoo, MSN, GMail, AOL and Skype accounts etc....send videos & photos for free thru your mobile phones with WLAN capability...unlimited calls to anywhere in the world...make calls, messaging, chat from mobile phone to mobile phone or from mobile phone to computer or from computer to mobile phone...

...if your phone does not have WLAN but supports Symbian OS program, you can use Nimbuzz by connecting thru your mobile phone network...but, applicable air time will be charged but unbelievably very cheap...

...to download Nimbuzz to your mobile phone, open your phone's web browser and go to www.nimbuzz.com and then click "mobile"....or, you can also log in to www.getjar.com and search for Nimbuzz and then click download....

...i have a pre-paid plan for my mobile here in Saudi Arabia but when I started using the program 2 months ago, my expense on buying prepaid cards went down by more than 50%...perhaps, i am just lucky because my neigbor here in Riyadh has an unsecured Wi-Fi signal...LOL!

...there is also another program named FRING! but i like NIMBUZZ the most because I can make calls to Yahoo Messenger but I can't do it with the Fring program...

Note: ..some mobile phone models do not work with Nimbuzz...please check the list of phone models that work with Nimbuzz...log in to www.nimbuzz.com

http://mobilepakistan.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/nimbuzz1.jpg
pic source: mobilepakistan.files.wordpress.com

fring user here. gotta try the buzz:D

Globe insists on getting last 3G frequency




CITING THE increasing number of its mobile subscribers, Globe Telecom, Inc. is seeking more frequencies in the 3G bandwidth.

"We are very qualified and experienced to handle additional frequencies. Right now we are at 10 megahertz in the 3G bandwidth and clearly that is not enough," said Caridad D. Gonzales, Globe Telecom corporate and regulatory affairs head.

Frequencies are assigned by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to companies with financial and technical experience.

The company also said it would be pursuing the last 3G slot currently tied up in litigation. The last slot is being contested before the Court of Appeals by Bayan Telecommunications (Bayantel).

Ms. Gonzales said Globe Telecom has not withdrawn its application for the contested slot.

"We still have our pending application with the NTC for the last 3G slot. We believe that we are the most qualified for the slot. The frequency should be given to the company that really needs it, like us," said Ms. Gonzales.

Bayantel it was entitled to the bandwidth and frequency considering it was not able to get first crack at the initial slots, which were cornered by larger telcos such as Globe Telecom and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.

BusinessWorld (http://itmatters.com.ph/news.php?id=111109b)

Telecom agency reorganization pushed

By Alexander Villafania
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 19:31:00 11/11/2009

MANILA, Philippines – A Senate proposal is urging the organization of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), stating the agency “has not done enough in regulating the local telecommunications industry.”

Senate Bill 3465 or the “NTC Reorganization Act”, drafted by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, proposes that the NTC be given sweeping powers over regulatory concerns of several industries, including telecommunications, broadcast, and even Internet services.

In Section 4 of the proposal, the NTC will be attached to the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) for “policy and program coordination, and...administrative supervision.”

The NTC is currently under the CICT, which is also pushing for its own transformation into a national department.

Incidentally, Enrile's proposal stems from a previous incident with the telecommunications companies involving what he referred to as “disappearing loads,” alleging his prepaid credit card credits were being deducted due to supposedly unsolicited mobile services.

Enrile called on several telecommunications executives to explain the disappearance of his load. Several groups of mobile phone subscribers have also complained about the disappearance of their loads.

This led to several proposals from senators and congressmen to file proposals aimed at protecting the public from unsolicited or spam mobile services.

As for SB 3465, Enrile said he is making sure that the NTC has enough regulatory powers to enforce guidelines protecting consumers. He also noted that the bill should ensure fair competition among the telecommunications providers.

Enrile added that the NTC should come up with directions as to the development of the country's ICT industry.

Philippine government urged to be more transparent in IT procurement process
Top two local telcos capex for year to exceed US$1 billion
by Ek Heng, Asia-Pacific Correspondent

http://telecomengine.com/article.asp?HH_ID=AR_5918

Tues. November 17, 2009

The Philippine government is expected to spend US$580 million on IT by 2011, but lack of transparency and corruption have contributed to an unnecessary increase in public spending, according to IT market research firm, Springboard Research.


For 2008, the government is estimated to have spent US$390 million on IT, 52 percent for hardware, with IT services accounting for 27 percent and the remaining 21 percent on software. The Springboard Research report adds that IT spending is heavily centralized at the national level with local governments controlling an estimated 7 percent of spending. It notes that government spending was centered on education, defense, healthcare, utilities, taxation, social services and transportation.

In a press briefing in Manila over the weekend, the research firm’s vice-president, Michael Barnes said, “The key challenge in the Philippine market is the lack of transparency and visibility. Lack of transparency enables corruption. That means not fully leveraging the spending because it is not going where it is supposed to. That’s stating it in the most euphemistic way possible. It’s corruption, which happens in most growth markets, not just the Philippines.”

Clearer procurement process will reduce cost for administration

The report sites three challenges faced by IT vendors who want to deal with the government, namely the complexity and ambiguity of the procurement process, poor record in implementing scheduled projects and difficulty in winning large foreign-funded or NGO-funded projects. It highlights examples in which there were public outcry on two projects, one involving a US$330 million national broadband network project with China’s ZTE Corporation and the other being a poll automation contract in 2004.

Also, if a project is funded by a foreign government or NGO, the work may be skewed towards parties from that country, Barnes added. He said that transparency would lead to fiercer competition among vendors and the government would benefit from savings. “If the vendors don’t have to pad their prices for these inefficiencies, that means that they get the same margins but charge less,” he reiterated.

Sharing that there is a track record of IT initiatives not being well-coordinated across agencies locally, Barnes attributed the cause for such disjointed spending to its geographical, not cultural, roots, since the Philippine is an archipelago. He pointed out that there are opportunities for the government to leverage on its size and share its infrastructure to enjoy economies of scale.

He advised that the Philippine is well placed to take advantage of new developments like cloud computing that will provide opportunities for local IT talents to service other markets. But it would need to invest in broadband access, otherwise the ‘benefits of e-government or healthcare information or cloud computing will not be available’.

Much scope for broadband growth

Towards this end, the two biggest telcos in the country, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and Globe Telecoms have been investing in infrastructure.

PLDT’s capital expenditure for nine months this year amounts to US$387 million out of a US$580 million budget for 2009. CAPEX allocation for the first three quarters comprises of 37 percent on fixed-line installations including a next generation network, 58 percent on wireless including GSM, HSPA and 3G services and 4 percent on infocomm infrastructure. During this period, there was an increase of revenue by 26 percent from broadband and Internet services which account for 9 percent of the telco’s total revenue, with broadband subscribers numbering 1.4 million. PLDT attained a net profit of US$665.8 million for the first nine months, up 11 percent year-on-year, with revenue topping US$2.3 billion, an increase of 3 percent from the same period last year.

The second largest telco, Globe Telecom reported having 517,000 broadband subscribers, achieving its target set for the entire year by the third quarter ending September. Broadband growth in revenue terms was 69 percent from a year ago. Globe Telecom has allocated US$500 million for CAPEX this year which will be spent on improving capacity for its fixed broadband, WiMax and 3G services. The telco’s nine month net profit ending September 2009 was 12 percent higher at US$211.4 million against its total revenue of US1 billion which is just l percent higher year-on-year.

Although the broadband uptake has been impressive for the two telcos, there is much scope for growth when seen against the country’s population of 97.9 million.

Sun Cellular hailed as “Marketing Company of the Year” at the 2009 AGORA AWARDS




http://thephilsouthangle.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/sun-cellular-executives1.jpg



CEBU CITY, Philippines/ 19 November 2009— Five months after Sun Cellular was internationally recognized as Asia Pacific’s Most Promising Service Provider by Frost and Sullivan, another prestigious award-giving body – the Philippine Marketing Association through the AGORA Awards – hailed Sun as this year’s Marketing Company of the Year.


Now on its 30th year, the Agora Award is given to outstanding individuals and companies who embody marketing excellence. The nominees pass through a series of stringent judging process and the panel is composed of top-level executives from leading Filipino corporations and institutions. Every year, corporations, institutions and individuals get nominated for various Agora Awards, such as Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship, Marketing Education, Export Marketing, Marketing Management, Advocacy Marketing and Agora Awards for Overseas Marketing Excellence. Among these, the Marketing Company of the Year award is considered the most coveted and most prestigious.


“This is a testament to our enduring excellence as our unparalleled Call and Text Unlimited products and other services continue to stand out with a distinctly unique proposition in the industry today,” says Sun Cellular CEO Charles Lim.


The Marketing Company of the Year Award, which is known as the pinnacle of marketing achievement, is only being given by the Agora to an elite few who have displayed creativity, ingenuity, and innovativeness in making the Filipino brand world class.


In 2004, Sun Cellular pioneered the 24/7 Call and Text Unlimited in the country, which has been the flagship product of the network ever since.
One of the judges said that “Sun rocked the industry, and their strategies have ultimately benefited the consumers.”


“If I were to choose one word that would describe this year’s winners, it would be the word, Giant”, says Mr. Mernardo “Butch” Jimenez, Jr, 2009 Agora Awards Chairman of the Board of Judges. “Because this year’s winners are either giants in their field, or are competing against, and we might add, making headway against their field.”


In his acceptance speech, Mr. Lim pointed out their significant contribution in the telco arena. “We in Sun Cellular, are truly privileged and grateful to have played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the way Filipinos communicate through their cell phones,” he said. Their aggressive marketing and pricing strategies, he said, have benefited the growing 2G and 3G markets. He, together with JG Summit Chairman & CEO Mr. James L. Go and other Sun Executives, received the award during the ceremony held last November 10 at the Hotel Intercontinental, Makati.


Sun Cellular’s win gave further honor to the JG Summit Group of Companies, as it ensured a grand slam win for the conglomerate. In 2007, URC won the Marketing Company of the Year Award, which was then bagged by Cebu Pacific the following year; both companies under JG Summit. “No other conglomerate in the country has earned such recognition,” says Edith Dychiao, PMA’s Director in-charge for the Agora Awards.


To date, the network boasts of over 5,000 cell sites and still on roll-out for network expansion all over the country. With a growing prepaid and postpaid subscriber base, Sun is confident that its network is reliable and robust enough to cater to their consumers with unlimited yet affordable services.


“But our work is not yet over. We intend to keep the momentum going as we aim for market dominance. It is our strong commitment to provide the consumers the best products and services as we strive to pursue the unlimited possibilities of advanced mobile communications,” added Mr. Lim.

[CENTER]Sun Cellular hailed as “Marketing Company of the Year” at the 2009 AGORA AWARDS


CEBU CITY, Philippines/ 19 November 2009— Five months after Sun Cellular was internationally recognized as Asia Pacific’s Most Promising Service Provider by Frost and Sullivan, another prestigious award-giving body – the Philippine Marketing Association through the AGORA Awards – hailed Sun as this year’s Marketing Company of the Year.


“But our work is not yet over. We intend to keep the momentum going as we aim for market dominance. It is our strong commitment to provide the consumers the best products and services as we strive to pursue the unlimited possibilities of advanced mobile communications,” added Mr. Lim.

Good news!

Rather see Sun Cellular to dominate the Philippine Local Telco industry than PLDT and Globe because Sun is I think fully owned by Pinoys while PLDT and Globe are dominated by foreigners led by the Indonesians and Singaporeans. Globe and PLDT use Pinoy dummys to make it look like they are majority owned by PInoys.

suncellular is really promising! ^_^

Good news!

Rather see Sun Cellular to dominate the Philippine Local Telco industry than PLDT and Globe because Sun is I think fully owned by Pinoys while PLDT and Globe are dominated by foreigners led by the Indonesians and Singaporeans. Globe and PLDT use Pinoy dummys to make it look like they are majority owned by PInoys.

Where are your sources? :sly:

Where are your sources? :sly:

Globe i I think is majority owned y Singapore Telecom. PLDT is majority owned by Pangilinan and First Pacific of Anthony Salim of Indonesia and Hongkong.

I think you can check it through the internet,

GlobeTel seeks relief on new call rate billing
Manila Standard Today - November 21-22, 2009

by Jeremiah de Guzman

Globe Telecom Inc., the telecom unit of Ayala Corp., said yesterday that it may not comply with the new billing system for voice calls ordered by the National Telecommunications Commission because of technical difficulty.

Globe said in a filing with the NTC that the new billing system “entails massive network modification and adjustments [and] that technical considerations make it impossible for the applicants to implement the proposed rates on Dec. 6, 2009.”

The NTC on July 23 ordered telecom companies to fix the maximum unit of billing for voice services at six seconds per pulse with higher rates for the first two pulses to recover the call setup cost.

Voice calls under the new billing system will be charged per six seconds against a per minute charging. Rates, which will be based on the telcos’ proposal, will be determined by NTC before the implementation on Dec. 6.

The NTC gave telecom companies 30 days after the effectivity of its memorandum to submit their proposed rates per pulse and for the first two pulses, and 120 days to make network and systems adjustments.

Globe also warned the regulator that implementing the new system at the peak season when the volume of voice SMS, MMS and data traffic are at their highest could lead to “severe degradation of network performance.”

Roy Ibay, regulatory affairs head of Smart Communications Inc., meanwhile, said the company was now ready for the new billing system but preferred its implementation in early 2010.

Telecom companies earlier sought postponement of the new billing system to January next year, citing that December was a busy month.

Telecom companies currently charge P6.50 to P7.50 per minute call on voice calls.

Globe, meanwhile, has pushed for its proposed rates against the others.

“The proposed rates are not anti-competition nor predatory as the same are not offered below cost,” Globe said in its filing.

Globe and subsidiary Innove Communications Inc. said their rates ensured the economic viability of telecom companies and a fair return on investments without sacrificing efficiency.

Smart and CURE, the proposed rates for the first two pulses is P3-P6 while P0.70-P2.25 is requested rates for the succeeding pulses.

Dapata bawiin ng NTC ang 4th 3G license franchise ng CURE (Red Mobile). Since it is a wholly owned by PLDT, it is now presently just riding on Smart's 3G network. So at present, it is still a 3 player field. We need a genuine 4th player and 5th player.

I agree on this and BTC should assign the last 3g license to Bayan so we can have healthy competition.

kung sa Smart and Globe ang bibigyan nila NTC na mismo ang gumagawa ng paraan para maging monopoly and telecom industry ng pinas

I agree on this and BTC should assign the last 3g license to Bayan so we can have healthy competition.

kung sa Smart and Globe ang bibigyan nila NTC na mismo ang gumagawa ng paraan para maging monopoly and telecom industry ng pinas

Affected ka ba sa business? :sly:

I agree on this and BTC should assign the last 3g license to Bayan so we can have healthy competition.

kung sa Smart and Globe ang bibigyan nila NTC na mismo ang gumagawa ng paraan para maging monopoly and telecom industry ng pinas

gamitin muna nila ang frequency sa 2G na naallocate sa kanila bago sila bigyan ng 3G license, kung hindi dapat ireallocate na lang sa suncell ang 2G frequency na yun para mapakinabangan. :)

if we can have more telco who can offer sms,call and we can have better service. Bayan has good record providing services, I work in Call Center before as an IT but we prefer Bayan T1 and IPL and Digitel. Note Gumamit din kami ng PLDT T1 and IPL pati Globe pero problem lang binigay.

what's the point if NTC assign the 5th 3G license PLDT / Smart own network, just like Red Mobile, sooner Smart will buy Red Mobile to use their 3G license.

Ala ako paki alam sa Bayan pero ang gusto ko lang magkaroon ng better service for the benefit of the Filipino.

Maganda ang DS3 service ng PLDT at E1 lines ng Eastern, malinis.

Ang isa problema nitong Residential/Commercial lines ng PLDT dyan sa Marikina-San Mateo area ay hindi pa nare-restore ang mga phone service dyan dalawang buwan na buhat ng bumaha.
Ito ang karamihan ng mga complaints ng mga subscriber na dumadagsa dyan sa PLDT Marcos Highway business office.
Pampalubag (load)loob dito ang libreng SIM na may 300 pesos na load na ipinamimigay sa mga subscriber na wala pa rin phone service.

Nakakapagtaka sa PLDT, hindi nila magawan ng paraan na magkaroon ng agarang serbisyo sa nasabing lugar samantalang binibida nito na sila ang number 1. :bash:
Bakit hindi na magprovide muna ng wireless landline sa mga subscriber kesa sa ganito na rebate lang naman ang katapat na serbisyo?

Smart joins global initiative to launch new mobile TV handsets (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=528815&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann LL. Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated December 03, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Communications Inc. has joined 14 service providers and broadcast network operators worldwide in launching an initiative that will help speed up the market introduction of new mobile television-ready handsets.

The initiative was launched at the Broadcast Mobile Convergence Forum (bmcoforum) held in Berlin, Germany recently. Another Philippine company, ePLDT subsidiary Mediaquest Holdings, joined the campaign.

“Promotion of broadcast mobile TV should be experiential to highlight its high quality video and audio. This is where device manufacturers play a crucial role in providing the market with low cost units to encourage first time users to experience broadcast mobile TV and become the catalyst for vital growth,” Smart chief wireless advisor and Mediaquest CEO Orlando Vea said.

Smart and Mediaquest’s partners include 3, Orange and Media Broadcast from Austria, 3 Italy, Media Broadcast from Germany, Antenna Hungaria, Dominanta and KENTAVR from Russia, DStv Mobile from Nigeria, Ghana, Namibia and Kenya, Safaricom from Kenya, Digita from Finland, INFO-TV-FM from Poland, and KPN from the Netherlands.

These companies have jointly signed a letter that requests the update of mobile phone roadmaps and an offer to discuss the development of common handset requirements based on the bmcoforum published profiles. The objective is to come up with a variety of DVB-H (digital video broadcasting-hand held enabled devices available as soon as possible, preferably for the FIFA Football World Cup in the second quarter of 2010.

All signatories run or will provide commercial
DVB-H services and networks for mobile TV in the short term. So far, they have invested substantial amounts in the development of mobile TV via DVB-H in their respective countries.

But all of them have expressed concern over the lack of substantial roadmaps for new DVB-H phones which bears a serious risk for the market success of the technology.

Within the bmcoforum, the companies also agreed on actions which will support the vendors in the introduction of new devices in their markets.

“Mobile TV is for a mass market audience which needs to be served by a wide range of attractive devices,” according to Marco Visser, director of KPN Mobile.

Meanwhile, DStv Mobile Africa CEO Francois Theron pointed out that the FIFA World Cup may give a push to mobile TV usage across the African countries. “For that we need affordable devices with integrated DVB-H receivers,” he added.

“Mobile TV has finally turned into a realistic expectation for Russian subscribers, especially after recently overcoming key regulatory barriers. This should translate directly into higher profits for manufacturers through expansion of product lines as well as for operators attracting new subscribers and increasing ARPU,” said Andrey Chernikov, CEO of Dominanta LLC (Russia).

For his part, TDF Group CEO Patrick Babin said they see an increasing potential for broadcast mobile networks to deliver mobile TV services in a highly cost effective manner and with a high standard of quality and availability.

“This potential will only be unlocked by an improved visibility of suitable devices. A renewed dialogue between service providers and the leading handset brands will provide this visibility,” he noted.

The bmcoforum is an international non-profit organization designed to shape open markets for media delivery. It addresses the use of personal mobile devices in delivering relevant audiovisual content and services wherever, whenever by the best delivery channel.

Yahoo strikes deal to allow direct links into Facebook
Dylan Bushell-Embling | December 03, 2009 - www.telecomasia.net

Yahoo has signed a deal to integrate its online services into Facebook from the first half of next year.

Yahoo has been eager to tap into the expansive social networking market, and the arrangement will give its sites renewed exposure to Facebook's 350 million users worldwide.

Under the arrangement, Yahoo will meld its news content, email service and photo-sharing site Flickr directly into the Facebook feed.

Likewise, users of both sites will be able to connect with their Facebook friends from Yahoo, and view a feed of their friends' recent activities across Yahoo's range of sites.

“As one of the largest sites on the Web, Yahoo is an ideal partner to integrate with Facebook Connect,” Facebook Developer Network director Ethan Beard said.

The deal extends an existing partnership deal reached early this year. Yahoo already allows Facebook users to stream and update their status from the Yahoo homepage, provides “Share on Facebook” options on a range of its content, and lets Facebook access its Yahoo Contacts service.

Facebook Connect provides a universal ID that subscribers can use to log into participating sites with their Facebook credentials.

Smart conducts first LTE trial in RP, reinforces broadband leadership

Leading wireless services provider Smart Communications marks another industry milestone as its network played host to the first network trial in the Philippines using 4G or Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology.

LTE or "4G" is part of Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) evolutionary path beyond 3G technology. It is regarded as the 'logical next step' following today's High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) technology which Smart is currently using.

"While many of today's needs can be handled by HSPA networks, we anticipate an explosive demand for even greater bandwidth as more users connect to the web and richer content proliferates," said Smart chief wireless advisor Doy Vea during the first LTE trials.

"In our quest to provide Internet access to all, we found that LTE can deliver enhanced broadband capabilities and provide the capacity to support the expected demand for connectivity," he quipped.

LTE promises to transform the mobile end-user's experience and change the way people receive, consume, and interact with information and content distributed over mobile networks. Downloading music and videos will be a breeze as downloading a 60-second high definition video clip – a 38 megabyte file – using LTE will only take about 15 seconds.

Giant global telcos Verizon, AT&T and NTT Docomo are currently rolling out LTE networks that will be ready for launch between 2010 and 2011.

The technology under LTE can reach downlink peak rates of 100Mbps and uplink speeds of 50Mbps, faster than HSPA by a factor of 10.

According to Smart Network Platforms and Services Division head Mar Tamayo, LTE can carry the huge projected growth in data traffic, while delivering an all Internet-Protocol (IP) experience to mobile users.

"LTE is designed with a full IP network infrastructure," said Tamayo. "This means it can support full voice in packet domains, while also offering advanced radio techniques for achieving higher performance levels beyond what 3G data packets can currently achieve."

LTE promises to offer advantages over current 3G systems including: higher throughput, plug and play compatibility, FDD (Frequency Division Duplexing) and TDD (Time Division Duplexing), low latency and lower operating expenditures. It also supports a seamless transition from Smart's existing cellular technologies.

"Our aim is to continue to provide our subscribers with the same seamless experience -- regardless of the devices they are using or how they are connected to our network, " said Vea. "And that's what LTE will enable us to do."

Tamayo, for his part, stressed that the shift towards LTE requires minimal capital as compared to adapting other standards. Since LTE coexist with both 3G and 2G systems, it enables the re-use of existing site infrastructure such as masts, hardware racks and power supply elements.

"For these reasons, LTE will support a faster, more seamless capacity upgrades than the deployment of new base stations," he said.

The network components of LTE are designed to be scaleable and modular. This means the company can slowly introduce LTE technologies over time, without disrupting current services.

source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/231754/smart-conducts-first-lte-trial-rp-reinforces-broadband-leadership

New cell phone rates take effect Sunday

MANILA, Philippines—Starting on Sunday, the public will only pay for the time they actually use making mobile phone calls.

The National Telecommunications Commission announced on Saturday a new “per pulse” rate for voice calls on cellular phones which will make billing more reflective of the real costs of a call.

The new scheme does not change the per-minute cost of cell phone calls but it will reflect calls lasting less than a minute.

Under the new rates, telecom firms will be allowed to charge a "flagdown" rate of P3 for the first two pulses, or a total of 12 seconds. Every succeeding pulse will then be billed. Each minute has 10 six-second pulses.

To illustrate, assuming the prevailing rate is P7.50 per minute, every pulse after the flagdown rate will cost 56 centavos. After the first minute, the per-pulse charge will increase to 75 centavos.

The resulting cost of a call per minute will still be P7.50 but calls under one minute will cost less. A 30-second call will cost P4.69.

The new billing scheme takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday for calls made within one network.

Calls made from one network to another will be covered by the per-pulse billing on Dec. 16, the NTC said, to give telecom firms more time to adjust.

“The NTC issued a landmark regulation directing all cellular mobile operators to implement a six-second pulse billing mode on mobile calls to take effect on Dec. 6,” Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said in a briefing in Quezon City.

The new directive is a result of a memorandum circular issued by the NTC in July after Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile criticized their billing system.

In the same briefing Saturday, Enrile explained that the costs for calls were not brought down so as not to put too much pressure on telecom firms’ finances.

“We have to think of the interest of the telcos here, as well as the interest of the consumers,” he said. “I think consumers will be really happy with this new regime,” he added.

Cordoba said the implementation of the new rates would be observed for two to three months to see if companies are able to cope or if problems arise.

Representatives of Smart Communications, Globe Telecom and Sun Cellular could not be reached for comment as of late Saturday afternoon.

The three companies earlier asked the NTC to push back the implementation of the new rates to January of next year, saying the changes in the billing system may add to the expected problems brought by increased network traffic during the holiday season.

Inquirer.net

Globe joins $400-M SE Asia-Japan cable project

Globe Telecom Inc. is part of the new $400 million Southeast Asia Japan Cable (SJC) System, the highest capacity system in the world. The telco's $60 million investment in the project is its fifth major stake in submarine cable systems, spread across the Trans-Asian region.

The SJC system will initially link Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines and Japan. Globe is the exclusive SJC landing party in the Philippines.

It uses wavelength transmission technology with design capacity of 17 Terabits per second (Tbps) that could be upgraded to 23 Tbps, the highest in the world.

About 1.2 Tbps to 2 Tbps will be going through the Philippine branch. The innovative design of the SJC allows for lowest latency paths out of Philippines to Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore, with onward connectivity to the US, providing customers faster and better internet experience.

“It has always been Globe’s thrust to provide its customers with superior experience by delivering pioneering innovations to the Philippines. The investment of Globe in the SJC project is a testament of our commitment to provide our customers with the best connected network so they get uninterrupted and quality service,” said Ernest L. Cu, President and CEO of Globe.

“Globe’s participation in the SJC project supports the continued growth of our broadband services, and further enhances our capabilities in supporting the offshoring and outsourcing industry in the Philippines,” said Gil Genio, Carrier Services Head of Globe.

“Significantly upgraded bandwidth, coupled with dramatically lower unit costs, provide fuel for more internet services, and provides even more choices for business customers who need to connect internationally,” he added. The investment of Globe in SJC will connect the Philippines to the main SJC system and enable cost-effective and resilient connectivity to other countries and other submarine cable systems.

Also, the SJC project’s unique and innovative ownership structure enables Globe to maintain control over its capacity for increased security and reliability to its network. The SJC is a 6-fiber high capacity submarine cable system that will allow open access and flexible capacity on usage.

It also has flexibility to terminate individual traffic at identified Points of Presence (PoP) in Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Initiating parties to this breakthrough project include Globe Telecom (Philippines), Google (USA), KDDI (Japan), Network i2i (a 100% subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, India), Reliance Globalcom (through FLAG Pacific Limited, Bermuda), and Telemedia Pacific Inc., Ltd. (Hong Kong/Indonesia). Other initial parties have signified their intent to participate in the project once requisite approvals have been obtained. The initiating parties signed the agreements in Manila on December 10, 2009. The SJC is targeted to be operational by the second quarter of 2012. By investing in another submarine cable system, Globe brings increased cable diversity to its network for continuous and superior internet connectivity and voice services. This will also enable Globe to bring more advanced solutions to Philippine customers.

source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/233458/globe-joins-400m-se-asiajapan-cable-project

more Tech news:
http://beta.matnoganon.com/matnoganon/tech-news/

China plan to charge for cross-border internet traffic
Robert Clark | December 21, 2009 :bash:
telecomasia.net


China has pitched a plan to the ITU that would allow operators to bill for cross-border internet traffic.
The proposal calls for the use of border gateway patrol (BGP) routers to collect traffic flow data, which could be used to support a bilateral billing system, the BBC has reported.

An ITU official said the ITU-T - the UN agency’s telecom standards arm - was considering the proposal, but denied it would involve modifying the BGP, one of the net’s core protocols. The standard has been set by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), not the ITU, the official said..

The plan is reportedly aimed at allowing developing countries the chance to recover some of the cost of building out internet infrastructure – echoing debates a decade ago when countries complained about bearing the cost of building networks to deliver US content to their consumers.

Andrea Servida, a European Commission cybersecurity expert, told a House of Lords committee that China could have a “hidden agenda” in wanting to monitor data flows.

He said technical changes needed to support the billing backend could undermine the web's founding principle of openness as well as raising security and stability concerns.

He said it was not clear whether the Chinese proposal involved installing BGP routers or modifying the BGP protocol itself.

China's proposal was believed to have the backing of a number of developing countries, which currently have to bear the cost of international internet connections, the BBC said.

still no news about digitalization here in the philippines, calling NTC!!! :sly:

San Miguel moves to acquire BellTel (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/12/21/09/san-miguel-moves-acquire-belltel)

By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes, The Philippine Star | 12/22/2009 2:07 AM (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=534831&publicationSubCategoryId=66)

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has reportedly shifted focus on Bell Telecommunications (BellTel) as a potential acquisition target following legal problems being encountered in its bid to acquire Express Telecommunications (Extelcom).

In an earlier interview, SMC president Ramon Ang told The STAR that they are still hoping to acquire Extelcom despite legal difficulties on the purchase.

SMC is in talks with a company controlled by businessman Roberto Ongpin for the acquisition of the latter’s stake in Extelcom. However, Marifil Holdings Corp., a firm controlled by Bayan Telecommunications, has questioned in court Transdigital Extel’s stake in Extelcom.

Lopez-controlled Marifil, which claims to still own 46% of Extelcom, said it will oppose the planned sale by TransDigital Extel to SMC of its stake in Extelcom and will continue to fight the alleged hostile takeover of Extelcom.

Marifil lawyer Ariel Tuybayan said they will pursue all legal remedies to reverse what they claim is an illegal dilution of their shares in Extelcom from 46% to 8%. “Marifil is prepared to go all the way to the Supreme Court,” he added.

He pointed out that Marifil was deprived of its property in clear violation of the Corporation Code that requires the vote of shareholders holding at least two thirds of the outstanding capital stock. “How can corporate rehabilitation be abused to deprive a shareholder of its property without its consent?” he said.

Meanwhile, two of BellTel’s biggest publicly-listed shareholders – Liberty Flour Mills and South China Resources – have sold their stake in the telco to Two Cassandra-CCI Conglomerates, a shareholder of Liberty Telecoms Holdings which is partly owned by SMC.

Liberty Flour Mills informed the Philippine Stock Exchange that it is selling its investment in BellTel consisting of 600,000 common shares for P227.38 million to Two Cassandra-CCI.

Meanwhile, South China Resources also sold to Two Cassandra-CCI its 3.24 million shares in BellTel for P1.23 billion.

There have been speculations that BellTel will eventually be sold to SMC, which is looking at ways to expand its presence in the local telecommunications business.

BellTel is a full-service telecommunications company that began its commercial operations in January 2002. It is authorized to provide the full range of services throughout the Philippines, giving it access to all the central business districts (CBD) where 70% of the country’s commerce is transacted and special economic zones (SEZs) established under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

With its scope of licenses to include local exchange carrier (LEC), international gateway facility (IGF), inter exchange carrier (IXC), very small aperture terminal (VSAT) and Internet service provider (ISP), the company offers an integrated package of services including local and long distance telephone services, high speed data connectivity, Internet services, cable TV and videoconferencing.

BellTel pioneered in the deployment of point-to-multipoint fixed wireless access technologies delivering multiple product offerings. BellTel also rolled out fiber-to-the-curb in the Makati central business district and entered into strategic alliances with underutilized telecom infrastructures (HFC, fiber optic) thus giving it multiplicity of cost-effective last mile options for rapid service deployment.

The company operates a domestic C-band satellite hub providing connectivity for customers in remote sites not yet covered by its wireless networks. BellTel’s MPLS ready backbone supports multiple services and protocols thus enabling provision of services to customers using legacy networks and migration of customer networks towards IP.

BellTel’s frequencies are for fixed wireless network use or for wireless local loop service, similar to Bayan’s Wireless Landline offering and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.’s Landline Plus service.

From fixed wireless network use, BellTel wanted these frequencies to be utilized for cellular mobile use. For this purpose, BellTel revised its application and sought for a provisional authority to operate a mobile phone network. The NTC approved BellTel’s request and issued a cellular permit in October 2007.

as of 12/22/2009 2:08 AM

Lawmakers hit telcos for failure to implement billing scheme (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/12/21/09/lawmakers-hit-telcos-failure-implement-billing-scheme)
By Bernard U. Allauigan and Emilia Narni J. David, BusinessWorld | 12/22/2009 1:55 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers on Monday castigated telecommunication firms for their refusal to implement a new billing scheme for mobile phone calls, vowing to pass a bill giving the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) contempt powers.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, author of Senate Bill 3465 seeking to reorganize the regulatory body proposed more powers for the NTC in a Senate hearing on Monday. The hearing was called to get an update on the noncompliance of telecommunication firms on the 6-second-per-pulse billing scheme which was ordered by the NTC last Dec. 6.

“By January we will pass that bill so that the telcos must comply with the order,” Mr. Enrile told reporters after the hearing. “We will provide [the NTC] with contempt powers.”

Under the bill, the NTC will be given the power to see to it that there is a “fair and competitive business environment” for industry players, that will ultimately ensure universal access to “reliable and affordable” telecommunication services for the public.

The NTC, meanwhile, refused to comment, saying there was a pending case against telecommunication firms for not following the order.

Mr. Enrile blew during the hearing when he learned that telecommunication giants Globe Telecom, Inc., Smart Communications, Inc., and Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc., the subsidiary of Gokongwei-led Digital Telecommunications Phils, Inc. that operates Sun Cellular, were not following the latest NTC circular.

Regulators have ordered telcos to stop charging for mobile phone calls by the minute. Under the new scheme, there is a “flag-down” rate of not more than P3.00 for the first 12 seconds or two pulses.

In the first minute, each succeeding six-second pulse will be charged up to P0.56. Every pulse in the succeeding minutes will be charged up to P0.75.

Under the NTC order, charges for calls should not exceed P7.50 per minute, the highest prevailing rate among telcos.

It was supposed to be implemented as the default billing scheme beginning Dec. 6 for all mobile phone calls within the same network and Dec.16 for interconnection calls or calls between different networks.

But telco representatives reiterated yesterday that consumers should use “prefixes,” which involve changing the first few digits of the phone number being called, to avail themselves of the per-pulse system.

“The problem with your position is you want the government to follow what you want and not the other way around,” Mr. Enrile told representatives of Globe Telecom and Smart Communications. Sun Cellular representatives did not attend the hearing.

Roy C. Ibay, Smart Communications’ senior manager for regulatory affairs, blamed the NTC for the supposed lack of implementing rules and regulations.

Answering a query from Senator Manuel A. Roxas II on why telcos were not following the NTC order, Froilan M. Castelo, Globe Telecom’s head for regulatory affairs, said there were “some technical difficulties happening.”

“From your answers, we understand that you are not going to follow,” said Mr. Roxas.

Sun Cellular admitted last week that it could not comply with the NTC order at all.

Anthony Ian Cruz, president of consumer group TXTPower, said Globe Telecom’s prefix is a mere promotion, and existed way before the Dec. 6 circular.

Globe Telecom’s chief legal counsel, Rodolfo A. Salalima, said: “We have a program where we are more than compliant with the order,” referring to the 232 prefix program which charges P0.10 per second.

Mr. Enrile said “That’s not the way regulation is done.”

“Otherwise, you are regulating the government. The government is bigger than you are.”

Mr. Ibay said Smart Communications, the mobile unit of Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) Co., needed at least “two months” to comply, “because we still need to change the program in our system.”

‘Ready for holidays’

On Monday, telcos said they were ready to meet the high demand for mobile services during the Christmas season.

In a telephone interview, Globe Telecom head for corporate communications Yoly C. Crisanto said the company has prepared for network congestion.

“We’re ready for the congestion around Christmas time and our maintenance preparation for the peak season has begun,” said Ms. Crisanto.

Telecommunication firms have argued that the peak season in December is too busy to introduce network modifications like the per-pulse billing system.

“We are on a ‘network freeze’ meaning no major system modifications can be made. This safeguards network integrity. All backup and redundancy systems are on standby,” said Ms. Crisanto.

Smart Communications spokesman Ramon R. Isberto said in a separate interview that preparations for the peak season have been in place in the months leading up to December.

“It has been our standard operating procedure in the months leading to December to analyze the calling patterns of subscribers because in the past few years we have seen that heavy use is not system-wide but rather localized,” said Mr. Isberto.

Smart Communications is also adding capacity to areas which have already reached a certain traffic threshold, he added.


Mediaquest Holdings, Inc., a unit of the Beneficial Trust Fund of the PLDT, has a minority stake in BusinessWorld.

as of 12/22/2009 1:55 AM

San Miguel moves to acquire BellTel

By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes
(The Philippine Star)
Updated December 22, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has reportedly shifted focus on Bell Telecommunications (BellTel) as a potential acquisition target following legal problems being encountered in its bid to acquire Express Telecommunications (Extelcom).

In an earlier interview, SMC president Ramon Ang told The STAR that they are still hoping to acquire Extelcom despite legal difficulties on the purchase.

SMC is in talks with a company controlled by businessman Roberto Ongpin for the acquisition of the latter’s stake in Extelcom. However, Marifil Holdings Corp., a firm controlled by Bayan Telecommunications, has questioned in court Transdigital Extel’s stake in Extelcom.

Lopez-controlled Marifil, which claims to still own 46 percent of Extelcom, said it will oppose the planned sale by TransDigital Extel to SMC of its stake in Extelcom and will continue to fight the alleged hostile takeover of Extelcom.

Marifil lawyer Ariel Tuybayan said they will pursue all legal remedies to reverse what they claim is an illegal dilution of their shares in Extelcom from 46 percent to eight percent. “Marifil is prepared to go all the way to the Supreme Court,” he added.

He pointed out that Marifil was deprived of its property in clear violation of the Corporation Code that requires the vote of shareholders holding at least two thirds of the outstanding capital stock. “How can corporate rehabilitation be abused to deprive a shareholder of its property without its consent?” he said.

Meanwhile, two of BellTel’s biggest publicly-listed shareholders – Liberty Flour Mills and South China Resources – have sold their stake in the telco to Two Cassandra-CCI Conglomerates, a shareholder of Liberty Telecoms Holdings which is partly owned by SMC.

Liberty Flour Mills informed the Philippine Stock Exchange that it is selling its investment in BellTel consisting of 600,000 common shares for P227.38 million to Two Cassandra-CCI.

Meanwhile, South China Resources also sold to Two Cassandra-CCI its 3.24 million shares in BellTel for P1.23 billion.

There have been speculations that BellTel will eventually be sold to SMC, which is looking at ways to expand its presence in the local telecommunications business.

BellTel is a full-service telecommunications company that began its commercial operations in January 2002. It is authorized to provide the full range of services throughout the Philippines, giving it access to all the central business districts (CBD) where 70 percent of the country’s commerce is transacted and special economic zones (SEZs) established under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

With its scope of licenses to include local exchange carrier (LEC), international gateway facility (IGF), inter exchange carrier (IXC), very small aperture terminal (VSAT) and Internet service provider (ISP), the company offers an integrated package of services including local and long distance telephone services, high speed data connectivity, Internet services, cable TV and videoconferencing.

BellTel pioneered in the deployment of point-to-multipoint fixed wireless access technologies delivering multiple product offerings. BellTel also rolled out fiber-to-the-curb in the Makati central business district and entered into strategic alliances with underutilized telecom infrastructures (HFC, fiber optic) thus giving it multiplicity of cost-effective last mile options for rapid service deployment.

The company operates a domestic C-band satellite hub providing connectivity for customers in remote sites not yet covered by its wireless networks. BellTel’s MPLS ready backbone supports multiple services and protocols thus enabling provision of services to customers using legacy networks and migration of customer networks towards IP.

BellTel’s frequencies are for fixed wireless network use or for wireless local loop service, similar to Bayan’s Wireless Landline offering and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.’s Landline Plus service.

From fixed wireless network use, BellTel wanted these frequencies to be utilized for cellular mobile use. For this purpose, BellTel revised its application and sought for a provisional authority to operate a mobile phone network. The NTC approved BellTel’s request and issued a cellular permit in October 2007.

“With the mobile license, the company felt that it will be more beneficial and more advantageous to utilize the assigned 1.8-gigahertz spectrum for mobile service,” it said.

Court of Appeals affirms Extelcom rehab ruling

By Edu Punay
(The Philippine Star)
Updated January 01, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed its ruling last year allowing rehabilitation of debt-ridden Express Telecommunications Co. Inc. (Extelcom) by junking the bid of Lopez-controlled Bayan Telecommunications Inc. (Bayantel) and Marifil Holdings Corp. to stop the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from implementing the plan.

In a 21-page resolution penned by Associate Justice Arturo Tayag, the special former special 15th division of the appellate court stressed that petitioners BayanTel and Marifil failed to raise new arguments in their motion for reconsideration to warrant the reversal of its Dec. 16, 2008 decision.

Bayantel is an Extelcom major creditor while Marifil is a major stockholder.

In the assailed ruling, the CA dismissed Bayantel and Marifil’s petition for review of the order issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Antonio Eugenio Jr., approving Extelcom’s rehabilitation initiated by Trans Digital Excel, Inc. (TDE), one of Extelcom’s major creditors for failure of petitioner to seek relief from the appeals court within the 15-day reglementary period under Rule 43 of the Rules of Court.

As for the merit, the CA stressed that the SEC did not err in approving the rehabilitation plan, which has converted Extelcom’s debts into equity.

It noted that the TDE-initiated rehabilitation plan was far more effective that the alternative rehabilitation plan being proffered by the petitioners, where Bayantel would partner with Extelcom to use the 850 megahertz frequency band for 3G [third generation] services.

The CA stressed that the debt-to equity conversion has resulted in Extelcom’s P9.18-billion debts and capital deficiencies being wiped out based on the report of the rehabilitation receiver.

The appeals court also noted reports that the TDE was in talks with San Miguel Corp. for the sale of 60 percent of its stake in Extelcom “proves that it is now viable enough to attract investors.”

“The entry of SMC may reasonably increase the value of the present shareholder equity in Extelcom, thereby enabling both shareholders and creditors alike to potentially realize additional value from their commonly reduced shareholdings and credits,” the CA said.

“It may be added that no other shareholder or creditor questioned the rehabilitation plan, lending credence to the conclusion that the court-approved rehabilitation plan is fair and equitable and is the most expeditious manner by which Extelcom may be rehabilitated,” it added.

CICT wants rules on digital TV out by May
By Paolo Montecillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer - 12/30/2009

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) is rushing to come out with the guidelines to govern the rollout of digital television in the country before the current administration ends its term.

The agency said it was still waiting for the prices of set top boxes, which were needed for digital TV, to go down before making its decision.

“The Philippines is still in the evaluation stage,” CICT Secretary Ray Anthony Roxas-Chua said.

“We still don’t know which standard to follow. It’s a matter of seeing which standard is most compatible with the Philippines,” he said.

The planned rollout of digital TV in the country has been hanging for years due to delays in deciding on which international standard to adopt. The government has been choosing between the Japanese and European digital TV standards, being the two most compatible applications for an archipelago like the Philippines.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), which regulates TV networks in the country, earlier chose the European standard, but later changed its mind.

The NTC is an agency attached to the CICT which, in turn, reports directly to the Office of the President.

Digital TV signals are able to compress data more efficiently and bring higher quality pictures and sounds on air.

However, to be able to receive digital signals, set top boxes are needed on each TV set. TVs in the country today are able to receive only traditional analog signals.

^^ dapat last year pa nila yan tinapos! :bash: sa 2015 pa yata nila yan balak seryosohin kung kelan deadline na!!!! :bash:

This is good news. Add 40 M to subscribers of Globe and Sun Cellular. We will have a higher penetration rate in 2009 out of the total population. Globe has half a million broadband subscribers plus 1 Million users in Smart. This is really encouraging. :cheers:

Smart reaches 40 million subscribers at end of 2009

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business-columns/8938-smart-reaches-40-million-subscribers-at-end-of-2009

Monday, 04 January 2010 00:00

The wireless unit of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) group said it has achieved its mobile phone subscriber target for 2009 despite the economic slump, fierce competition and natural calamities that wreaked havoc on the country. In its yearend report, Smart Communications Inc. said it has ended the year with 40 million subscribers, 13.6 percent higher than last year’s 35.2 million subscribers.

The company also closed the year with one million broadband users through its subsidiary, Smart Broadband Inc. (SBI). Its broadband service covers the country’s major cities through a network of 3G/high-speed packet access (HSPA) cellular and fixed broadband base stations.

“Smart achieved these by coming out with products and services that address the needs of the different market segments. We’ve also continued to roll out our 2G, 3G and fixed wireless broadband networks nationwide to reach even those in remote locations,” Napoleon Nazareno, Smart president and chief executive, said.

At end-2009, the company was able to extend the coverage of its cellular network to 1,619 cities and municipalities nationwide.

PLDT, which is partly owned by Hong Kong’s First Pacific Co. Ltd. and Japan’s NTT group, earned P30.02 billion in end-September, or 15 percent from last year’s P26.18 billion. In the third quarter alone, its net income jumped 49 percent to P10.29 billion from P6.9 billion in the same period last year.

In November, the company has successfully tested 4G or Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, which is part of the Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) evolutionary path beyond 3G technology.

Smart said 4G is the “logical next step” following today’s HSPA technology.

The company has also completed testing the most advanced broadband technologies such as HSPA and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, or WiMAX.

In December, Smart tied up with MoneyGram International (MGI) so that it can offer a remittance service that would allow Filipinos to send cash directly to their beneficiaries’ Smart Money accounts in the Philippines.

Smart Money is a mobile wallet service that can handle cross-border remittances.

Through this platform, remittance beneficiaries can store the funds from abroad in their Smart Money account linked to their phones. They can also pay bills or withdraw the money from an automated teller machine, a Smart Wireless Center or Smart Money Center.

The service will initially be available in San Diego, California and Hong Kong, but it would be rolled out later to other MoneyGram locations around the world.

Last year, MoneyGram added a US dollar payout option in the Philippines and expanded its agent network to more than 7,000 locations across the country.
DARWIN G. AMOJELAR

Google Introduces Nexus One Handset to Take On IPhone :banana:

By Brian Womack

Jan. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Google Inc., aiming to take on Apple Inc.’s iPhone and defend its dominance in Web search, introduced a touch-screen mobile phone called Nexus One and opened an online store for the handset.

The device is 0.45 inches (11.5 millimeters) thick, about the same as the iPhone, and has a larger screen than its rival. The phone costs $179 with a T-Mobile USA contract and $529 without it, Mario Queiroz, a Google vice president, said today at an event at Google headquarters in Mountain View, California.

Google, owner of the most-popular Internet search engine, is boosting investment in the mobile-phone market as growth in its search-advertising business on desktop computers slows. The new device’s voice-activated functions, higher-resolution camera and graphics differentiate it from the iPhone, said Aaron Kessler, an analyst at Kaufman Brothers LP in San Francisco.

Estimating the future market share for the new phone is difficult, though “if they had little single digits by the end of the year, they’d probably be happy,” he said.

The phone runs on Google’s Android operating system, which is also used by phone makers such as Motorola Inc. Google plans to offer other devices using the software at its online store later on. The site is available for U.S. shoppers and Google is testing sales in Singapore, Hong Kong and the U.K.

In addition to T-Mobile USA, which is Deutsche Telekom AG’s U.S. wireless unit, Vodafone Group Plc and Verizon Wireless will offer the Nexus One later this year. Google is in talks to get other carriers on the site.

Compass, Navigation

Like the iPhone, the Nexus One has a compass and navigation features. The phone was designed with Taiwan’s HTC Corp., which became the first manufacturer to sell Android devices in 2008.

The new device has a 3.7-inch screen, and it weighs 4.6 ounces (130 grams). It uses Qualcomm Inc.’s Snapdragon processor. The iPhone 3GS, which starts at $199 with a contract, is 0.48 inches thick and has a 3.5-inch screen.

Google fell $2.76 to $623.99 at 4 p.m. New York time in Nasdaq Stock Market trading. The shares doubled last year. Apple rose 37 cents to $214.38.

The new handset reflects Google’s effort to expand advertising sales on mobile devices, a market that may reach $2 billion to $3 billion in the U.S. by 2013, up from less than $1 billion now, according to Sanford C. Bernstein & Co.

Sales of smartphones, which surf the Web and send e-mail, rose 12.8 percent in the third quarter, while overall global mobile-phone sales increased 0.1 percent, according to researcher Gartner Inc.

Mobile-Ad Market

The share of Web browsing done from mobile devices will climb to 2.3 percent by the end of 2010 from 1.3 percent now in North America, according to Quantcast Corp., a San Francisco- based research firm that measures data based on Web-publishing software. Globally, handheld browsing will climb to 1.8 percent from 1 percent today.

In November, Google announced plans to pay $750 million for AdMob Inc., a mobile-phone advertising startup backed by Sequoia Capital, one of Google’s original investors. Today, Cupertino, California-based Apple said it bought Quattro Wireless, an AdMob rival. Apple is also planning to unveil a tablet device this month, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Android Market Share

Android devices accounted for 12.4 percent of mobile Web browsing in North America in December, according to Quantcast. That compared with 65 percent for the iPhone and 8.7 percent for Research In Motion Ltd.’s BlackBerry. Android surpassed the BlackBerry in November for the first time.

“The Nexus One will be another big boost for Android,” Quantcast Chief Executive Officer Konrad Feldman said in an interview today. “It’s clear that people adopting Android are using their phones for the Web more.”

With the new phone, Google will be able to win more share for Android, said Kevin Burden, an analyst at ABI Research in Oyster Bay, New York.

Android probably had about 4 percent global market share in 2009, Burden said. The iPhone had 9 percent, and Symbian, which Nokia Oyj uses on its smartphones, had 48 percent. RIM’s BlackBerry had 18 percent, Burden said.

Google first disclosed it was working on an Android device on Dec. 12.

World’s smallest phone to sell in RP (http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view/20090904-223561/Worlds-smallest-phone-to-sell-in-RP)
By Alexander Villafania
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 20:42:00 09/04/2009

MANILA, Philippines – The Israeli-designed modu, considered the world’s lightest mobile phone, will be distributed locally by Globe Telecom.

The modu (http://www.modumobile.com/) is registered by the Guinness World Records (http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2008/02/080229.aspx) as the world’s lightest phone at only 40.1 grams or 1.41 ounces.

The modu is in itself a standalone mobile phone with SMS or text messaging features. It can also store up to 2 gigabytes of data, which can be accessed by connecting the modu into “jackets.”

The modu jackets are single-use multimedia devices for playing music and GPS. There is also mobile phone jacket that expands the use of the basic modu.

The unit does not have 3G capabilities, according to its specifications.

No pricing or date has been set yet for the introduction of the modu, developed by Israeli firm modu ltd. However, a basic package of a modu phone kit costs US$125 (or about P6,000).

Globe challenges Smart’s speed test claim (http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view/20091116-236525/Globe-challenges-Smarts-speed-test-claim)
By Alexander Villafania
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 01:46:00 11/16/2009

MANILA, Philippines – The mobile broadband war is getting more intense as the two mobile services rivals try to claim ownership of having the fastest mobile broadband service.

Smart Communications started to run an advertisement claiming that its SmartBro wireless broadband service is the fastest, based on a public field test conducted by a company called PSRC (Philippine Survey and Research Center).

The SmartBro TV commercial showed a celebrity host testing a SmartBro kit and a second kit that is blurred on screen, apparently the unit from rival Globe. The host utilized the popular bandwidth testing site SpeedTest.Net, with the results showing SmartBro as the fastest.

However, rival Globe Telecom, which owns the Globe Tattoo brand, questioned the credibility of Smart’s claims saying that their rival’s test was full of fallacies as it used one website for measurement. In a press conference, Globe’s network engineers claimed that SpeedTest.Net only captures the “burst speed” of the network being tested during a certain period, but not the actual total speed within a sustained period.

Broadband and Landline Group Marketing Head Mari Litonjua added that Smart’s test was only within one place. To counter this claim Litonjua said they wanted an independent review and tapped telecommunications system integrator NESIC Philippines to conduct a series of tests using Globe Tattoo and SmartBro.

They also included a competing kit from Sun’s own wireless broadband service but only for Metro Manila where the service is only available.

Instead of just using SpeedTest.net, Litonjua showed they also used a speed testing software called Netpersec and a second speed testing website, 2Wire.com.

“We don’t want do the test in one place just like they did. So we tested it in several areas,” Litonjua said, noting that these areas were chosen at random and based on foot traffic.

As the NESIC results showed, Globe Tattoo outmatched SmartBro in all of the tests. Only Sun Cellular’s wireless broadband performed nearly the same as Globe Tattoo, and it also outgunned SmartBro.

The NESIC test, however, did not include a prolonged time-based test, which could also affect the kit’s bandwidth. There are external, uncontrolled factors that can affect bandwidth speed, even in high-signal locations. One of these include the number of mobile phone and wireless broaband users in a given area who are connecting at the same time.

Still, Litonjua stressed that the purpose of the test was to get the most comprehensive measurement and make people aware of the claims. “What’s important is user experience and we’re trying to address that.”

SmartBro has over 500,000 users in the Philippines. Globe claims that it has over 110,000 wireless broadband subscribers, the majority of which are from its Globe Tattoo service.

Smart has yet to respond to Globe’s test results.

^^ Kung mag-iringan naman sila akala mo hindi subjective ang speed test results nila. Location is always a factor in mobile broadband. Signal strength of the carrier is always directly proportional to speed.

^^ yeah, as if naman mabilis talaga ang internet service nilang dalawa. youtube dapat ang basehan for download speed o kaya torrent.

^^ Kung mag-iringan naman sila akala mo hindi subjective ang speed test results nila. Location is always a factor in mobile broadband. Signal strength of the carrier is always directly proportional to speed.

mas maganda nga yan, na mag away sila:D sa speed para, patunayan nila sila ang mas mabilis, kaya improve nila dapat ang speed, kaya tanggalin nila ang capping.

^^para malaman talafga kung sinong mas mabilis, Globe o Smart:D

meron akong 2 account-postpaid ng globe. dati umaabot ng 1.8mbps ang speed sa probinsya, ngayon nasa 500kbps na lang. naka cap ata ang speed ko. heavy data user kasi ang mga gumagamit doon sa probinsya:D

Noong nakaraang Ondoy Typhoon, isa sa matinding naapektuhan ang negosyo namin, Computer Shop ang net provider namin ay DSL (PLDT)

More than 3 mos. kaming walang net, started from Sept. 26 naayos lang nila ang line namin noong isang linggo. :ohno:

Ang aming maliit na negosyo ay naluge ng mahigit 100k sa panahong iyon at muntik na kaming mag - close dahil wala na talaga kaming puhunan, in facts walang natira sa bahay ng may - ari kundi yun pedeng malabhan lang then tong business namin na sana ay magsasalba sa amin di man nabasa or binaha kasi nasa 3rd flr. ng isang Mall sa Antipolo, un facilities naman ng pldt sa baba ang nagrabe.

Although naiintindihan ko naman na sobrang naapektuhan ang company (PLDT), kami na na small business lang naiintindihan ba nila?

Eto kami ngayon nag sisimulang muli, namuhunang muli after typhoon. Wala man lang program para makatulong sila sa amin. Good payer naman kami before the typhoon came.

May sinasabi silang rebate but still, it's a small amount compare sa nalugi namin. 1 - 2 weeks akong nag - antay ok na yun weather natin pero walang technician na pumasyal sa lugar namin...!! :bash::bash:

I always reporting 5 times a days sa kanilang Costumer Service Hotline to the point na halos magkakakilala na kami lahat, (PLDT Agents) Then sa kanilang Business office, so much efforts para lang mapansin ako.

Mabuti pa mga wireless provider nag bigay ng discount para mga nasalanta. tsk tsk tsk...!!!

Then now I just received disconnection notice :c :nuts:

Goooood, ease my burden tsk tsk tsk PLDTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT ...!!!!!

^^charge to experience mo na lang yan...

A big telecom player will enter the Philippine market in the 1st quarter of 2010. This was announced in ANC's business news.

More domestic players mean alot of choices for the consumers.

I think its San Miguel backed Liberty Telecom.

- edit

Auction for last 3G slot set
Manila Standard Today - January 13, 2010

by Jeremiah F. de Guzman

The National Telecommunications Commission said Tuesday it will draw up new guidelines that will govern the bidding for the last 3G mobile license after major telecom companies expressed keen interest on the last available slot.

NTC Deputy Commissioner Douglas Michael Mallillin said the regulator would issue a new memorandum circular on 3G, or third-generation network, in the wake of a booming broadband market.

The previous circular on 3G allocation drew up a 30-point grading system, which ranked applicants in terms of financial standing, track record and technical know-how.

The old criteria included a five-year rollout plan that would cover at least 80 percent of the provincial capital towns and cities and 80 percent of chartered cities.

The NTC under the old circular required a debt-to-equity ratio of 70:30 on telecom companies and a minimum investment of P400 million in the cellular mobile telecommunication services.

The NTC also set a minimum paid-up capital stock of P100 million for new public telecommunications entities.

Mallillin said the NTC was closely studying the criteria to be added in the previous circular because of the strong competition in the last 3G slot.

“With one remaining slot with the same 3G, it may change the whole picture,” Mallillin said.

He said the additional criteria would gauge the financial competence of telecom companies in bidding for the last frequency.

“Along with other criteria, [NTC] will choose based on who will best give a price on the remaining frequency,” Mallillin said.

He said all telecom companies with 3G frequencies were competing for the last slot.

The NTC in 2008 awarded 3G licenses to Smart Communications Inc., Globe Telecom Inc., Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. and Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprises Inc.

It denied the application of Bayan Telecommunications Inc., Pacific Wireless Inc., Multimedia Telephony Inc., Next Mobile Inc. and AZ Communications Inc.

The Court of Appeals in August denied the appeal of BayanTel to get a 3G license, saying that the company’s rollout plan paled in comparison with those of other telcos.

“The point system that the NTC eventually adopted was reasonable and germane to the declared purpose of determining the best qualified applicants,” the appellate court said.

Noong nakaraang Ondoy Typhoon, isa sa matinding naapektuhan ang negosyo namin, Computer Shop ang net provider namin ay DSL (PLDT)

More than 3 mos. kaming walang net, started from Sept. 26 naayos lang nila ang line namin noong isang linggo. :ohno:

Ang aming maliit na negosyo ay naluge ng mahigit 100k sa panahong iyon at muntik na kaming mag - close dahil wala na talaga kaming puhunan, in facts walang natira sa bahay ng may - ari kundi yun pedeng malabhan lang then tong business namin na sana ay magsasalba sa amin di man nabasa or binaha kasi nasa 3rd flr. ng isang Mall sa Antipolo, un facilities naman ng pldt sa baba ang nagrabe.

Although naiintindihan ko naman na sobrang naapektuhan ang company (PLDT), kami na na small business lang naiintindihan ba nila?

Eto kami ngayon nag sisimulang muli, namuhunang muli after typhoon. Wala man lang program para makatulong sila sa amin. Good payer naman kami before the typhoon came.

May sinasabi silang rebate but still, it's a small amount compare sa nalugi namin. 1 - 2 weeks akong nag - antay ok na yun weather natin pero walang technician na pumasyal sa lugar namin...!! :bash::bash:

I always reporting 5 times a days sa kanilang Costumer Service Hotline to the point na halos magkakakilala na kami lahat, (PLDT Agents) Then sa kanilang Business office, so much efforts para lang mapansin ako.

Mabuti pa mga wireless provider nag bigay ng discount para mga nasalanta. tsk tsk tsk...!!!

Then now I just received disconnection notice :c :nuts:

Goooood, ease my burden tsk tsk tsk PLDTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT ...!!!!!


Subukan mo mag-report ng complaint dyan sa PLDT Business Office sa may Marcos Highway branch(papuntang Masinag galing ng Sta.Lucia), tatapatan ka ng SIM na may libreng 300 pesos na load. :nuts:
And daming kiyeme hindi na lang sabihin na paputol na lang pansamantala ang linya ng telepono at magpakabit na lang sa iba. Eh di tapos na usapan.
Hindi yung pinapaasa ang subscriber sa WALA. Considering the GAIN and LOSS on monthly subscription, re-connection fee vis-a-vis one time payment for new subscription from the other telco service provider.

give the exact location :D para mauna kayo :D

Ang Mga network nayan Profit Oriented yan ang tagal na nila sa telco industry hindi pa nila 100% na kokompleto ang coverage ng kanilang network..

Sa amin nga sa Dimasalang Masbate mag dadalawang taon palang nagkaroon ng signal si SMART at Globe at ang kinabit pa sa amin na mga cellsite yung mga pinangbaklas siguro sa mga syudad yun kaya madalas nawawalan ng mga signal ang celsite at ang dapat manlang makakuha ng 3g para bumilis ang internet pero wala gprs lng!!! kawawa nawan ang mga lugar na malayo nahuhuli pa.

Imagine GPRS EDGE 3G 3.5G HSPA HSDPA WIMAX LTE

ITO NA ANG technology ngayon pero sa amin sa DIMASSAlang MASBATE

GPRS PALANG

CALLING SMART! GLOBE! SUN! LIBERTY TELECOMS! PASUKIN NYO NAMAN ANG LUGAR NAMIN..

Subukan mo mag-report ng complaint dyan sa PLDT Business Office sa may Marcos Highway branch(papuntang Masinag galing ng Sta.Lucia), tatapatan ka ng SIM na may libreng 300 pesos na load. :nuts:
And daming kiyeme hindi na lang sabihin na paputol na lang pansamantala ang linya ng telepono at magpakabit na lang sa iba. Eh di tapos na usapan.
Hindi yung pinapaasa ang subscriber sa WALA. Considering the GAIN and LOSS on monthly subscription, re-connection fee vis-a-vis one time payment for new subscription from the other telco service provider.

Aw that was really what I did, and you know parang Blacklisted na ata kami dyan kasi, even the security guards kilala na kami ng ate ko. Hindi naman sila nag offer ng ganyan saken at aminado sila na that was their fault. Nakarating na sa Head Office nila ang complain namin.

Take note you need to go there (Mrcos Highway Office) at the very early time, para kang nagpapa Book kasi kapag tinanghali ka wala kang pag - asa at malayo pa lang kilala na kami ng mga Customer Service nila. halos araw 2x ba naman kaming magkita eh.

In fairness to PLDT MyDSL maganda, mabilis ang net nila. That's why they still the leading in this business pero. Lintik ang bagal nilang mag - ayos, maganda na ang panahon, at umabot na ng Christmas la pa rin kami net.

Globe's second fiber optic backbone now operational (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=542143&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann LL. Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated January 20, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom, a leading telecommunications provider in the country, recently announced its second fiber optic backbone network (FOBN2) has already been put into commission and is now fully operational.

FOBN2 is a high capacity transmission system that spans over 1,900 kilometers of inland and submarine cable, covering most areas of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The new system is expected to further boost the quality and resiliency of Globe’s network service.

Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu said they are committed to building a first-class network capable of delivering on their promise of ease and relevance.

“We will continue to make our network services stronger and more efficient, improve our products and differentiate ourselves by providing superior customer experience. FOBN2 is a milestone investment for Globe, ensuring reliable, uninterrupted connectivity services for our customers,” Cu explained.

FOBN2 will serve as protection route for network traffic that is currently carried on FOBN1, a parallel DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplex) transmission system built in early 2000. It will likewise provide transmission capacity to support the ongoing roll-out for broadband services, and networking requirements of Globe enterprise and corporate customers.

The cable system has an initial design capacity of 400 gigabits per second (Gbps) and is upgradeable to handle future traffic growth. FOBN 2 was put into complete operation in Nov. 2009 and was completed at a project cost of around $70 million.

Ang Mga network nayan Profit Oriented yan ang tagal na nila sa telco industry hindi pa nila 100% na kokompleto ang coverage ng kanilang network..

Sa amin nga sa Dimasalang Masbate mag dadalawang taon palang nagkaroon ng signal si SMART at Globe at ang kinabit pa sa amin na mga cellsite yung mga pinangbaklas siguro sa mga syudad yun kaya madalas nawawalan ng mga signal ang celsite at ang dapat manlang makakuha ng 3g para bumilis ang internet pero wala gprs lng!!! kawawa nawan ang mga lugar na malayo nahuhuli pa.

Imagine GPRS EDGE 3G 3.5G HSPA HSDPA WIMAX LTE

ITO NA ANG technology ngayon pero sa amin sa DIMASSAlang MASBATE

GPRS PALANG

CALLING SMART! GLOBE! SUN! LIBERTY TELECOMS! PASUKIN NYO NAMAN ANG LUGAR NAMIN..

Ilan ba population dyan sa inyo?
kasi kung kokonti lang at, iilan lang ang subscriber, malamang di sila maglalagay, kasi hindi mababawi ang investment. mahala kasi ng communications equipment.

pero may tips ako paano malagyan.
ginawa ko to. ang lugar namin sa probinsya ay isang 3rd class municipality, natural hindi pa sya city, at ang requirement nila, dapat city na yung lugar para marami magiging subscriber. ginawa ko, gumawa ako ng napakaraming emails, iba-iabng account, iba-ibang pangalan para mag request ng 3G. tapos lahat ng kakilala ko, kamag anak ko sa abroad pina email ko rin ng request. sinubukan namin sa smart, sun, at globe.


yung globe nag reply at yun naglagay ng 3g sa municipyo namin:D


kung puede punta ka rin sa opisina ng globe at smart, magdala ka ng request, papirmahan mo sa mga gustong mag subscribe.

demand and supply lang yan.:D

Liberty may soon launch WiMAX
Written by Lenie Lectura - BusinessMirror
Wednesday, 20 January 2010

LIBERTY Telecom Holdings Inc. may soon slug it out with the major rivals as it is expected to commercially launch its WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) service. This as the company will soon ends its two-month free trial service offer to select clients..

Liberty currently offers WiMAX in selected areas in Metro Manila. Those from Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati and Quezon City and those availed of the trial service reportedly enjoys faster wireless transmission of data and mobile communications compared to fixed DSL (digital subscriber line)or  3G (third generation) connectivity.

Liberty, which once offered traditional telecom services, will now focus on Internet broadband and WiMAX to bring the company back to profitability. It expects the two services would account for more than 90 percent of its projected sales and subscriber base.

WiMAX is a telecommunications technology that provides wireless transmission of data using a variety of transmission modes, from point-to-multipoint links to portable and fully mobile internet access. The technology is said to provide the last mile connectivity. The resulting competition may bring lower pricing for both home and business customers or bring broadband access to places where it has been economically unavailable.

Liberty wants to be a major player in the wireless broadband sector and may likely succeed in its objective despite stiff competition. Anastacio Martirez, former chief mobile head and head of consumer business at Smart Communications Inc. and former chief executive officer for the Jakarta-based PT Smart Telecom, joined Liberty on February 4, 2009.

“Looking at the enormous potential and the opportunities that the wireless broadband sector in the Philippines has to offer, I am extremely excited and hope to play an instrumental role in establishing Liberty Telecoms as a strong player in the Philippine telecom industry,” Martirez said last year.

When sought for comment, Martirez did not want to provide details on Liberty’s ongoing WiMAX trial service and impending commercial launch. But the National Telecommunications Commission already approved Liberty’s request to test WiMAX.

Sources said Liberty will be offering cheap subscription rates for WiMAX service to entice the public to shift to the company. The rates may be offered for as low as P250 a month.

Carriers are unfazed by the entry of Liberty, saying it has no network to speak of amid the financial backing of food and beverage giant San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and Qatar Telecom (QTel), Qatar ’s dominant telephone service provider.

SMC has formalized its entry in the telecommunications industry by acquiring 32.7 percent of Liberty for P1.88 billion. Its wholly owned unit Vega Telecom Inc. has acquired 597.111 million shares of Liberty for P3.25 each. The purchase was done via a series of block sales at the bourse.

Liberty claims that its capability to take advantage of the promising WiMAX technology will put the company to at least at par with the other phone firms in the country.

Among the carriers, Globe Telecom was the first to deploy WiMAX as a cost efficient alternative to cable and digital subscriber line in bringing wireless broadband access to the public.

“Yes, Liberty has the frequencies but it is just starting to build its network. Whereas existing carriers already have the network, the frequencies, and subscribers,” said a telco official.

Another source said carriers offering WiMAX or those planning to now scramble for wireless broadband frequencies to offer WiMAX service. Since no new frequencies have been recently allocated by the National Telecommunications Commission some carriers resort to buying other small phone firms which had been awarded precious frequencies even before demand for the service surge.

Liberty has 40 megahertz (Mhz) in the 2.5 gigahertz (Ghz) to 2.7 GHz spectrum and nearly 100Mhz situated in the 700MHz frequency bandwidth. It informed the stock exchange last year that capital spending budget for the next 10 years is estimated to reach P7.15 billion. Of which, P5.11 billion will sourced internally and the remaining from new investors.

Rival Smart Communications Inc. also obtained a 20Mhz in the 2.5GHz to 2.7GHz spectrum to rollout WiMAX services.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. president Napoleon Nazareno has said the dominant carrier welcomes competition.

Nazareno said the more players there are in the market, the more choices there would be for consumers. “We welcome competition. We are focus on what we are doing given the innovations we have put in place and those that will be put in place.”

For listed firm Digital Telecommunications president James Go said last year that nothing beats the original. “Remember, we started it all. Others just followed. We still have an edge and we will make sure that we will be ahead of the others.”

^^^^^^Good news.

Liberty Telecom to launch WiMAX service

MANILA, Philippines - After a 2-month free trial, Liberty Telecom Holdings Inc. is set to commercially launch its WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) service in the Philippines.

Liberty is expecting its WiMAX and Internet broadband services to bring the company back to profitability, as these are seen to account for more than 90% of its sales and subscriber base.

Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. was the first to deploy WiMAX as a cost-efficient alternative to cable and digital subscriber line (DSL) in bringing wireless broadband access to the public.

WiMAX can provide speeds of up to 1 Mbps, which is 33% faster than commercially available Wi-Fi services.

source: http://news.abs-cbn.com/business/01/20/10/liberty-telecom-launch-wimax-service

Liberty Telecoms raising authorized capital to P6.8 billion

By Zinnia B. Dela Pena
(The Philippine Star)
Updated January 23, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Liberty Telecoms Holdings Inc. (LTHI) is raising its authorized capital stock to P6.8 billion from P2 billion to allow the infusion of fresh and additional equity.

Documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission show that of the P4.8 billion increase in capitalization, P2.97 billion has been subscribed while P955.61 milion has been paid up.

Among those who subscribed to the capital increase were Wi-Tribe Asia Ltd. (P367.66 million), Vega Telecom (P587.95 million), and White Dawn Solutions Holdings Inc. (P244.39 million).

Upon the infusion of new capital, LTHI’s foreign equity would stand at 18.4 percent. Diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp. has acquired approximately 32.7 percent of LTHI for an estimated P2.2 billion and plans to raise its total shareholdings in the telecommunications firm to up to 49 percent.

San Miguel said it intends to pursue the acquisition of the remaining 16.3 percent of LTHI in coordination with its joint venture partner, Qatar Telecom. (QTel). In May 2008, QTel acquired 27 percent of LTHI through subsidiary WI-Tribe Asia Ltd.

LTHI intends to 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. 

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, 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 megabit/s without the need for cables.

LTHI will likely be the corporate vehicle of the joint venture between San Miguel and QTel in their bid to penetrate the local wireless voice and data telecommunications services market.

The company’s shift to 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 IT and Internet-related sectors.

In particular, LTHI is hoping to provide high bandwidth service to upper and middle class households and SMEs, lower to middle class and 1 high-end mobile users.

Sun subscribers hit 11m


Manila Standard
Jan.25, 2010

Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc. added one million cellular subscribers and built over a thousand cell sites in 2009.

Digitel, which owns the wireless brand Sun Cellular, said subscribers reached over 11 million at the end of 2009.

James Go, Digitel vice chairman, president and chief executive, said in May that he expected around 15 million subscribers by the end of 2009.

Digitel said cell sites reached over 5,000 from 4,603 in May.

Go earlier said the telecommunications company aimed to build more sites to be at par with two leading telecommunications companies.

Digitel reported net income of P715.4 million for its wireless communication services in the first nine months of the year, a turnaround from a loss of P1.7 billion year-on-year.

It said the entire business registered net loss of P394 million because of P1.2 billion in losses from its land line business. Jeremiah F. de Guzman

SMS junk (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=544782&publicationSubCategoryId=64)
CTALK By Cito Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated January 29, 2010 12:00 AM

Please keep your junk out of my phone.

There are hundreds if not thousands of cell phone users like myself who are getting fed up with unsolicited SMS messages from sales agents, loan officers and even propagandists of both the administration and the opposition.

Officials of the National Telecommunications Commission are obviously not very concerned about the activities of some enterprising people who have been making thousands of pesos per transaction, simply by gathering all the calling cards, contact numbers and directory details of cell phone users and selling these harvested and filtered numbers to retailers and companies.

The numbers are then passed on to their sales force who are encouraged to make cold calls or send text messages offering real estate, loans, or vacation homes, even liposuction or insurance. To further extend their chances, the very same agents actually trade data and contact numbers among each other, which then creates a flood of redundancy.

As a result people either have to live with the annoyance, decline politely, fight back or change their SIM or contact numbers, which may be good for the telecoms company, but results in a lot of wasted money and consumer inconvenience. Officials of the NTC as well as those trying to profit from the use of “SMS junk” may also be unaware or simply insensitive to the unsolicited expense they cause on Filipinos traveling or working abroad.

Brokers or loan officers who have been targeting OFWs or Pinoy expats don’t seem to consider that every SMS junk they send, ends up costing the cell phone owner money. In a month’s time that could go as high as a thousand pesos as a result of redundant messaging sent to a Pinay abroad. One thousand pesos can buy a sack of rice or a month’s baon for school.

Whether they realize it or not, people who have been sending unsolicited text messages to potential customers are actually contradicting every principle of salesmanship.

First they are making a cold call to a total stranger. The best in sales will always tell you: Know your customer. If you did, you would know that they don’t like dealing with strangers, or they feel violated when their privacy including their cell phone number has been picked up or harvested in order for someone to make a sales pitch. It’s lazy, amateurish and a total waste of time.

Junk SMS is a million to one shot. That’s why the enterprising crook that “stole” our numbers always sells the list by the thousands, because he knows the chances of you making good use of the list and making a profit is a million to one.

People who rely on junk SMS also violate the very foundation of sales: trust.

A total stranger, invading my privacy by using my illegally harvested personal number, to make an unsolicited offer for a product I already have or don’t need has immediately committed five fouls. Even in basketball that’s all you need to be thrown out of the game.

I also need to point out that many people are so mechanical about their job. They keep sending to the same people the same kind of offers over and over again. It never occurs to them to delist unresponsive files and not send out SMS Junk.

Just because someone sold you a “celebrity list” or a list of known millionaires, that does not necessarily mean you now have a treasure map.

Actually you do, except you got it 20 years too late, because all the people in your list already have 3 credit cards, 4 bank accounts, double insurance, 5 to 10 cars, several properties and enough money to send their great grandchildren to college and back.

Funny enough, I noticed that the majority of the SMS Junk senders are males. I guess women who are more relational and more successful in sales have long realized that cold calls and SMS junk is a very impersonal waste of time and money both for the sender and the receiver.

I know it’s a tough world especially for beginners, but if you want to connect with people or potential clients, do it the Filipino way: look for a “kamag-anak” (relation). In a country where we always tell foreigners “I know someone...”, try to use connections not technology. Technology is suppose to help make things easier, but don’t make it do your work or do your job. “Sales” is about character not impersonal convenience.

Maybe these foreign owned PLDT and Globe are afraid that Pinoys will found out that they are milking the Filipinos dry.

Good thing we have a Pinoy own telco in Digitel-Sun.


Digitel submits RAO

Malaya Business Insights
Jan.30, 2010

Despite the opposition of major telecom players on the implementation of reference access offers (RAO), Gokongwei-owned Digital Telecommunication Inc., (Digitel) has submitted its RAO, also known as interconnection rates.

The National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) has required all telcos to submit their interconnection rates last year but Globe, PLDT and its subsidiaries Smart, Cure and Philcom, have expressed their opposition saying the order is unconstitutional and violates the free enterprise system in the telecom market.

A Digitel official who requested anonymity said they have submitted their RAO before the NTC but refused to give a copy to media.

Digitel said the company thinks that submitting its RAO will not affect the bilateral agreement between telcos on access charges and that telcos still has freedom to negotiate on their rates.

In addition, the concept of RAO is also being implemented in other Asian countries like Singapore and Hong Kong.

NTC refers RAO agreement containing the terms and conditions, including prices, on which a public telecommunications entity is prepared to provide access and other related services to any access seeker.

For sure Digitel-Sun rates are more cheaper than those Smart PLDT/Globe. I really loved what Digitel-Sun did to the market, they really shake the communication Industry giving us customer a more cheaper alternative. :)

Maybe these foreign owned PLDT and Globe are afraid that Pinoys will found out that they are milking the Filipinos dry.

Good thing we have a Pinoy own telco in Digitel-Sun.


Digitel submits RAO

Malaya Business Insights
Jan.30, 2010

Despite the opposition of major telecom players on the implementation of reference access offers (RAO), Gokongwei-owned Digital Telecommunication Inc., (Digitel) has submitted its RAO, also known as interconnection rates.

The National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) has required all telcos to submit their interconnection rates last year but Globe, PLDT and its subsidiaries Smart, Cure and Philcom, have expressed their opposition saying the order is unconstitutional and violates the free enterprise system in the telecom market.

A Digitel official who requested anonymity said they have submitted their RAO before the NTC but refused to give a copy to media.

Digitel said the company thinks that submitting its RAO will not affect the bilateral agreement between telcos on access charges and that telcos still has freedom to negotiate on their rates.

In addition, the concept of RAO is also being implemented in other Asian countries like Singapore and Hong Kong.

NTC refers RAO agreement containing the terms and conditions, including prices, on which a public telecommunications entity is prepared to provide access and other related services to any access seeker.

Globe challenges Smart’s speed test claim (http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view/20091116-236525/Globe-challenges-Smarts-speed-test-claim)
By Alexander Villafania
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 01:46:00 11/16/2009

MANILA, Philippines – The mobile broadband war is getting more intense as the two mobile services rivals try to claim ownership of having the fastest mobile broadband service.

Smart Communications started to run an advertisement claiming that its SmartBro wireless broadband service is the fastest, based on a public field test conducted by a company called PSRC (Philippine Survey and Research Center).

The SmartBro TV commercial showed a celebrity host testing a SmartBro kit and a second kit that is blurred on screen, apparently the unit from rival Globe. The host utilized the popular bandwidth testing site SpeedTest.Net, with the results showing SmartBro as the fastest.

However, rival Globe Telecom, which owns the Globe Tattoo brand, questioned the credibility of Smart’s claims saying that their rival’s test was full of fallacies as it used one website for measurement. In a press conference, Globe’s network engineers claimed that SpeedTest.Net only captures the “burst speed” of the network being tested during a certain period, but not the actual total speed within a sustained period.

Broadband and Landline Group Marketing Head Mari Litonjua added that Smart’s test was only within one place. To counter this claim Litonjua said they wanted an independent review and tapped telecommunications system integrator NESIC Philippines to conduct a series of tests using Globe Tattoo and SmartBro.

They also included a competing kit from Sun’s own wireless broadband service but only for Metro Manila where the service is only available.

Instead of just using SpeedTest.net, Litonjua showed they also used a speed testing software called Netpersec and a second speed testing website, 2Wire.com.

“We don’t want do the test in one place just like they did. So we tested it in several areas,” Litonjua said, noting that these areas were chosen at random and based on foot traffic.

As the NESIC results showed, Globe Tattoo outmatched SmartBro in all of the tests. Only Sun Cellular’s wireless broadband performed nearly the same as Globe Tattoo, and it also outgunned SmartBro.

The NESIC test, however, did not include a prolonged time-based test, which could also affect the kit’s bandwidth. There are external, uncontrolled factors that can affect bandwidth speed, even in high-signal locations. One of these include the number of mobile phone and wireless broaband users in a given area who are connecting at the same time.

Still, Litonjua stressed that the purpose of the test was to get the most comprehensive measurement and make people aware of the claims. “What’s important is user experience and we’re trying to address that.”

SmartBro has over 500,000 users in the Philippines. Globe claims that it has over 110,000 wireless broadband subscribers, the majority of which are from its Globe Tattoo service.

Smart has yet to respond to Globe’s test results.

This is probably the worst challenge in Philippine telecommunications.

What's new? (ho-hum)

Let's all move to T1.

For sure Digitel-Sun rates are more cheaper than those Smart PLDT/Globe. I really loved what Digitel-Sun did to the market, they really shake the communication Industry giving us customer a more cheaper alternative. :)

Indeed.

In fact a noted Filipino economist lauded Sun's contribution in the telecom industry--which is, forcing these foreign owned duopoly (PLDT-Smart-Talk and Text-Red Mobile and GLOBE-Innove-TM) to bring down their rates.

Im still having bad signal with SUN :ohno:

Your not alone :) If only SUN could have GSM 900Mhz or using UMTS 850Mhz/900Mhz.. , lower frequencies has better coverage per cell site and do penetrates walls better than 1800/2100Mhz.

I believed Smart uses UMTS 850 and 2100, GSM 900/1800, Globe GSM 900/1800 and UMTS 2100 only, SUN is I believed pure UMTS 2100 and GSM 1800.

In terms of coverage and quality I can say Smart is #1. #2 either Globe or Sun LOL depends on what you believed. IMO.


Im still having bad signal with SUN :ohno:

Sun is really cheap! I'd tried using sun mobile unlimited here in Albay and it works. Only that that signal I receive is not 3G but EDGE :(. According to their website EDGE is 4x faster than dial-up but here its even slower than dial-up! I wish they could fix it so I could have a better alternative to SMARTBro which is definitely not true to their published speeds of 2Mbps which often has average speeds of 200-300 kbps. Sun would be a big winner if they would go all out nationwide. When will that be?

A new telecommunication player enter the broadband market, Liberty Broadcasting Network, Inc and a Partnership between San Miguel Corporation and Qtel group finally join the broadband battle, with a Brand name of “Wi-Tribe” this telco offer up to 1 Mbps for 998 Pesos per month.

Finally, broadband that will move you. Broadband that will make you smile!
wi-tribe MOVE plans are designed to provide you with reliable high-speed internet connectivity at 4G speeds with higher bandwidth than other broadband service providers. The service is designed to meet your demand for a dependable, consistent and high-speed internet service.

wi-tribe offers:

* Unlimited surfing and unlimited browsing
* Consistent and superior bandwidth speed
* Portable
* Plug-and-Play
* Competitively-priced packages
* 24 x 7 Customer Support

read more:
http://www.adamos.org/2010/02/wi-tribe-g4-internet-liberty-telecom/
or
http://www.matnoganon.com/?p=967

Thanks

The National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) has required all telcos to submit their interconnection rates last year but Globe, PLDT and its subsidiaries Smart, Cure and Philcom, have expressed their opposition saying the order is unconstitutional and violates the free enterprise system in the telecom market.)

No wonder, PLDT is the parent company of Smart, Cure and perhaps Philcom, this is the most stupid move of NTC, Allowing another sister company of PLDT, namely CURE to offer sms,voice using Smart Tower and Equipment.

nasaan yon competition dito? monopoly lang mangyayari d2 sa pinas kung ganyan ang NTC. tsk tsk

No wonder, PLDT is the parent company of Smart, Cure and perhaps Philcom, this is the most stupid move of NTC, Allowing another sister company of PLDT, namely CURE to offer sms,voice using Smart Tower and Equipment.

nasaan yon competition dito? monopoly lang mangyayari d2 sa pinas kung ganyan ang NTC. tsk tsk


Indeed.

In fact a noted Filipino economist lauded Sun's contribution in the telecom industry--which is, forcing these foreign owned duopoly (PLDT-Smart-Talk and Text-Red Mobile and GLOBE-Innove-TM) to bring down their rates.

A new telecommunication player enter the broadband market, Liberty Broadcasting Network, Inc and a Partnership between San Miguel Corporation and Qtel group finally join the broadband battle, with a Brand name of “Wi-Tribe” this telco offer up to 1 Mbps for 998 Pesos per month.

Finally, broadband that will move you. Broadband that will make you smile!
wi-tribe MOVE plans are designed to provide you with reliable high-speed internet connectivity at 4G speeds with higher bandwidth than other broadband service providers. The service is designed to meet your demand for a dependable, consistent and high-speed internet service.

wi-tribe offers:

* Unlimited surfing and unlimited browsing
* Consistent and superior bandwidth speed
* Portable
* Plug-and-Play
* Competitively-priced packages
* 24 x 7 Customer Support

read more:
http://www.adamos.org/2010/02/wi-tribe-g4-internet-liberty-telecom/
or
http://www.matnoganon.com/?p=967

Thanks

Thank God we have Filipino owned Sun and Liberty...these two will challenge the monopolistic tendencies of Indonesian owned PLDT-Smart-PilTel-Philcom-Cure.

^^ beta tester ako ng liberty telecom wimax mahina siya compared sa existing dsl ko

:lol: what's wrong ba? mahina ba yun signal like putol putol or di kaya mabagal yun internet speed?

Just wait for the relaunching of Extelcom. Lagot yang Globe at Smart na yan.

uu putol putol tsaka di consistent yung speed

hindi pa commercial launch ng Wi-Tribe, namely Liberty telecom, pero nagbabahay bahay na nila to offer their service.

di ko lang sure kung "uncap" yon 1 Mbps nila.

cap - 512 Kbps or 1 Mbps ibig sabihin non naka filter yon traffic
uncap - 512 Kbps or 1 Mbps ibig sabihin un-filter yon traffic kaya mabilis.

Just wait for the relaunching of Extelcom. Lagot yang Globe at Smart na yan.

Yup, Im also waiting for Extelcom. I hope San Miguel buys it and merge it will Liberty to have a strong number 4 competitor.

I do hope also that the rumors are not true that Lopez is selling Bayantel to PLDT.

guys ano magandang mobile i-net sun globe smart bayan... primary use is in NCR pero pwede ring pang buong pinas

guys ano magandang mobile i-net sun globe smart bayan... primary use is in NCR pero pwede ring pang buong pinas

depende sa location yan eh.:D
mas maganda 2 ISP meron ka.

cheapest yung sun, next yung smart kasi meron na rin silang 1,500 unlimited, then globe

IBM opens Asean Telecom Center of Excellence
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated February 16, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - IBM has opened the ASEAN Telecom Center of Excellence (CoE) to accelerate telecommunications solution development and streamline product delivery in the region.

In a statement, the global technology
giant said this will help ASEAN telecommunication service providers compete more effectively in the fast-changing market.

The center will bring together cutting-edge technical skills, specialized offerings and industry best practices to meet the rising challenges in ASEAN’s telecommunications industry.

Located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the ASEAN Telecom CoE leverages IBM’s globally-integrated network of capabilities and partnerships. The CoE offers a range of new telecommunications software solutions based on IBM’s Service Provider Delivery Environment (SPDE) 3.0 framework, as well as hardware, services and business
partner applications.

Clients will include telco operators, network equipment suppliers, independent software vendors (ISVs) and extended service providers.

“To sustain growth in this competitive industry landscape, service providers must offer customers a more positive and differentiated user experience while reducing complexity and cost,” said IBM Philippines country manager for telecom and utilities industry Rey Lugtu.

He said the CoE offers the ASEAN telco industry an unparalleled level of expertise and support to speed implementation and facilitate effective use of applications and technologies.

“This is very beneficial to the Philippines, wherein the telecommunications industry remains one of the more exciting and rapidly growing sectors in the country,” he added.

The CoE is staffed by technical and telecommunications experts with experience in deploying service creation, service delivery as well as business and operation support systems.

According to research firm IDC, the combined telecommunication services market of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, would reach $35.7 billion in 2009.

Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand were expected to show modest growth at a four percent to six percent range.

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

“By supporting ASEAN’s telecommunications service providers in innovation efforts which leapfrog traditional technologies plans to be world-renowned leaders, we have established a unique position in the industry. We will continue to help telecom providers improve their competitive capabilities by enabling them to combine their strategic assets with innovations that address new market opportunities,” Lugtu said IBM is one of the world’s largest technology suppliers to the telco industry. More than 90 percent of the world’s communications service providers are IBM clients.

Globe signs P2-billion loan facility with Allied Bank (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21918:globe-signs-p2-billion-loan-facility-with-allied-bank&catid=24:companies&Itemid=59)

GLOBE Telecom Inc. has sealed its first borrowing for the year amounting to P2 billion.

The cellular firm said on Tuesday it closed a loan facility with Allied Banking Corp. The new borrowing will finance part of the company’s capital expenditures (capex) this year.

When sought for comment, Globe’s treasury division head Alberto M. de Larrazabal said in a text message that the cellular firm will draw down about $93 million (P4.46 billion) from last year’s borrowings to partly fund the company’s $500-million (P24 billion) capex program.

Larazabal qualified that the $93 million is a collective amount of loan facilities closed in 2009 but have yet to be utilized by the cellular firm. He added that for now the company has no definite plans to borrow again.

Globe chief finance officer Delfin Gonzalez earlier said Globe will finance its 2010 capex through a combination of loans and funds from operations.

This year, Globe will be spending $170 million (P8.16 billion) for its mobile telephony business and another $230 million (P11.4 billion) for the broadband business to augment existing capacities and expand the coverage and footprint of its direct subscriber line, WiMax, and third-generation (3G) broadband services.

The 2010 capex plan also includes about $50 million (P2.4 billion) for Globe’s fixed-line data network which caters to the corporate and enterprise sector.

Another $50 million will be allocated in additional one-time investments. This includes costs related to Globe’s participation in the new Southeast Asia Japan Cable (SJC) System which will link Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines and Japan, and which will further increase the capacity and boost the resiliency of Globe’s international network. The SJC system is expected to be operational in 2012.

In 2009, Globe spent $142 million (P6.18 billion) for mobile; $207 million (P9.36 billion) for broadband; and $52 million (P2.5 billion) for fixed-line data.

Last year’s capex funded Globe’s participation in the TGN-IA international cable system, FOBN2 (second fiber optic backbone network), domestic transmission loops, as well as the expansion and upgrades of its broadband and mobile networks.

As of end 2009, Globe increased its base stations by 22 percent to 10,333 and cellular sites by 7 percent to 6,226 to support its 2G, 3G and WiMAX services. Geographical coverage stood at 97 percent while population coverage was at 99 percent.

The cellular firm continues to see broadband as a growth area for the telecommunications industry this year. In fact, the broadband industry, according to Globe president Ernest Cu, will grow to about 4 million to 5 million subscribers, from 2.5 million as of end-2009.

At end 2009, Globe’s broadband subscriber base more than tripled to 715,000 from 230,000 subscribers in 2008. Gonzalez said the company may even exceed its 1.3 million subscriber base target this year given the strong demand for broadband services. User growth, he added, will largely come from WiMax and prepaid and nomadic segments, he said.

Globe plans to sustain growth momentum in the broadband and corporate data segments through further expansion of its WiMax service, which is now available in over 190 towns and cities nationwide.

For mobile telephony, the industry revenue growth is seen at low to mid single-digit levels, in line with broader economy. Globe, said Cu, expects to take proportionate share of this growth.

The mobile industry will also benefit in the election and postelection boost seen this year.

The cellular firm’s mobile business accounts for 80 percent of the company’s total revenues. The remaining 20 percent comes from the broadband and fixed-line businesses. Gonzalez said mobile revenues might still account for 80 percent this year.

Globe’s mobile revenues dropped four to P53.21 billion due to intense competition. The company also cited the growing preference of subscribers for value offers on the back of a weak consumer economy.

Globe posted 23.2 million subscribers last year.

Meanwhile, Globe said its wholly owned mobile commerce subsidiary G-Xchange Inc. has partnered with BOKU Inc., a mobile payments company, to expand the acceptance of the Globe GCASH service overseas.

By partnering with BOKU, GCASH extends its reach outside the Philippines to a global community of more than 1,000 BOKU merchant partners and a mobile payments community that covers over 190 carriers worldwide, allowing its users to purchase virtual goods from any merchant in the Boku global merchant network.

“The Philippines is one of the richest markets in the world for mobile payments.” said Rizza Maniego-Eala, president of G- Exchange. “Since its inception in 2004, GCASH has been the widely used mobile payment method for online purchases in the Philippines.

The deal, said BOKU, opens the BOKU mobile payment platform and growing international merchant community to Globe’s GCASH subscribers.

Telcos reject open bidding for last 3G license
BusinessWorld - February 18, 2010

TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES have asked regulators to reconsider a draft memorandum circular ordering a bidding for the final license to operate third-generation or 3G mobile services.

Firms present in a hearing held by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) yesterday said the regulator should just assign the last 3G slot to the most qualified company.

Froilan M. Castelo, counsel for Globe Telecom, Inc., said the last slot should go to the company that is most able to provide services to consumers.

Telcos also claimed bidding may result in “ruinous competition” with companies being pushed to bid and not able to roll out services.

The NTC said it would study position papers submitted by companies, and set another hearing for March 1.

A draft circular by the regulator stated that companies may bid for the last 3G slot starting at a floor price of P65 million. Previous rules stated that companies that have been assigned slots only have to pay a spectrum users fee of P65 million and have to roll out 3G services within five years. -- Emilia Narni J. David

Telcos reject open bidding for last 3G license
BusinessWorld - February 18, 2010

TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES have asked regulators to reconsider a draft memorandum circular ordering a bidding for the final license to operate third-generation or 3G mobile services.

Firms present in a hearing held by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) yesterday said the regulator should just assign the last 3G slot to the most qualified company.

Froilan M. Castelo, counsel for Globe Telecom, Inc., said the last slot should go to the company that is most able to provide services to consumers.

Telcos also claimed bidding may result in “ruinous competition” with companies being pushed to bid and not able to roll out services.

The NTC said it would study position papers submitted by companies, and set another hearing for March 1.

A draft circular by the regulator stated that companies may bid for the last 3G slot starting at a floor price of P65 million. Previous rules stated that companies that have been assigned slots only have to pay a spectrum users fee of P65 million and have to roll out 3G services within five years. -- Emilia Narni J. David

If NTC award this 3G license to GLOBE, no more competition. monopoly lang mangyayari d2 sa pinas.

Smart, Globe, Digitel, Liberty and Bayan. If Bayan get a 3G license then it will have a healthy competition. additionally if Liberty telecom launch their service Smart, Globe and Digitel will lower the fee of their service such as internet and and so on.

Yup, Im also waiting for Extelcom. I hope San Miguel buys it and merge it will Liberty to have a strong number 4 competitor.

I do hope also that the rumors are not true that Lopez is selling Bayantel to PLDT.


San Miguel Corporation together with QTel Group (Middle East and South Asia telecom giant) just luanched Wi-Tribe (the first wireless boradband internet connection that uses 4G signal):cheers:

service will be provided first in Metro Manila before going nationwide.

here's the lilnk:

http://www.wi-tribe.ph/about-us/

Telcos join forces vs NTC plan on 3G frequency
By Mary Ann LL. Reyes (The Philippine Star) - February 19, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s telecommunications companies have banded together to oppose a plan of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to bid out at a minimum price of P65 million the last remaining third generation of mobile communications (3G) frequency.

This, as the said telcos warned the NTC that under RA 9006 or the Fair Election Act, the issuance or grant of a franchise or permit to operate a television or radio station during the election period is prohibited.

NTC deputy commissioner Douglas Michael Mallilin said that they might ask the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for a legal opinion on whether or not the ban covers not only broadcast but telecommunications.

At yesterday’s public hearing conducted by the NTC on its proposed rules on the assignment of the remaining allocated 3G radio frequency band, the telco industry, particularly Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc., Bayan Telecommunications (BayanTel), and Multimedia Telephony Inc. (Broadband Philippines) questioned, among others, NTC’s plan to bid out the last 3G frequency available to all telco entities who qualify under the new rules.

Smart said that preference should be given to existing 3G operators who have already proven that they are capable of rolling out 3G networks. “Instead of considering the proposed memorandum circular as a new set of rules, it should be merely a continuance of the earlier 3G circular of the NTC, and therefore, previous conditions should be in force and those already qualified under the earlier circular should still be qualified to apply,” he emphasized.

Globe Telecom, for its part, questioned why the NTC would disqualify under the proposed MC those who are already grantees of 3G frequencies and their affiliates from applying for the assignment of the 3G frequency paired band 1965-1975 MHz/2155-2165 MHz or 1890-1900 MHz/1970-1980 MHz.

The proposed new rules disqualifies Smart, Globe, Digital Telecommunications, and CURE and their subsidiaries from applying for assignment of the last 3G frequency band and provides for a minimum bid price of P65 million (equivalent to the annual spectrum users fees) for the paired 10MHz bands.

Globe regulatory affairs head Froilan Castelo said the last 3G frequency should be awarded to them not only for commercial reasons but for reasons of public service, since Republic Act no. 7925 or the Public Telecommunications Act requires that telco frequencies should be granted only to those who are most qualified.

Smart, together with Globe, Digital Telecommunications, and Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprise (CURE), were earlier granted 3G frequencies under the old NTC 3G circular. At that time, the spectrum users’ fee (SUF) for each frequency was pegged at P65 million and the frequency was merely assigned, not bidded out. CURE was later on sold to Smart.

Castelo emphasized that auction of frequencies should only be resorted to when the demand is more than the supply.

For its part, Digital Telecommunications said it is adopting the concerns raised by Smart and Globe on the disqualification of present 3G assignees. “We have shown our competence and ability to rollout 3G networks, and therefore we should not be disqualified. As for Sun Cellular, we ask the NTC to strengthen the proposed provisions against grantees later on selling their frequencies,” it pointed out.

Meanwhile, Bayantel, through counsel Ariel Tubayan, filed a motion urging the NTC to defer any action towards the promulgation of the proposed new 3G rules until a final determination has been made by the courts on the company’s entitled to the fifth 3G frequency.

Tubayan pointed out that the matter of the assignment of the remaining 3G frequency band is the subject of litigation. Bayantel has filed a petition with the Court of Appeals for a review of the NTC’s decision not to award the company a 3G frequency during the first round of bandwidth assignments.

“By taking steps towards the adoption of the proposed new 3G rules, the NTC is obviously showing utter disregard to the CA as it attempts to render said litigation nugatory and cause prejudice to the parties who participated in the proceedings the commission conducted under MC 07-08-2005 (old NTC 3G rules,” Bayantel told the NTC.

3G row causes gov't to lose P300-M

By Lenie Lectura, Business Mirror | 02/22/2010 11:30 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The fifth and last 3G or broad spectrum slot having been unassigned for the last five years, the government has lost over P300 million in spectrum user fees, so it is important to award the last slot as soon as possible.

This was stated by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) over the weekend, adopting an estimated P65 million in yearly spectrum users’ fee (SUF) as basis for their calculation.

The statement appeared to be in response to some criticisms from holders of the slots already awarded, after the commission said rules governing the award of the last slot will exclude holders of slots previously assigned.

“The NTC deemed it necessary to expedite awarding of the last 3G slot as nonusage of said frequency consequently deprives prospective subscribers of easier access to services it can provide.  The government has lost approximately P300 million in potential income through spectrum user fees, at the current rate of P65 million a year, due to the nonassignment of the last 3G slot for the past five years,” a NTC statement said. The SUF is collected from cellular firms, providers of broadband wireless access services, trunk radio operators and others with assigned frequency bandwidth. For 3G service, the fees that operators pay depend on how wide the bandwidth allocated. For 2009, the NTC collected close to P1 billion in SUF payment.

NTC Deputy Commissioner Douglas Mallilin said existing 3G firms paid around P310 million in SUF in January last year.  As they build their 3G subscriber base, the NTC is requiring them to increase their SUF depending on their actual number of subscribers. If the firms were able to register more than 4 million 3G subscribers each, they will pay an additional P2 million in SUF for every 100,000 additional subscribers.

For the remaining 3G slot, the NTC proposes that the minimum bid price shall be P65 million for the paired 10 megahertz (MHz) which is in the frequency band 1965–1975MHz/2155–2165MHz or 1890- 1900MHz/1970-1980MHz.

The NTC said it would seriously study comments expressed by current 3G stakeholder Globe Telecom Inc., Smart Communications Inc. and Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. (DMPI) in last week’s public hearing on their exclusion from the proposed bidding, as well as other comments and concerns raised by the other stakeholders.

Globe said the proposed rules were apparently meant to favor only one carrier. Globe holds 10 MHz of 3G frequency. It has put up 2,500 base stations and has signed up 1.5 million active 3G users. It has applied for the remaining 3G frequency spectrum.

Smart and DMPI said they have been fully compliant and successful in the positioning of 3G services to the public so they should likewise be qualified for the bidding for the last slot, especially since they were declared qualified in the previous awards.

Smart has 25 MHz of 3G frequency, including its own 15 MHz and CURE’s (Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprises) 10 MHz. Smart now owns CURE. It bought out the previous owners of CURE in 2008. Aside from the total 25MHz, Smart also use Pilipino Telephone Corp.’s 10 MHz.

Digitel has 10 MHz of bandwidth in the 3G spectrum.

Bayan lawyer Ariel Tubayan asked the NTC, meanwhile, to cease from any attempt to dispose of the last 3G slot pending its appeal with the Court of Appeals (CA). “We are continuing to object to this. The NTC should hold in abeyance the awarding of the remaining 3G frequency until the CA has issued its final resolution.”

Bayan, the telephone unit of the Lopez group, assailed the NTC for “arbitrarily and whimsically adopting” in 2005 a 30-point rating system and a 20-point qualification threshold in ranking applicants, which was made without notice and which went beyond the scope of the 3G circular.”

3G auction rules revised
by Jeremiah F. de Guzman - Manila Standard Today, February 23, 2010

The National Telecommunications Commission has revised the draft rules on the auction for the last 3G license, allowing license holders to bid for the frequency.

The country’s top three telecom companies—Smart Communications Inc., Globe Telecom Inc. and Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc.—last week disputed the draft NTC rules disqualifying them from joining the bidding for the fifth 3G license.

The NTC said it drew up the rules to other companies a chance to acquire the sought-after frequency.

The regulator in 2006 awarded 3G licenses to Smart, Globe Telecom, Digitel and Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprises Inc. Smart later took over the license of Cure.

The NTC said telecom companies “with existing authorization or pending applications for authorization to install, operate and maintain CMTS [cellular mobile telecommunication system] or mobile telecommunications networks” could now join the auction.

The regulator set a minimum bid price of P65 million for the annual spectrum user fee and a bid security bond of 30 percent.

The NTC in 2006 conducted a “beauty contest” to determine the qualified applicants for the four 3G licenses, using a 30-point grading system on their financial standing, track record and technical know-how.

Earlier, the NTC denied the applications of Bayan Telecommunications Inc., Pacific Wireless Inc., Multimedia Telephony Inc., Next Mobile Inc. and AZ Communications Inc. for the last 3G slot.

Froilan Castelo, Globe regulatory affairs head, earlier said the company should be allowed to join the bidding since it “is fully compliant and successful in the positioning of 3G services to the public.”

Globe, which holds 10 Mhz of 3G frequency, said it had 2,500 base stations and 1.5 million active 3G users.

Smart, the wireless unit of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., agreed, saying that “entities qualified on the previous circular must also be qualified to the new circular.”

Smart has 35 Mhz of 3G frequency, including its own 15 Mhz, Cure’s 10 Mhz and Pilipino Telephone Corp.’s 10 Mhz.

Digitel, which has 10 Mhz of bandwidth in the 3G spectrum, also appealed with the NTC, saying that it had proven its “competence in rolling out the service.”

BayanTel lawyer Ariel Tubayan, meanwhile, asked the NTC to stop drawing up the rules for the unallocated 3G slot pending its appeal with the Court of Appeals.

PLDT targets last 3G slot :ohno:
Business Mirror, 24 February 2010

THE Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) Group is going after the last and fifth 3G (third-generation) frequency slot. This, as the telco giant stressed its need for additional frequencies to service the growing demand for broadband services.

Smart Broadband Inc. (SBI), a unit of PLDT cellular arm Smart Communications Inc., has notified the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Wednesday that it will pursue the filing of the 3G frequency application of Pilipino Telephone Corp. (Piltel).

Piltel has ceased to be a cellular operator. It is no longer engaged in mobile phone business, with the 20 percent holding of Manila Electric Co. as its primary asset and source of income. Its nationwide cellular mobile telephone system (CMTS) permit has likewise been transferred to SBI.  

“Since the regulators approved the transfer of CMTS and PCO (public calling office) permits of Piltel to SBI, SBI will now take the place of Piltel’s pending 3G application,” said Smart legal counsel Roy Ibay in a phone interview. He noted that a letter has been submitted to the NTC for its approval. Piltel, as early as January last year, filed a 3G frequency application with the NTC.  

The NTC has opened for bidding the paired 10MHz which is in the frequency band 1965–1975MHz/2155–2165MHz or 1890-1900MHz/1970-1980MHz. This is the only 3G frequency slot left for assignment. This frequency spectrum may be used to deploy Long-Term Evolution technology which is touted as the next big thing after 3G. “Piltel was already looking then at offering 4G (fourth-generation) mobile phone service because the frequencies can be used for the service,” added Ibay.

The wireless arm of the PLDT Group has cornered a total of 35MHz of 3G frequencies, including Smart’s own 15MHz (1920-1935Mhz/2110-2125Mhz), which were awarded in January 2006 for the nationwide deployment of its 3G network; Connectivity Unlimited Resource Enterprise’s (CURE) 10MHz (1955-1965/2145-2155Mhz); and Piltel’s 10Mhz (825-835MHz/870-880Mhz).  CURE is another unit of Smart and is a licensed 3G operator. “We are now using some of Piltel’s frequencies for our 3G service,” said Smart chief wireless advisor Orlando Vea yesterday at the sidelines of SBI’s latest product offering SurfTV.

SBI’s high-speed broadband service covers the country’s major towns and cities, through a network of 3G/high-speed packet access (HSPA) cellular and fixed broadband base stations. Smart said it is the only carrier in the country and one of the only few in the world that have deployed HSPA running on the 850MHz and 2100-MHz frequency bands, which offer improved coverage quality and data rate capacity for mobile broadband.

Smart is set to deploy the more advanced broadband technologies such as HSPA+, which delivers three to four times the speed of HSPA, and worldwide interoperability for microwave access or WiMax, which is expected to complement its HSPA network.

SurfTV widens the Internet service portfolio of Smart, through SBI, which reported 1 million broadband subscribers by end-2009, the largest in the industry. Lenie Lectura

Cisco to unveil network boost for Internet
Wed Feb 24, 2010 10:22pm GMT - Reuters UK

NEW YORK, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO.O) will announce in March new technology for communications service providers to offer more advanced, high-speed Internet connections, a source familiar with the plan said on Wednesday.

The move comes as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission plans to demand faster Internet speeds as part of its National Broadband Plan to be unveiled on March 17.

Cisco said on Wednesday it will unveil technology on March 9 that will "forever change the Internet." On its website, the network equipment maker said the change would show "what's possible when networking gets an adrenaline boost."

The company declined to elaborate, but the source said the technology would help telecom service providers like phone companies offer better, high-speed Internet service.

The FCC wants minimum Internet data transmission speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) to 100 million homes within a decade, compared with current industry estimates of less than 4 Mbps.

Google Inc (GOOG.O) has also rattled the service provider industry with a plan to build a super-fast Internet network of its own.

Cisco is the world's top maker of routers, switches, and other network equipment that help phone companies and corporations manage their networks and enable faster, more stable Internet connections.

Bayantel hits NTC for decision to bid out remaining 3G license (http://www.bworld.com.ph/main/content.php?type=3)

BAYAN Telecommunications, Inc. (Bayantel) claimed yesterday the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) would be stifling competition if it proceeds to auction the last license to offer third-generation or 3G mobile services.

In a statement, Bayantel spokesman Juan Armando V. Rojo said the regulator’s decision to allow big telcos like Globe Telecom, Inc., Smart Communications, Inc., Digital Telecommunications Phils., Inc. (Digitel), and Connectivity Unlimited Resource Enterprises (CURE), operator of Red Mobile, to participate in the bidding for the last 3G slot would result in “hoarding” of 3G frequencies.

Smart Communications and CURE are part of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) Co. group.

“[The] NTC will be stifling competition by allowing big players to hoard frequencies while marginalizing niche players like Bayantel, which has a proven track record of delivering real value to customers through its innovative market approach while lowering down the cost of telecommunication services to a reasonable amount -- i.e. the unlimited [calls from wireless landlines],” said Mr. Rojo.

He said the regulator should “live up to its mandate of giving consumers the freedom and luxury of choosing the best provider for their needs.”

The NTC could not be reached for a comment.

The NTC recently revised its rules for the auction of the last 3G slot, reversing an earlier decision to disqualify those who already have 3G frequencies -- Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, and Digitel, from participating in the bidding. It set a floor price for the bidding of P65 million.

A hearing was held last week on the rules for the auction of the 3G slot and industry players were asked to comment.

Bayantel has a pending case at the Court of Appeals against the NTC -- the telco claims it has the right to the last slot because it was qualified under the old rules.

“During the original selection process in 2005, the players were not required to put up a financial bid but were evaluated based on track record, roll-out plan and rates to be offered to the public. How can the niche players be expected to compete? We feel that this just further illustrates the uneven playing field that the NTC is supposed to regulate,” said Mr. Rojo.

Bayantel is the telecommunication arm of the Lopez Group of Companies and offers wireless voice and Internet services.

Mediaquest Holdings, Inc., a unit of the Beneficial Trust Fund of PLDT, has a minority stake in BusinessWorld. -- Emilia Narni J. David

SMART Bro Prepaid UnliSURF 200 for 5 days

Smart BRO Prepaid Users! Now you can surf unlimited for 5 days!

This promo is open to all Smart BRO Prepaid subscribers. For P200, get unlimited surfing for 5 days (120 hours).

Two ways to register:

SMS Registration:
Type UNLISURF 200 and send to 2200.
After successful registration, you’ll get a confirmation message.

Web Connect Registration:
Note: You must have an initial load balance of P210
Log on to Web Connect
Upon logging in, choose “Bro Packages”, then click on “Data Packages”.
Choose Smart Bro UnliSurf Package, then click “Submit”.
You’ll get a notification upon successful registration.

Happy Surfing!

SMART Bro Prepaid UnliSURF 200 for 5 days

Smart BRO Prepaid Users! Now you can surf unlimited for 5 days!

This promo is open to all Smart BRO Prepaid subscribers. For P200, get unlimited surfing for 5 days (120 hours).

Two ways to register:

SMS Registration:
Type UNLISURF 200 and send to 2200.
After successful registration, you’ll get a confirmation message.

Web Connect Registration:
Note: You must have an initial load balance of P210
Log on to Web Connect
Upon logging in, choose “Bro Packages”, then click on “Data Packages”.
Choose Smart Bro UnliSurf Package, then click “Submit”.
You’ll get a notification upon successful registration.

Happy Surfing!

Often disconnection is still a problem on this SmartBRO. pinokpok ko na nga yon SmartBRO prepaid Kit ko, amp yon gumagana pa yata pero hindi ko na ginagamit dahil wi-tribe na gamit ko.

Often disconnection is still a problem on this SmartBRO. pinokpok ko na nga yon SmartBRO prepaid Kit ko, amp yon gumagana pa yata pero hindi ko na ginagamit dahil wi-tribe na gamit ko.

kumusta ang ka tribo?:D

:lol:

Globe sees broadband users to reach 1.3M  (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22385:globe-sees-broadband-users-to-reach-13m&catid=24:companies&Itemid=59)

GLOBE Telecom Inc. expects broadband subscribers in its network rising to 1.3 million at the end of this year.

The joint venture between Ayala Corp. and SingTel said the competitive market environment and decreasing prices of personal computers and laptops will influence the performance of the country’s strong broadband market.  

The total broadband market in the country is expected to reach about 4 to 5 million broadband users by the end of 2010. Globe estimates there are about 2.5 million broadband users as of 2009.

“The bulk of the subscriber growth will be coming from the nomadic, lower ARPU (average revenue per user) and prepaid segments,” said the cellular firm in a statement.

At end-2009, Globe broadband subscribers reached over 715,000—more than three times that of 2008, which is about 230,000 subscribers.

The cellular firm continues to see broadband as a growth area for the telecommunications industry. Total broadband revenues of Globe climbed to a high of 74 percent ending at P3.2 billion in 2009 from P1.9 billion in 2008, and comprised 5 percent of the company’s consolidated sales.

Globe said the strong takeup of the nomadic, on-the-go broadband service last year exceeded expectations.

Multi-Media asserts claim on 3G slot (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22388:multi-media-asserts-claim-on-3g-slot&catid=24:companies&Itemid=59)

MULTI-MEDIA Telephony Inc. (MTI), the operating company of Broadband Philippines, asserted its claim for a 3G (third-generation) mobile service license by filing an urgent motion before the Court of Appeals (CA) to act on the restraining order against the regulators.

“There is an extreme, urgent and paramount necessity for the court to assert its authority and resolve our petition lest the actions of the NTC in proposing and advertising new guidelines for the auction render the current judicial proceedings inutile. We cannot afford to have our rights trampled upon by the NTC while a case is pending at the CA,” said Juan Lorenzo Taňada, MTI chief for corporate services, over the weekend.

MTI has a pending case before the CA underscoring its position as a deserving entity to be awarded a 3G license. It questioned the NTC’s award of 3G licenses in December 2005. It also asked the CA to issue a TRO so the NTC will be prevented from awarding the last remaining 3G frequency other than MTI and from promulgating the draft circular on the rules on the assignment of the remaining allocated 3G band.

The NTC recently called a public hearing on the proposed rules to govern the auction for the last 3G license, including the eligibility of three current 3G band holders—Smart Communications Inc., Globe Telecom and Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc.—to participate in the bidding.

“The application for TRO was filed to prevent the NTC from awarding the last available 3G license to any entity other than MTI, as well as the issuance of any new rules or any action to start a new bidding process on the allocation of the last 3G band.”

In its seven-page filing on February 5, MTI noted that the NTC is set on unveiling a new set of guidelines for the award of the last 3G slot. The NTC had already conducted a public hearing in January 2009 on the draft circular. “The NTC is undeniably dead set on circumventing the provisions of the law. Judicial courtesy was severely violated by the NTC as a result of conducting a public hearing and issuing statements relative to the proposed auction,” said Tañada.

MTI’s urgent motion to resolve the case is merely one of the many cases filed against the NTC in relation to its assailed orders in 2008. Bayan Telecommunications Inc., Next Mobile Inc. and AZ Communications Inc. have filed their respective petitions with the CA similarly assailing the questioned consolidated NTC orders.

Often disconnection is still a problem on this SmartBRO. pinokpok ko na nga yon SmartBRO prepaid Kit ko, amp yon gumagana pa yata pero hindi ko na ginagamit dahil wi-tribe na gamit ko.

^So far okay naman po ang SMARTBro... much better compared to TATTOO

Globe sees broadband users to reach 1.3M  (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22385:globe-sees-broadband-users-to-reach-13m&catid=24:companies&Itemid=59)

GLOBE Telecom Inc. expects broadband subscribers in its network rising to 1.3 million at the end of this year.

The joint venture between Ayala Corp. and SingTel said the competitive market environment and decreasing prices of personal computers and laptops will influence the performance of the country’s strong broadband market.  

The total broadband market in the country is expected to reach about 4 to 5 million broadband users by the end of 2010. Globe estimates there are about 2.5 million broadband users as of 2009.

“The bulk of the subscriber growth will be coming from the nomadic, lower ARPU (average revenue per user) and prepaid segments,” said the cellular firm in a statement.

At end-2009, Globe broadband subscribers reached over 715,000—more than three times that of 2008, which is about 230,000 subscribers.

The cellular firm continues to see broadband as a growth area for the telecommunications industry. Total broadband revenues of Globe climbed to a high of 74 percent ending at P3.2 billion in 2009 from P1.9 billion in 2008, and comprised 5 percent of the company’s consolidated sales.

Globe said the strong takeup of the nomadic, on-the-go broadband service last year exceeded expectations.

Nagpapatawa ang Globe... eh paano naman tataas ang subscribers ng TATTOO na puro reklamo. Sabi nila 3G / HSDPA ang coverage nila nationwide wahahaha bakit GPRS lang napapala ko :bash:

Bayan blocks entry of new telco player (http://www.malaya.com.ph/03022010/busi4.html)
BY MYLA IGLESIAS

Lopez-owned Bayan Telecommunication Inc., (Bayan) is seeking to block the entry of new telecom player Schutzengel Telecom Inc. in cellular mobile telephone service (CMTS) market and third generation 3G services.

In a filing with the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC), Bayan said that the NTC should not entertain the application of Schutzengel for CMTS because there’s no available frequency for the ninth telecom player.

"The frequency bands allocated for CMTS use by NTC MC No. 5-11-88 and MC No. 20-12-92 have all been assigned to the existing CMTS providers. There is no spectrum left for the applicant. In fact, existing CMTS carriers are even clamoring for additional frequency allocations due to congestion in the present CMTS frequencies," Bayan said.

At present, NTC has already authorized eight carriers—Smart, Globe, Digitel, Cure, Extelcom, Multi-Media Telephony Inc., (MTI), Nextel Communication Philippines (Nextel) and Bayan.

Bayan said the operation by Schutzengel of the proposed service would be a duplication of existing telecommunication services resulting in a waste of valuable resources.

"This would in effect be counter productive and would inevitably result in unfair and ruinous competition to the detriment of existing operators and of public interest".

In addition, Bayan said that Schutzengel has not yet proven its alleged technical and financial capacity to carry out this "wide-reaching and overly ambitious undertaking."

The new company who got a congressional franchise late last year said that the company is legally, technically and financially capable to maintain the proposed network and to provide the 3G services nationwide.

Sources said Schutzengel is affiliated with the Iglesia Ni Cristo which applied for a franchise in mid last year and got approval also in late 2009.

ok ba ang speed ng wi-tribe?

NTC biased against small telcos?
BusinessMirror - Written by Butch del Castillo / Omerta
Tuesday, 02 March 2010 20:58

When the Public Telecommunications Policy Act (Republic Act [RA] 7925) was signed into law by President Fidel Ramos on March 1, 1995, it was both a sad and happy day.

Sad for the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. because the law made it mandatory for it never to refuse interconnection sought by any of the gaggle of existing smaller players (most of them provincial telcos) in the telecommunications industry.

But it was a happy one for the rest of the industry, including the small telephone and radio-television networks. Several of these telcos and radio-TV networks had long been wanting to retool or modernize their equipment to enlarge their coverage and services.

A significant impact of the telecoms act of 1995 was that it had ended PLDT’s monopoly in an industry where the smallest players had long been practically under its mercy. If it did refuse interconnection to a provincial telephone company, for example, that small telco’s operations would be no more availing than an expanded intercom system. On occasions it would allow interconnection, the PLDT saw to it that it couldn’t grow big enough to offer it competition. Such were the horror stories you would hear about PLDT—the one that for a long while made “party line” snoopers a vexatious problem to many subscribers.

(To this day, there are at least 30 provincial telephone companies affiliated with the Philippine Association of Provincial Telephone Companies or Paptelco. These, plus several unaffiliated companies that did business in the urban centers, formed the ranks of the “small players.”)

When the new law went in force, there was good reason to hope it would usher in a climate for competition and growth that would, ultimately, bring the benefits of state-of-the-art telecoms technology to the people.

To some extent, the expected scenario began to unfold before our very eyes. Such minor players in the landline-phone business such as Bayantel, Globe (with its Innove) and Digitel (Sun Cellular) wasted no time in rolling out and expanding their operations. Taking advantage of the new, hot technology that had captured worldwide patronage, these companies focused on developing their mobile-telephone capability. There was a global cell-phone fever, and the Philippines was not to be left too far behind. Their newfound enthusiasm has no doubt made the competition among the mobile-phone companies as lively as never before. And now, they are at least giving the industry leader—PLDT’s Smart Philippines—a run for its money.

And so, to some extent, the objectives of RA 7925 were being fulfilled—for a while, at least. But somehow, something happened along the way. An executive of a small telco now fears the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) seems to have strayed from its mandated role to see to the orderly growth of the industry. As principal administrator and enforcer of the law, he says, “The NTC has not only failed to follow the policies and objectives set forth…worse, by using its powers of supervision, it has been actively influencing or brokering deals between companies.” When I pressed for specific cases, however, this source clammed up, saying, “Hey, I don’t want to get into trouble with the NTC.”

My source did say this categorically: “We small players have noticed a disturbing pattern of discrimination or bias against us. This observation is based on the series of actions and decisions of the NTC since 2005.”

The telco executive fears that at the rate the NTC is going, the entire telecommunications industry in the country would, “before long,” end up under the control of PLDT (Smart) and Globe. “Before long, I’m afraid, a duopoly would be holding sway in the local telecommunications industry.”

In my previous column concerning the NTC (“Who is Gamaliel Cordoba?”, February 16, 2010, BM issue) I recounted how Cordoba allowed the use by Smart Communications of one-third, or 20 of the 60-MHz radio frequency owned by a former party-list congressman without even notifying the owners of its move.

Technically, the frequency is still owned by a third party since there has been no official revocation of the franchise by the NTC. Therefore, the NTC’s claim that the frequency is now “technically” state-owned seems to have no legal leg to stand on. But I’m not a lawyer, so this is strictly a question that may have to be resolved by the courts.

The undeniable fact is that the private owners have a long-pending urgent motion (since April, 2005) for the NTC to act one way or another on their motion to officially renew their provisional authority covering the 60-MHz frequency.

What is in dispute here is not just any radio frequency. This one is covered by a franchise owned by a small telecoms player called VOX-Exodus, and represented by Jaime Zarraga, the former congressman.

The frequency is coveted by all the leading players in the industry today; it is just what they need to be able to introduce in the country an entirely new thing called the WiMAX broadband service. WiMAX can facilitate computer access within a wide territorial radius—which is probably a thousand times as powerful as the Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) technology now in use in the country. As I said in the previous column, the 60-MHz thing is easily worth P2.8 billion and that both Smart and Globe are now vying with each other to legally acquire the frequency. The original owners, who have a franchise to this frequency, are VOM-Exodus and are now represented by Jaime Zarraga, a former party-list congressman.

In fairness to Cordoba, I asked him what he had to say for himself. This is more or less what he said: There is an existing memorandum circular the NTC issued in 2005 recalling all “idle” frequencies. The VOZ-Exodus frequency was among those that are considered recalled since there has been no renewal of their provisional authority.

“Then why did the NTC not formally revoke the franchise of VOM-Exodus before allowing Smart to use one third of the 60-MHz frequency?” I asked Cordoba (who is a lawyer, incidentally). He insisted that to all intents and purposes, the frequency had reverted to the state, and that, therefore, the NTC was free to allow its use for noncommercial or educational purposes. He said Smart—which officially paid P11 million to the NTC—was going to use the 20 MHz in connection with a government education program, but he did not give any details. At the same time, he said, the NTC is quietly trying to find a happy compromise that would satisfy all parties concerned—including the Zarraga group, which he said had “technically” lost all claims to the frequency.

This is just a third of that disputed 60-MHz frequency. By implication, the NTC alone can decide to which telco the remaining 40 MHz would be awarded, to the exclusion of the poor owner. Either Smart eventually gets the whole caboodle or the rest is subsequently given to any of the well-funded players—Ramon Ang’s Qatar Telecom, if not the Ayalas’ Globe Telecom.

Whatever Commissioner Cordoba may have to add to what he has said so far, the perception remains that the NTC seems to be favoring the two biggest, most successful players (Globe and Smart) way too much. It would probably do him some good to demonstrate in some way that this is not the case.

From what I’ve seen and heard so far, this controversy over the WiMAX broadband frequency could end up tied up in a mesh of lawsuits that would take years to resolve before the coveted broadband frequency gets to benefit the public. Cordoba, however, seems confident all the disputants would somehow come to a happy settlement.

SMART launches SurfTV


[February 23, 2010/ MANILA]
-

Filipino families in every corner of the country can now have Internet access with the help of the most ubiquitous home appliance -– the television set. This is now possible with the launch of Smart Bro SurfTV, a new, world-first service from Smart Broadband, Inc. (SBI), a subsidiary of leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART).

Smart Bro SurfTV is a device that connects to a television set through a quick and easy procedure, to provide Internet access using Smart Bro’s nationwide coverage. When plugged into the RCA port of a color TV set, Smart Bro SurfTV provides users a ready-to-run Internet experience, and users can surf, chat, and email –- through a multi-tasking TV -- at home.

“Over the last few years we have been steadily advancing our Internet for All advocacy and investing our energies to make wireless Internet more affordable and widely available – whether via mobile phone, the PC, or laptop – anytime, anywhere, so that Filipinos may benefit from it. Offering Smart Bro SurfTV is a natural progression of that strategy, this is a service that will put the Internet right in the homes of Filipino families,” said Orlando B. Vea, Chief Wireless Advisor of SMART.

Internet in all homes

Smart Bro SurfTV comes in a boxed set complete with a keyboard, a mouse, a remote control, and a Smart Bro USB stick-type modem with a prepaid SIM, pre-loaded with PhP100 worth of load. The entire kit costs only PhP4,500, and Internet access costs only PhP10 for every 30 minutes. Load for the prepaid Smart Bro SIM is available through any of SMART’s network of over a million Smart Load sellers all over the country.

“Limited access to devices such as desktops computers used to be a barrier to bringing the benefits of the Internet to Filipinos. Even basic desktop computers are still priced beyond what most households can afford. This is what we hope to address through Smart Bro SurfTV. With this service, people can access the Internet using a low-cost device and an appliance they already have,” said Danilo J. Mojica, head of SMART’s Wireless Consumer Division.

Broadband for all

Smart Bro SurfTV widens the Internet service portfolio of SMART, through SBI, which reported a million broadband subscribers by end-2009, the largest in the industry.

In the same period, SMART had also extended the coverage of its GSM cellular network to all of the country's 1,619 cities and municipalities.

SBI’s high-speed broadband service covers the country’s major towns and cities, through a network of 3G/High-speed Packet Access (HSPA) cellular and fixed broadband base stations. SMART is the only Philippine telco and one of only a few in the world that have deployed HSPA running on the 850-MHz and 2100-MHz frequency bands, which offer improved coverage quality and data rate capacity for mobile broadband.

SMART is also set to deploy the more advanced broadband technologies such as HSPA+, which delivers three to four times the speed of HSPA, and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access or WiMAX, which is expected to complement its HSPA network.

“In the same way that SMART’s innovative but affordable offerings made the use of voice and SMS ubiquitous, we would like to turn broadband into another universally available service from which every Filipino will benefit. With our unique and superior combination of wireless broadband networks -- HSPA, HSPA+, WiMAX, and Canopy networks -- blanketing the whole country, SMART is on track to making broadband available and accessible to all,” Vea said.

ok ba ang speed ng wi-tribe?

uu, mabilis sya. walang sinabi DSL ng PLDT yon 1 Mbps nila. Mabilis ang ang PDLT and Smart and Globe sa advertising, pero yon service nila poor.

taking about FON, both PLDT and Globe has FON nationwide but why but we can't fell it because they just give us kaka-pirankot na speed lang.


how about offering 8 Mpbs minimum plan? palibsaha wala kayong malasakit sa bayan, uu nga naman mga taga ibang bansa may ari ng company na yan. tsk tsk

uu, mabilis sya. walang sinabi DSL ng PLDT yon 1 Mbps nila. Mabilis ang ang PDLT and Smart and Globe sa advertising, pero yon service nila poor.

taking about FON, both PLDT and Globe has FON nationwide but why but we can't fell it because they just give us kaka-pirankot na speed lang.


how about offering 8 Mpbs minimum plan? palibsaha wala kayong malasakit sa bayan, uu nga naman mga taga ibang bansa may ari ng company na yan. tsk tsk

mag-eexpand din ba nationwide ang wi-tribe o kagaya din siya ng sun na mega-manila lang?

Bayan nixes entry of new player in telecom sector (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=554060&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated March 02, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Lopez-owned Bayan Telecommunications has opposed the proposed entry of a newcomer in the telecommunications industry, arguing that the sector is already congested.

Bayan asked the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to dismiss Schutzengel Telecom Inc.’s application for a permit to install, operate and maintain a third generation mobile telecommunications system (3G) and to offer 3G services.

Bayan said NTC has already authorized eight carriers for the operation of cellular mobile telephone service (CMTS) in the country, thereby leaving no room for another aspiring telecom provider.

Existing CMTS operators include Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc., Smart-subsidiary Connectivity Unlimited Resource Enterprise (CURE), Express Telecommunications Co. (Extelcom), Multi-Media Telephony Inc., Nextel Communications Philippines Inc. and Bayan.

“There now exists a cramped competition for CMTS subscribers among the existing operators,” Bayantel said, adding that Schutzengel has not even proven its technical and financial capacity to carry out the services it applied for.

Bayan also pointed that the allocation of additional frequencies should not be granted to new applicants such as Schutzengel as these were “solely” meant for the expansion of present CMTS carriers.

It said there will be no place for a ninth player in terms of frequency bands available, adding that even the existing CMTS carriers are already clamoring for additional frequency allocations due to network congestion.

Bayan stressed that that approval of Schutzengel’s application may lead to “needless, wasteful and uneconomic duplication of existing telecommunications services resulting in a waste of valuable resources.”

Last month, Schutzengel asked the NTC to grant it a license to operate and maintain a nationwide 3G mobile telecommunications system and offer 3G telecommunication services.

The firm said it was “legally, technically, and financially capable and qualified” for the service, adding that it would finance its 3G operations from a combination of internally-generated funds, suppliers’ credits, loans and other forms of financing.

It also informed the NTC in its application that it could operate within any of the frequency bandwidth for the 3G standard.



Bayan rejects 3G license bid of INC-related telco (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22428:bayan-rejects-3g-license-bid-of-inc-related-telco&catid=24:companies&Itemid=59)
Written by Lenie Lectura / Reporter
Tuesday, 02 March 2010 19:25

BAYAN Telecommunications Inc. has also submitted its opposition to the cellular permit application of Schutzengel Telecom Inc. The move is seen as an apparent effort to block the 3G (third-generation) frequency application of a new entrant believed to be associated with religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).

Under the draft circular on the rules on the assignment of the remaining allocated 3G frequency, new carriers with a pending application for a CMTS (cellular mobile telephone system) permit is qualified to apply for a 3G license.

Schutzengel has applied for CMTS and 3G licenses. It applied for a CMTS permit on January 15 and a 3G permit a couple of days later.

Bayan, in its filing with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), asked that Schutzengel’s application be denied because the NTC “can’t grant new CMTS license.”

The phone firm of the Lopez family opined that NTC memorandum circular (MC) 4-1-93—which explicitly directs that all interested applicants for said service either as a nationwide or regional service provider—must file their applications on or before February 15, 1993. It added that after the said period, the NTC shall defer the acceptance of any application for said service until further orders.

To date, Bayan said the NTC has not issued any order amending or superseding the directive stated in the 1993 circular.

Even the allocation of new frequency bands under MC 5-7-98 should not be construed as a repeal of NTC MC 4-1-93 since the additional frequencies were not intended for the use of new applicants but were solely meant for the expansion of the present CMTS carriers, Bayan said.

“In view thereof, NTC MC 4-1-93 remains valid and subsisting and thus, applicable to Schutzengel’s present application. In the face of aforesaid prohibition as to the acceptance of new applications for cellular mobile telephony service, Schutzengel’s application should not be entertained and should be dismissed right. To do otherwise would be to go against the clear directive of an effective executive issuance,” said Bayan.

Bayan also pointed out there is no more room available for a ninth CMTS player. The NTC has authorized eight carriers Smart Communications Inc, Globe Telecom, Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc., Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprises, Express Telecom, Multi-Media Telephony Inc. , Next Mobile, and Bayan for the operation of CMTS service in the country.

Schutzengel Telecom earlier claimed that it is legally, technically, and financially capable to put up a 3G network in the Philippines.But in its application with the NTC, there was no mention of the company’s owner.

NTC said it is still studying the new criteria for 3G mobile operators.

Bayan added that the proposed operation by Schutzengel constitute needless, wasteful and uneconomic duplication of existing telecommunications services resulting in a waste of valuable resources. This, Bayan said, is counter-productive and will inevitably result in unfair and ruinous competition to the detriment of existing operators.

“[Schutzengel) has not yet proven its alleged technical and financial capacity to carry out this wide-reaching and overly ambitious undertaking. The telephone industry is vested with public interest. In the absence of sufficient evidence establishing a well-founded belief that applicant will be able to comply with its large scale project, this application should be denied outright,” said Bayan.

Piltel income soars 57% to P17.9 billion in 2009 (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=554355&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated March 03, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Pilipino Telephone Corp. (Piltel), a unit of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), announced yesterday a 57 percent rise in its reported net income
to P17.9 billion for 2009, as against P11.3 billion in the previous year, largely due to the gain on the sale of its telecommunications business to its parent Smart Communications.

Its core net income, however, dropped 23 percent to P8.7 billion compared with P11.1 billion in 2008. Piltel officials said this is attributable to its cellular business having been sold in August 2009 and resulting in only 7.5 months of operations as against the full-year takeup in 2008.

Piltel has ceased to be a telecommunications company after transferring the telco business to Smart. It is now a holding company for shares in Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).

Asked about PLDT’s plans for Piltel, PLDT president and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said that while they realize that Piltel has become a holding company and 99.5 percent of it is now owned by Smart, it might no longer make any sense for it to be publicly listed.

Although bulk of Piltel’s 20 percent stake in Meralco has already been transferred to a new company called Beacon Electric, Pangilinan said that six percent still remains with Piltel.

Piltel announced the execution of an omnibus agreement with Metro Pacific Investments
Corp. (MPIC) and Rightlight Holdings Inc. (RHI), a newly organized special purpose company with the sole purpose of holding Piltel and MPIC’s shares in Meralco, and which will be renamed Beacon Electric Asset Holdings Inc. In line with this, Piltel have agreed to restructure their current shareholdings in Meralco.

Pangilinan admitted yesterday that this was resorted to due to the tender offer rule whereby a single entity or a group of entities that acquires at least 35 percent of another company has to make a general offer. “We must be sensitive about this so we made sure that Beacon will not own 35 percent or more of Meralco within a 12-month period,” Pangilinan revealed.

While MPIC injected its entire 14.5 percent stake in Meralco into Beacon, Piltel transferred only a portion, resulting in Beacon holding a 28.2 percent stake in Meralco.

Pangilinan said this leaves some headroom for Beacon on the 6.6 percent stake of the Lopez Group in Meralco which is the subject of a call option. Beacon (MPIC-Piltel) are given the option to acquire these shares from March 15 to May 15 this year. “So that even if Beacon avails of the option, its aggregate stake in Meralco will only be 34.8 percent and will not breach 35 percent,” he added.

The 6.6 percent Lopez stake in Meralco is worth around P22.4 billion, of which P11.2 billion has already been paid. The remainder will be financed out of debts that will be secured by MPIC.

He also revealed that after the 12-month period, the option regarding Piltel’s possible delisting from the local bourse can be reviewed. “Smart anyway owns 99.5 percent of Piltel, there is no point in it remaining public. It’s just a matter of timing,” he said.

Piltel gained P7.6 billion from the sale of its GSM business, which includes the transfer of its cellular subscribers and network to Smart. It also generated a mark-to-market gain of P1.2 billion recognized on the derivative asset linked to the exchangeable note related to Piltel’s acquisition of a 20 percent stake in Meralco.

Meanwhile, the Piltel board declared a cash dividend of 85 centavos per share to common shareholders of record as of March 15, 2010. Payment date is set on March 30, 2010.

Piltel president and CEO Napoleon Nazareno said they have committed to strengthen their ownership in Meralco by joining hands with MPIC in consolidating
their Meralco holdings in Beacon. “The combined holdings will make Beacon one of Meralco’s largest shareholders and ensure that we will have a stronger voice in the strategic and operational decisions of Meralco.”

Bayan sets P1.4B capex (http://www.malaya.com.ph/03042010/busi13.html)

Lopez-owned Bayan Telecommunication Inc has allocated P1. 4 billion capital expenditures this year, the same level as last year’s, for the expansion of its network.

Chito Franco III, Bayan Business vice president, said a portion of its capex will be used for the expansion of its capacity to address the anticipated double digit growth of small medium enterprise (SME) customers.

"We can actually add (network capacity) as we anticipate the growth in the SMEs as the economy grows," he said.

Of the total revenue, 35 percent comes from the Bayan business. This is projected to grow double digit this year, according to Franco.

At present, Bayan Business, a company business solution arm, has 30,000 SME customers while the fixed broadband subscribers stood at 100,000. The company is bullish on the SME growth, which account for more than 90 percent of the total income revenue of the local economy. This proves that the seemingly small business players are actually the ones driving more growth for the Filipinos.

The company offers packages with a complete line of voice, data, internet and managed services to connect businesses to their clients without spending a fortune.

"We offer businesses with a power-packed range of products and services all designed to meet the most critical data and IT needs. Bayan Business provides data connectivity with ease with its reliable network and highly responsive customer and technical support".

SMEs are defined as establishment with asset values of P 3 to P100 million or average employment of 10 to 199.

Multi-Media Telephony joins opposition to NTC award of last 3G license (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=554666&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated March 04, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Multi-Media Telephony Inc. (MTI), known by its trade name Broadband Philippines, has filed a petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and preliminary injunction with the Court of Appeals to stop the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) from awarding the last available 3G (third generation of mobile communications technology) license under a new set of proposed rules.

MTI chief for corporate services Juan Lorenzo Tanada pointed out that the NTC should not award the last 3G license since CA has not resolved an earlier case filed by MTI that questioned the NTC’s decision not to award one of the then five 3G licenses.

In 2006, the NTC awarded 3G frequencies to Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Digital Telecommunications Phils. Inc. (Sun Cellular) and Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprise (CURE). The last company was later on acquired by Smart.

The award to the four companies was made under NTC Memorandum Circular 07-08-2005. NTC then ruled that while MTI and Lopez-owned Bayan Telecommunications were among the six qualified applicants to apply for a 3G frequency band, the two failed to garner the required number of points under the circular.

Both MTI and Bayan went to the CA to question the NTC’s ruling. While the cases are still pending, the NTC recently proposed a new set of rules that will govern the bidding for the last 3G frequency which originally disallowed existing 3G frequency holders from participating in the bidding but later on removed the disqualification.

“We have a pending case before the CA underscoring our position as a deserving entity to be awarded with a 3G license. Judicial courtesy was severely violated by the NTC as a result of conducting a public hearing and issuing statements relative to the proposed auction,” Tanada said.

He added that there is an extreme, urgent and paramount necessity for the court to assert its authority and resolve MTI’s petition lest the actions of the NTC in proposing and advertising new guidelines for the auction render the current judicial proceedings inutile.

“We cannot afford to have our rights trampled upon by the NTC while a case is pending at the CA,” Tanada added.

He emphasized that the application for TRO was filed to prevent the NTC from awarding the last available 3G license to any entity other than MTI, as well as the issuance of any new rules or any action to start a new bidding process on the allocation of the last 3G band.

Tanada pointed out that it is completely unfair to start a whole new bidding process with new rules as this would also result to an entity getting a 3G license under more onerous conditions than the original grantees.

While the old rules merely allocated the 3G licenses at a fixed price of P65 million, the proposed new rules wanted to bid out the last 3G frequency at a minimum bid price of P65 million.

In a position paper submitted to the NTC, MTI stressed that the commission’s conduct of proceedings for the issuance of new rules for the allocation of the remaining 3G frequency band is contrary to law.

Tanada told the NTC that the drafting of the proposed circular would amount to a unilateral change in the rules of the game which would cause extreme prejudice to both old and new applicants since they will be governed by different sets of rules and standards. “Hence, there is no need to draft a separate memorandum circular since the 3G rules are already adequate for that purpose,” he said.

Don't subcribe to wi-tribe. they just allow 3 GB monthly traffic after that. your speed will become 256 Kpbs when you react your 3 Gb Monthly traffic. Fuck you wi-tribe, you have the worst service in the country.

Kelan kaya tayo magkakaroon ng matinong wireless ISP sa Pinas?
WTF

Smart's Red Mobile launches own unlimited service

By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes
(The Philippine Star)
Updated March 06, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Communications’ Red mobile brand has launched its own unlimited service to cater to the needs of mobile users using two SIM cards.

Red Mobile’s unlimited service will enable users of the second SIM market to make unlimited Red-to-Red calls and texts, and to send free text messages to all mobile networks for as low as P25. The new service will be available starting this month and will not require any changes in SIM or cell phone number.

“Filipino mobile lifestyles are changing. A segment of mobile phone users now have second mobile subscriptions which they use for their calling circles. Backed by the nationwidest network of the country’s leading wireless services provider, we are making Red Mobile services more accessible, more relevant and more affordable for the increasingly mobile Filipino,” Smart wireless consumer division head Danilo Mojica said.

Subscribers on the Red Mobile network will be able to avail of the service by simply purchasing loads for unlimited calls and texts which come in three denominations. The first denomination—P25, offers one day of unlimited calls and texts to any subscriber on the Red network anywhere in the country, at any time of the day. It also comes with 60 free text messages to all networks.

Another variant, the Red Mobile unlimited P125, offers seven days worth of calls and texts—effectively reducing the cost to as low as P18 for a whole day of unlimited calling and texting to any Red Mobile number. It also comes with 300 free text messages to all mobile networks. The third denomination—P500, offers 30 days of unlimited Red-to-Red calling and texting, and 1,000 free text messages to other networks.

Red Mobile’s free text offering is valid until May 31, 2010.

“The consumer stands to gain from our newest network offering which combines Red Mobile’s attractive call rates and services with Smart’s telecommunication infrastructure, network coverage, call quality, and load distribution channel. Through Red Mobile’s unmatched value proposition of affordability and ubiquity, we will once again succeed in transforming the Philippine mobile landscape,” Smart marketing head Annie Naval said.

For his part, Red Mobile marketing head Guido Zaballero noted that the new service unlimited is their response to the clamor for more value-for-money packages and nationwide coverage to meet the varying communication needs of their subscribers.

AsiaPay Launches PesoPay Online Payment Service with Globe GCASH; Leading Payment Gateway Provider Partners with Philippine Mobile Commerce Leader Globe GCASH (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=3&sid=&nid=3&rid=263357)

MANILA, Mar. 9 (PNA/PRNewswire-Asia-AsiaNet) -- AsiaPay, the leading electronic payment gateway provider, has launched PesoPay online payment service with Globe GCASH. PesoPay via GCASH facility enables real-time internet payment to reach millions of GCASH mobile commerce customers in the Philippines and around the world.

Founded in 2000, AsiaPay provides a comprehensive suite of payment processing capabilities for banks, corporations, SMEs and charities. On the other hand, GCASH was launched in 2004 by Globe Telecom through its wholly-owned mobile commerce subsidiary, G-Xchange Inc. GCASH is a mobile wallet facility available to Globe and TM subscribers that allows cashless and cardless method of facilitating money remittance, donations, loan settlement, disbursement of salaries or commissions, and payment of bills, products and services, with just a text message.

"We are pleased to partner with Globe GCASH and expand its innovative mobile wallet for use in online payments for internet transactions," said Joseph Chan, Chief Executive Officer of AsiaPay. "E-commerce merchants can readily add in their websites the ability to receive Globe GCASH payments from their millions customers' mobile phones."

"Stakeholders in the local e-commerce industry are eyeing more mobile-web partnerships as a major growth driver for the industry over the next couple of years," said G-Xchange President Rizza Maniego-Eala, "This partnership will enable online businesses and entrepreneurs to easily integrate into their websites the power of an online-mobile payment facility that includes GCASH."

Businesses will be able to enjoy GCASH payment acceptance in any e-commerce web page using a PesoPay payment service. GCASH users will conveniently be able to shop online and complete their internet transaction from their secure mobile wallet in their Globe or TM mobile phones. PesoPay service via GCASH services aims to merge the internet and mobile commerce world seamlessly for the online customers and e-commerce merchants.

About AsiaPay

Founded in 2000, AsiaPay, a leading electronic payment service, solution and technology house in Asia, provides a comprehensive suite of latest secure, scalable, function-rich real-time payment processing capabilities of credit card and debit cards whether online, wireless, call center or retail for banks, corporates, SMEs, and charity organizations. Headquartered in Hong Kong, AsiaPay operates in 6 other countries across Asia including Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and China. For more information, please visit http://www.asiapay.com .

About GXI and GCASH

G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI) is a pillar in m-commerce and a fully-owned subsidiary of Globe Telecom which is a leading full service telecommunications company in the Philippines. GXI pioneered the revolutionary model in cardless and cashless mobile commerce service called GCASH which was launched in the Philippines in October 2004. GCASH is an internationally-acclaimed micro payment service which transforms a mobile phone into a virtual wallet for secure, fast, and convenient money transfers at the speed and cost of a text message. Since GCASH's launch, GXI has established a wide network of local and international partners that includes government agencies, utility companies, cooperatives, insurance companies, remittance companies, universities, and commercial establishments which have agreed to accept GCASH as a means of payment for products and services.

teka clarifications, ano yang 3gb limit thingy na yan? merun bng ganyan ang smartbro sun, at bayantel?

Cisco's new router: 12 times faster than rivals :banana:
Michael Carroll | March 10, 2010
telecomseurope.net / Telecomasia.net

Cisco has unveiled a router that allows every movie ever made to be streamed in four minutes

The much-promised 322 terabit per-second CRS-3 router delivers 12 times more traffic capacity than products from Juniper and other rivals, Cisco said.

It is currently in field trials, and is expected to launch in 3Q10, Cisco SVP Pankaj Patel said during a webcast unveiling the router yesterday.

The massive router uses the same chassis route processors, fans, and power systems as the previous router to minimize the cost of upgrading.

Particular emphasis was placed on video capabilities, which Cisco says has enough capacity to handle every person in China to make a video call simultaneously.

The firm already hosts 8,000 Telepresence meetings per week, and it predicts demand for that service, and other video applications, will grow rapidly over the next decade.

“Video is the killer app. It brings things to life,” John Chambers, Cisco’s chairman and CEO said during the webcast.

Reaction to the announcement, which followed weeks of hype from Cisco, was mostly positive. Business Insider said the new router was big enough “to allow every man, woman, and child in China to make a video call at the same time.”

Cisco is pitching CRS3 as an architecture for all next generation web content and services. It links with Cisco’s Nexus and unified computing systems to allow unified delivery of cloud services, which the firm says is necessary to manage the growing use of cloud-style data centers caused by increased use of mobile and video apps.

The router is compatible with IPv6 and core IP/MPLS technologies, which Cisco says has allowed it to include a cloud VPN for Infrastructure as a Service in the architecture. That means it can offer pay-as-you-go capabilities on compute, storage, and network resources.

A Network Positioning System designed to optimize content discovery and delivery by sourcing extra capacity and resources to cope with spikes in demand for services, is also included.

Cisco says the combination of those two elements alone will help cut operators costs, and allow them to become smart pipes for content.

AT&T said it used the CRS3 to power its recent trial of 100Gbps broadband.

Cisco’s announcement boosted stock markets for a second day in succession, the Wall St Journal reports.

wi-tribe is using WiMAX pala

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab335/kin_toy/photo1.jpg

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab335/kin_toy/photo2.jpg

some said wimax/wi-tribe is SUPER SLOW here in the Philippines. lalo na yung nag-avail ng trials nyan.

^^ I agree! Better than the current smart bro though;)

Southeast Asia telcos shine, tap mobile data for growth (http://www.malaya.com.ph/03102010/info1.html)

BANGKOK - Trendy smartphones are emerging as a boon for telecom operators in Southeast Asia, where growth in telecom services is set to outpace the rest of Asia as the region snaps back from the financial crisis.

From the saturated markets of Singapore and Malaysia to fast-developing Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, telecoms operators are seeing increases in data revenue, a trend analysts see continuing for five years in some markets.

Mobile broadband is at the heart of the growth, delivered by laptop, netbooks and handsets especially smartphones, said Nathan Burley, a Singapore-based telecoms analyst at consultancy Ovum.

Southeast Asia’s telecoms service market, including data and Internet services, is forecast to rise 8 percent to $36.1 billion in 2010, according to market researcher IDC. That compares with 6 percent growth for Asia-Pacific excluding Japan.

Several factors underpin optimism in a region best known for bruising telecom price wars.

Recent price declines have put Apple’s iPhone, Research In Motion’s BlackBerry and other smartphones within reach of growing middle classes in Southeast Asia’s top six economies, a region of nearly 500 million people.

That is combined with widespread third-generation mobile services. "Almost every country has 3G services, which will boost mobile data usage," said IDC analyst Worajate Charoennish.

Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s biggest economy, will likely lead growth, with wireless broadband services coming up as the main way people surf the web in the country of 225 million people due to small numbers of fixed telephone lines in the archipelago.

Indonesia, whose carriers are emerging from a two-year price war, is dominated by the "Big Three": Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Indosat and Indo XL Axiata, with smaller firms facing tough capital spending constraints.

"We expect 10 percent revenue growth for the Big Three telcos driving recurring net profit growth of 10-15 percent," said Citibank analyst Karen Ang, who upgraded Telkom last month to a "buy" from a "hold" with a medium level of risk.

"This growth stands up well against the region, justifying premium valuations, particularly for Telkom -- only the Malaysian telcos are more expensive," she added, describing Indosat as a "turnaround play" after recent management changes.

Indo XL, she added, could overtake Indosat as the country’s second-biggest player by market share -- a prospect that has contributed to a nearly 70 percent surge this year alone in the tightly held stock, only 0.2 percent of which is publicly listed.

Analysts also see some potential for consolidation in Indonesia where 13 mobile licences are held by 11 operators.

Among other players, Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel), Thailand’s Advanced Info Service, Total Access Communication and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co (PLDT) expect single digit revenue growth this year.

In the Philippines, where a price war will likely remain fierce, top operators PLDT and Globe Telecom Inc. are seeking more broadband revenue to counter the impact of a fall in revenue from voice services.

Broadband revenue is expected to grow 28 percent in the Philippines this year, helping to cushion a 9 percent drop in average revenue per mobile subscriber, analysts said.

Across the region, carriers are ramping up smartphone shipments, which are forecast to rise 25 percent to 9.7 million in Southeast Asia this year -- more than triple the 8 percent growth for overall mobile phones, IDC says.

The trend dovetails with the rest of Asia where the number of smartphone users are expected to jump sixfold by 2015, according to Credit Suisse, which considers SingTel and MobileOne top picks in Singapore, while expecting Maxis to outperform its Malaysian peers.

"We believe Maxis is best positioned to benefit from rising smartphone penetration due to its dominance in the high-end post-paid subscriber base," Credit Suisse said, referring to people who pay monthly bills instead of using pre-paid phones.

Southeast Asia telecoms firms have been attractive defensive plays given relatively low valuations and attractive yields.

Shares in SingTel, Southeast Asia’s biggest telecoms operator, trade at 12.6 times 2010 earnings, among the industry’s cheapest and compared with Telkom Indonesia’s 13.9 times, Maxis’ 16.8 times and XL Axiata’s 18.7 times, according to Thomson Reuters data.

In Thailand, where a long-awaited auction of third-generation mobile services has been delayed to the second half of this year, growing popularity of mobile social networking and limited landline internet access is boosting data-service revenue.

Market leader AIS expects data revenue to rise 20 percent in 2010, against a 5 percent rise in subscribers in the saturated market. But concern over fallout from a court ruling against former premier Thaksin Shinawatra is battering Thai telco stocks. – Reuters

^^ I've read before in some other local forum that most wireless broadband in Pinas does use some sort of DPI technology to shape yun packet data you consume. Kaya mabagal on some internet application lalo if you run P2P.

You can read it further at:
http://www.pinoywifi.com/
http://www.pinoydsl.net/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_packet_inspection

^^ I've read before in some other local forum that most wireless broadband in Pinas does use some sort of DPI technology to shape yun packet data you consume. Kaya mabagal on some internet application lalo if you run P2P.

You can read it further at:
http://www.pinoywifi.com/
http://www.pinoydsl.net/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_packet_inspection

sounds like bandwidth capping.

sounds like bandwidth capping.

yeah, I used to get 1.8mbps now could barely reach 400kbps.

yeah, I used to get 1.8mbps now could barely reach 400kbps.

Siguro dahil sa unlimited plans nila. I remember nung nandyan ako, I used my cousin's Sun broadband unlimited, parang dial up lang ang speed. :ohno:

SC dismisses Bayan bid vs Extelcom rehab
Written by Lenie Lectura / Reporter
Thursday, 18 March 2010

BAYAN Telecommunications Inc. (Bayan), after losing out before the Court of Appeals (CA), again lost its bid to compel Express Telecommunications Co. (Extelcom) to partner with the Lopez-controlled phone firm following a Supreme Court decision last month.

In its one-page resolution, the Second Division of the High Court denied Bayan’s petition to reverse the CA’s dismissal of its opposition to Extelcom’s rehab plan. In the same resolution, the court also denied the motion of Bayan and Marifil Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of Bayan, to refer the case to the court en banc for lack of merit.



“There being no reversible error when the Court of Appeals stated that [a] the petition for certiorari was a mere substitute for a lost appeal, and [b] the Regional Trial Court did not commit acts constituting grave abuse of discretion that would warrant a nullification of its orders…”

Bayan, through Marifil, used to be the biggest shareholder of Extelcom with a 42-percent stake. However, its interest had been reduced to 8.38 percent after a debt-to-equity conversion was implemented under a court-approved rehabilitation plan.  

Aside from a reversal of the appellate court’s December 2009 order, Bayan and Marifil asked the SC to issue a temporary restraining order against the implementation of Extelcom’s rehabilitation plan and issue a preliminary injunction so that Extelcom, its rehabilitation receiver, and creditor-turned-shareholder Trans Digital Excel Inc. (TDE) are prohibited from implementing the assailed orders.

Bayan’s claim that Extelcom’s rehabilitation plan is not valid because it had not been approved by two-thirds of the shareholders has been junked by the courts, saying this is not applicable since approval is needed only in a debtor-initiated corporate rehabilitation. Extelcom’s rehabilitation, the courts opined, was creditor-initiated.

TDE, now Extelcom’s majority shareholder, said to require shareholder approval would have given shareholders veto power over the rehabilitation plan.

While Bayan is now disputing the shareholder advances by Millicom Cellular, which later had been also acquired by TDE. Minutes of various Extelcom shareholder and board meetings show that Bayan proxies and board representatives had actively participated in passing resolutions approving the said advances, TDE pointed out.

TDE also noted that the rehabilitation court was not required to inform Bayan directly of the proceedings since it had complied with the requirement that a notice to all parties was published in a newspaper of general circulation and it is not credible that Bayan was ignorant of the proceedings.

Bayan claimed it was never notified of the rehabilitation proceedings, and was unable to exercise its right as creditor to be informed of the rehab.

Bayan and Marifil’s motion to dismiss the rehabilitation plan and receiver were also filed long after their approval and not within the prescribed period.

Bayan argued that the CA erred in its decision, stressing that its alternative rehabilitation plan is far more advantageous than the approved rehab plan of TDE.

It proposed that Bayan and Extelcom enter a commercial agreement where the latter will allow Bayan to use its frequency in the 800-megahertz frequency in exchange for a share of Bayan’s revenues derived from the wireless local loop (WLL) business and revenues from roaming service using CDMA (code division multiple access)-based cellular phone service.

Bayan said the share in Bayan’s WLL revenues and a 50-percent share of Bayan’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization from a CDMA roaming service will result in Extelcom’s ability to service a certain level of debt.

Based on conservative calculations, Extelcom could support sustainable debt of P1 billion at a concessional interest rate of around 3 percent.

Bayan also proposed to reverse the P3 billion writeoff of accrued interest expense and penalties payable to TDE. After the reversal, Bayan said Extelcom’s total debt would have decreased to P6.2 billion from P9.2 billion.

“The P1 billion of sustainable debt will be allocated to the P2.6-billion liability of Extelcom to banks and trade creditors. Of the remaining P1.6 billion, P600 million shall be converted into capital stock, which will result to a 23.1-percent ownership in Extelcom, while P1 billion will be treated as unsustainable debt, subordinated to the sustainable dent and serviced from excess cash flows,” said Bayan.

Bayan added that the P3.1 billion in loans payable and P376 million advances to TDE will be restricted as debt serviced from excess cash flows after full servicing of both the sustainable and unsustainable debts.

To compare, TDE’s approved rehab plan calls for the reduction of the par value of the 200 million shares from P10 to P1.80 a piece and the conversion of Extelcom’s financial liabilities amounting to P8.9 billion—except the government liabilities of P191 million—into 911,111,111 common shares with a par value of P1.80. This will result in financial creditors owning 82 percent and existing shareholders holding 18 percent of Extelcom.

TDE plans to relaunch Extelcom’s cellular business via a partnership with Eastern Telecommunications Philippines Inc

SC dismisses Bayan bid vs Extelcom rehab
Written by Lenie Lectura / Reporter
Thursday, 18 March 2010

BAYAN Telecommunications Inc. (Bayan), after losing out before the Court of Appeals (CA), again lost its bid to compel Express Telecommunications Co. (Extelcom) to partner with the Lopez-controlled phone firm following a Supreme Court decision last month.

In its one-page resolution, the Second Division of the High Court denied Bayan’s petition to reverse the CA’s dismissal of its opposition to Extelcom’s rehab plan. In the same resolution, the court also denied the motion of Bayan and Marifil Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of Bayan, to refer the case to the court en banc for lack of merit.



“There being no reversible error when the Court of Appeals stated that [a] the petition for certiorari was a mere substitute for a lost appeal, and [b] the Regional Trial Court did not commit acts constituting grave abuse of discretion that would warrant a nullification of its orders…”

Bayan, through Marifil, used to be the biggest shareholder of Extelcom with a 42-percent stake. However, its interest had been reduced to 8.38 percent after a debt-to-equity conversion was implemented under a court-approved rehabilitation plan.  

Aside from a reversal of the appellate court’s December 2009 order, Bayan and Marifil asked the SC to issue a temporary restraining order against the implementation of Extelcom’s rehabilitation plan and issue a preliminary injunction so that Extelcom, its rehabilitation receiver, and creditor-turned-shareholder Trans Digital Excel Inc. (TDE) are prohibited from implementing the assailed orders.

Bayan’s claim that Extelcom’s rehabilitation plan is not valid because it had not been approved by two-thirds of the shareholders has been junked by the courts, saying this is not applicable since approval is needed only in a debtor-initiated corporate rehabilitation. Extelcom’s rehabilitation, the courts opined, was creditor-initiated.

TDE, now Extelcom’s majority shareholder, said to require shareholder approval would have given shareholders veto power over the rehabilitation plan.

While Bayan is now disputing the shareholder advances by Millicom Cellular, which later had been also acquired by TDE. Minutes of various Extelcom shareholder and board meetings show that Bayan proxies and board representatives had actively participated in passing resolutions approving the said advances, TDE pointed out.

TDE also noted that the rehabilitation court was not required to inform Bayan directly of the proceedings since it had complied with the requirement that a notice to all parties was published in a newspaper of general circulation and it is not credible that Bayan was ignorant of the proceedings.

Bayan claimed it was never notified of the rehabilitation proceedings, and was unable to exercise its right as creditor to be informed of the rehab.

Bayan and Marifil’s motion to dismiss the rehabilitation plan and receiver were also filed long after their approval and not within the prescribed period.

Bayan argued that the CA erred in its decision, stressing that its alternative rehabilitation plan is far more advantageous than the approved rehab plan of TDE.

It proposed that Bayan and Extelcom enter a commercial agreement where the latter will allow Bayan to use its frequency in the 800-megahertz frequency in exchange for a share of Bayan’s revenues derived from the wireless local loop (WLL) business and revenues from roaming service using CDMA (code division multiple access)-based cellular phone service.

Bayan said the share in Bayan’s WLL revenues and a 50-percent share of Bayan’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization from a CDMA roaming service will result in Extelcom’s ability to service a certain level of debt.

Based on conservative calculations, Extelcom could support sustainable debt of P1 billion at a concessional interest rate of around 3 percent.

Bayan also proposed to reverse the P3 billion writeoff of accrued interest expense and penalties payable to TDE. After the reversal, Bayan said Extelcom’s total debt would have decreased to P6.2 billion from P9.2 billion.

“The P1 billion of sustainable debt will be allocated to the P2.6-billion liability of Extelcom to banks and trade creditors. Of the remaining P1.6 billion, P600 million shall be converted into capital stock, which will result to a 23.1-percent ownership in Extelcom, while P1 billion will be treated as unsustainable debt, subordinated to the sustainable dent and serviced from excess cash flows,” said Bayan.

Bayan added that the P3.1 billion in loans payable and P376 million advances to TDE will be restricted as debt serviced from excess cash flows after full servicing of both the sustainable and unsustainable debts.

To compare, TDE’s approved rehab plan calls for the reduction of the par value of the 200 million shares from P10 to P1.80 a piece and the conversion of Extelcom’s financial liabilities amounting to P8.9 billion—except the government liabilities of P191 million—into 911,111,111 common shares with a par value of P1.80. This will result in financial creditors owning 82 percent and existing shareholders holding 18 percent of Extelcom.

TDE plans to relaunch Extelcom’s cellular business via a partnership with Eastern Telecommunications Philippines Inc

This is good news. Now, the aquisition of Extelcom by San Miguel can now push through because all the Road Blocks have been removed. Hoorah for a 4th service provider. I hope they can bid and win for the last and 5th 3G slot.

I did a network scan here in Antipolo and my phone registered a 4th network. The network that registered in my Samsung phone is UMobile and I did a scan on my E71 and it registered as CURE.

Hmm.... so CURE's network is up again.... but its on 2G and not 3G..... my Smart Buddy sim can do Roaming on the network. Those on smart can try this....

I wonder what Smart's plans are by activating the UMobile/CURE network.

isnt CURE already operating as RED Mobile?

^^ Yes it is.

isnt CURE already operating as RED Mobile?

Cure use smart infrastructure. paano ba nabigyan ng Franchise to? malakas talaga pera sa NTC.

^^ Bakit parang big deal? Eh ganun din naman ang Talk n Text ah pati Piltel tsaka ung dating Addict Mobile. They all operate using Smart's infra.

^^ Bakit parang big deal? Eh ganun din naman ang Talk n Text ah pati Piltel tsaka ung dating Addict Mobile. They all operate using Smart's infra.

kasi kung iisang kumpanya na lang lahat nag mamay-ari, paano na, no competitor.
kaya dapat talaga ibang kumpanya makakuha ng ibang slot. sana yung bayantel o basta iba pang may kakayahan.

Cure use smart infrastructure. paano ba nabigyan ng Franchise to? malakas talaga pera sa NTC.

CURE is a wholly owned subsidiary of PLDT/Smart. before it was bought by PLDT in 2008, it was one of the 4 telcos given a 3G license in 2006

asapa tayo sa NTC na yan. pag malaki, ayos. approve na tapos i-revise pa natin ang rules kasama na sa package yon hehehehe. kawawang Pilipinas.

kahit nga WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider) kailangan magbayad sa kanila ng 30k every four year to operate legally.

why is CURE operating in 2G? do a network scan and you will see CURE is operating cell sites different from Smart's... but the problem is they are currently operating in 2G they do not have the franchise for such.

Japan offers to build factory for digital TV boxes
MANILA, March 23 (PNA) -- Tokyo has offered a sweetener to ensure the Philippines will adopt Japan’s standard for digital terrestrial TV (DTT).

Douglas Michael Mallilin, deputy commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) told reporters that the Japanese government has made a commitment that it will set up a factory to produce set-top boxes in the Philippines if the government will adopt Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) system.

Mallilin said the final circular will depend on the proposal of the Japanese government and the stakeholders decision on which standard will be adopted for digital TV.

Digital TV is a telecommunication system for broadcasting and receiving digital sound and video signals that requires a specially designed and more advanced TV set than the traditional analog box.

At present, the NTC, and a government technical working group are studying the different standards and various systems available for the country’s adoption.

Regulators are eyeing either the European's Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H) or Japanese standards.

"If the Japanese firmed its offer ... and the stakeholders like ABS-CBN, GMA Network, RPN 9 and the rest of the group say this is what they want [we will issue the circular this year]. The earlier the better," Mallilin said.

The migration is critical on the part of the consumer because this means those who still have analog TV sets will have to buy set-top box to receive digital signals.

The set-top box is a device that connects to analog TV sets, allowing transmission of digital signals. It also has the ability to manage many channels in one bandwidth and carry electronic program guides and interactive programs.

Mallilin said the cost of set-top boxes for Japanese standard is about $ 11, while the European standard is between $ 12 to $ 13.

"If we choose the standard this year, you will switch off at 2015," Mallilin said, adding that once the government set a standard all manufacturers will stop producing analog TV.

Mallilin estimated that there are 14 million analog TV sets in the Philippines which will require a set-top box once the migration to digital is implemented.

Based on the documents gathered by NTC, TV networks that are in favor of European standard are GMA Network Inc., ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp., Associated Broadcasting Co., GV Broadcasting Systems Inc., Nation Broadcasting Corp., Philippine MultiMedia System Inc., and Kapisanan ng mga Broadcasters ng Pilipinas, among others.

While Eagle Broadcasting Corp., INC-Global Electronics MediaNetwork, Intercontinental Broadcasting Corp., People Television Network, Radio Philippine Network Inc., and ZoeBroadcasting Network are in favor of the Japanese platform. (PNA) http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=3&sid=&nid=3&rid=266007

NTC may cancel 3G license of CURE
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated March 24, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said yesterday the government may recall the third generation mobile communications technology (3G) frequency band and cancel the license granted to Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprise (CURE) in 2006 for failure to comply with its 3G commitments.

NTC deputy commissioner Douglas Michael Mallillin said the commission is studying the possibility of recalling CURE’s 3G license and frequency band for failure to roll out 3G services within the period required.

Under NTC Memorandum Circular 07-08-2005, grantees of 3G licenses and frequency bandwidths are required not only to begin the installation and construction of the 3G network and facilities not later than 12 months from date of award but also to start commercial operation not later than 30 months, also from award date.

The same circular provides that failure of 3G network operators to comply with any of the obligations specified in the MC shall be a cause for the cancellation of their authority to provide 3G services, and for the recall of the assigned 3G radio frequency bands.

The NTC in early 2006 granted 3G licenses and frequencies to Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc., and CURE, then owned by businessman Roberto ‘Bobby’ Ongpin.

Two years later or in April 2008, Smart acquired the entire issued and outstanding capital stock of PH Communications Holdings Corp. and Francom Holdings Inc., which collectively own 100 percent of CURE, for P419.5 million ($10 million) as part of its plan to expand and upgrade broadband services.

According to Mallillin, CURE, which holds 10 megahertz of 3G frequency, never rolled out its 3G network.

He pointed out that part of the requirement imposed on CURE and other 3G licensees is that they cover at least 80 percent of the provincial capital towns/cities and 80 percent of the chartered cities over a five-year period.

“We will notify them (CURE) and give them a show-cause order why it should not be sanctioned for its failure to roll out,” Mallillin said.

He said a review will be undertaken by the NTC next year to check if other telecom firms complied with their 3G roll-out plans.

Mallillin added that Smart, as the new owner of CURE, has requested the commission that it be allowed to use CURE’s frequency.

However, he noted that the transfer to Smart of the 3G frequency assigned to CURE has not yet been approved, which means the responsibility of rolling out the service is still with CURE.

He added that the memorandum of agreement between Smart and CURE only states that the latter can use Smart’s network and frequency and not the other way around.

Smart has 35 Mhz of 3G frequency, including its own 15 Mhz, Cure’s 10 Mhz and Pilipino Telephone Corp.’s 10 Mhz, while Globe and Digitel have 10 Mhz of 3G frequency each.

Last week, the NTC issued rules governing the auction for the last 3G frequency at a minimum bid price of P65 million. The new 3G rules require the interested telecom firms to have a company net worth of at least P3 billion and to put up a performance bond equivalent to 30 percent of the roll out cost for the first two years or P1 billion, whichever is higher.

CA issues injunction vs auction of last 3G slot :lol:
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/24/2010 4:52 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The Court of Appeals has issued a permanent injunction against the bidding of the fifth and remaining 3G slot, which it said should have been awarded to Lopez-led Bayan Telecommunications Inc. (Bayantel).

In a 28-page decision, the CA ruled that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) committed "grave error" in denying Bayantel's application for a 3G (third generation) license in 2005.

The NTC, in an order dated December 28, 2005, awarded 3G permits to Smart Communications Inc., Globe Telecom Inc., Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. and Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprises (CURE), but denied Bayantel's application.

It utilized a 30-point rating system for the 3G applicants which the CA said was beyond its rule-making power.

"The NTC did not only exercise its quasi-judicial or adjudicatory power when it issued the consolidated order December 28, 2005 for it did not just determine the facts and apply the law, which in case is Memorandum Circular (MC) 07-08-2005, it unduly expanded the concepts in the MC by introducing a 30-point rating system which it left when it exercised its rule-making power. The consolidated order was thus issued with clear grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess jurisdiction on NTC's part," noted the CA.

The appellate court said Bayantel "deserves the assignment of the last unassigned 3G radio frequency band" and ordered the NTC to review the phone firm's application.

Bayantel welcomed the court ruling. It said the auction of the last 3G slot was intended to "oust the courts of its jurisdiction over Bayan's appeal involving the last 3G frequency and render moot the on-going judicial review."

"We are happy with the court's decision," said Bayantel spokesperson John Rojo.

For its part, the NTC said it would abide with the CA ruling. However, it said the decision "has been forwarded to the Office of the Solicitor General for appropriate legal action."

CA issues injunction vs auction of last 3G slot :lol:
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/24/2010 4:52 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The Court of Appeals has issued a permanent injunction against the bidding of the fifth and remaining 3G slot, which it said should have been awarded to Lopez-led Bayan Telecommunications Inc. (Bayantel).

In a 28-page decision, the CA ruled that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) committed "grave error" in denying Bayantel's application for a 3G (third generation) license in 2005.

The NTC, in an order dated December 28, 2005, awarded 3G permits to Smart Communications Inc., Globe Telecom Inc., Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. and Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprises (CURE), but denied Bayantel's application.

It utilized a 30-point rating system for the 3G applicants which the CA said was beyond its rule-making power.

"The NTC did not only exercise its quasi-judicial or adjudicatory power when it issued the consolidated order December 28, 2005 for it did not just determine the facts and apply the law, which in case is Memorandum Circular (MC) 07-08-2005, it unduly expanded the concepts in the MC by introducing a 30-point rating system which it left when it exercised its rule-making power. The consolidated order was thus issued with clear grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess jurisdiction on NTC's part," noted the CA.

The appellate court said Bayantel "deserves the assignment of the last unassigned 3G radio frequency band" and ordered the NTC to review the phone firm's application.

Bayantel welcomed the court ruling. It said the auction of the last 3G slot was intended to "oust the courts of its jurisdiction over Bayan's appeal involving the last 3G frequency and render moot the on-going judicial review."

"We are happy with the court's decision," said Bayantel spokesperson John Rojo.

For its part, the NTC said it would abide with the CA ruling. However, it said the decision "has been forwarded to the Office of the Solicitor General for appropriate legal action."

Good news for bayantel.

SMC aims to be strong telecom player (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560892&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated March 25, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) wants to position itself as a very strong player in the local telecommunications industry in a bid to further improve telco services in the country and bring down rates to more affordable levels.

SMC president Ramon Ang told The STAR that among the telecommunications companies being offered to them for possible acquisition are Eastern Telecom, Express Telecommunications (Extelcom), and Bell Telecommunications.

At present, SMC has a 32.7-percent stake in Liberty Telecom Holdings via Vega Telecom. It has also signed a memorandum of agreement with Qatar Telecom, which also holds shares in Liberty, to explore areas on wireless broadband and mobile communications pro-jects. He said they have an option to go up to 49 percent.

Ang confirmed that he has received offers for a possible stake in Extelcom, Eastern, and BellTel but the choice will boil down to which company will offer the best value for SMC.

In the case of Extelcom, the negotiations with Trans Digital Excel Inc. (TDE), the majority shareholder of Extelcom and owned by businessman Roberto ‘Bobby’ Ongpin for the acquisition by SMC of TDE’s stake will depend on the final outcome of the case filed by the Lopez group that questioned the dilution of the latter’s stake in Extelcom and the resulting increase in TDE’s shareholdings.

While the Supreme Court has already denied the petition filed by Bayan Telecommunications to reverse the dismissal by the Court of Appeals of its opposition to the rehabilitation plan of Extelcom, Ang said this has yet to attain finality.

Ang pointed out that they are interested in buying Extelcom because of the frequencies that it owns.

Earlier, ISM Communications, also owned by Ongpin’s group, confirmed that it is in talks with SMC for a possible acquisition by the latter of a stake in Eastern.

As for BellTel, he said that while he has received an offer, the company still needs a lot of cleaning up. “We need to know what frequency it owns and whether this will add value to us,” Ang noted.

SMC’s acquisition of a stake in Liberty allowed it to go into wireless broadband. Asked when the commercial launch of its wi-Tribe brand of wireless broadband services will be, he said they are now doing signal testing.

He added that they have already invested a few billions of pesos for the roll out of the wireless broadband network. “We want to rollout nationwide,” he said.

Ang expressed particular interest in voice over the Internet (VoIP) applications, although he admitted that they remain very interested in going into mobile cellular telephone services. “If given the opportunity to go into cellular, we will,” he said.

He explained that there is room for a significant fourth player in the telecommunications industry and the cellular mobile telephone system (CMTS) business, as well as for improved telecommunications services and rate.

The SMC official said the while the world telecommunications industry is generating an average gross profit of 28 percent, the top two CMTS operators here are making as much as 65 percent. “They are making a killing because there is no real competition,” he stressed.

He added that while regionally, the interconnection rates are low at 20 cents, here, it is as high as P6 per minute.

Ang also noted that while the presence of a third player in the mobile telephony industry, has helped bring down rates and improve services of the two others, there is still no real competition.

“As a fourth player, we aim to improve service and rates for the benefit of the Filipino people,” he emphasized.

SMC aims to be strong telecom player (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560892&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated March 25, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) wants to position itself as a very strong player in the local telecommunications industry in a bid to further improve telco services in the country and bring down rates to more affordable levels.

SMC president Ramon Ang told The STAR that among the telecommunications companies being offered to them for possible acquisition are Eastern Telecom, Express Telecommunications (Extelcom), and Bell Telecommunications.

At present, SMC has a 32.7-percent stake in Liberty Telecom Holdings via Vega Telecom. It has also signed a memorandum of agreement with Qatar Telecom, which also holds shares in Liberty, to explore areas on wireless broadband and mobile communications pro-jects. He said they have an option to go up to 49 percent.

Ang confirmed that he has received offers for a possible stake in Extelcom, Eastern, and BellTel but the choice will boil down to which company will offer the best value for SMC.

In the case of Extelcom, the negotiations with Trans Digital Excel Inc. (TDE), the majority shareholder of Extelcom and owned by businessman Roberto ‘Bobby’ Ongpin for the acquisition by SMC of TDE’s stake will depend on the final outcome of the case filed by the Lopez group that questioned the dilution of the latter’s stake in Extelcom and the resulting increase in TDE’s shareholdings.

While the Supreme Court has already denied the petition filed by Bayan Telecommunications to reverse the dismissal by the Court of Appeals of its opposition to the rehabilitation plan of Extelcom, Ang said this has yet to attain finality.

Ang pointed out that they are interested in buying Extelcom because of the frequencies that it owns.

Earlier, ISM Communications, also owned by Ongpin’s group, confirmed that it is in talks with SMC for a possible acquisition by the latter of a stake in Eastern.

As for BellTel, he said that while he has received an offer, the company still needs a lot of cleaning up. “We need to know what frequency it owns and whether this will add value to us,” Ang noted.

SMC’s acquisition of a stake in Liberty allowed it to go into wireless broadband. Asked when the commercial launch of its wi-Tribe brand of wireless broadband services will be, he said they are now doing signal testing.

He added that they have already invested a few billions of pesos for the roll out of the wireless broadband network. “We want to rollout nationwide,” he said.

Ang expressed particular interest in voice over the Internet (VoIP) applications, although he admitted that they remain very interested in going into mobile cellular telephone services. “If given the opportunity to go into cellular, we will,” he said.

He explained that there is room for a significant fourth player in the telecommunications industry and the cellular mobile telephone system (CMTS) business, as well as for improved telecommunications services and rate.

The SMC official said the while the world telecommunications industry is generating an average gross profit of 28 percent, the top two CMTS operators here are making as much as 65 percent. “They are making a killing because there is no real competition,” he stressed.

He added that while regionally, the interconnection rates are low at 20 cents, here, it is as high as P6 per minute.

Ang also noted that while the presence of a third player in the mobile telephony industry, has helped bring down rates and improve services of the two others, there is still no real competition.

“As a fourth player, we aim to improve service and rates for the benefit of the Filipino people,” he emphasized.

WTF, SMC want to become strong telco player with hiding policy, what does that mean, when an agent of Wi-tribe offer thier service to a customer, they don't mention about the 3 GB monthly limit, like what happen to me, then after your consume your 3 GB traffic your connection speed will become 256 Kbps. WTF, you have the worst service in the conutry.

tell your agent to mention about your 3 GB monthly limit to your customer. avoid this telco as much as possible.

WTF, SMC want to become strong telco player with hiding policy, what does that mean, when an agent of Wi-tribe offer thier service to a customer, they don't mention about the 3 GB monthly limit, like what happen to me, then after your consume your 3 GB traffic your connection speed will become 256 Kbps. WTF, you have the worst service in the conutry.

tell your agent to mention about your 3 GB monthly limit to your customer. avoid this telco as much as possible.


Noong nag inquire ako, about wi tribe, sinabi namn ng call center agent na may capping nga sila at 3Gigabyte. hindi namn nila tinatanggi. depende siguro kung gaano ka kabusisi magtanong.

sa iba tawag nila doon, fair usage policy:D

yung capped ata yung peak hours lang, tapos magiging 256kbps kung lumampas na sa 3 gb.

pag off-peak usage hindi kasama sa bilang na 3gb

magtanong kasi muna bago pumirma ng contract

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/4574/philstar.jpg

PLDT Group earmarks P7 billion this year to boost ABC-5
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated March 27, 2010 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - The PLDT Group, the new owners of TV network Associated Broadcasting Co. (ABC-5), is spending around P7 billion this year in a bid to make ABC-5 the leading network in the country.

Mediaquest Holdings president Ray Espinosa said out of the total budget, roughly P5 billion will be for capital expenditure and the remainder for programming. “We are prepared to put in capital,” he emphasized.

Mediaquest is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund, the retirement fund of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT).

Espinosa also revealed that another P5 billion will be spent to enable the network to cover 90 percent of the country.

Mediaquest earlier acquired 100 percent of ABC Development Corp., the owner and operator of ABC-5, for P4 billion from a group led by businessman Antonio “Tonyboy” Cojuangco as well as from other minority owners. It also purchased Primedia, the broadcasting firm’s major block airtimer.

As the PLDT Group’s media arm, Mediaquest’s portfolio includes a 30-percent stake in BusinessWorld Publishing Corp., a 51-percent stake in Nation Broadcasting Corp. (NBC); and less than 10 percent stake in Lopez-led SkyCable Corp. It also owns a direct-to-home satellite television company which operates under the brand name Cignal

From a 60 percent network coverage, Espinosa said that they hope to cover 100 percent of the country by the middle of next year. “But we have a good signal in Metro Manila. We hope to have the same for the rest of the country. Our goal is to be the number one network,” he added.

The P5-billion capex budget is being spent for the upgrading of transmitters and the acquisition of other equipment. “We are basically starting from scratch although ABC-5 already has a number of facilities. We are rebuilding the broadcast transmission,” he pointed out.

Espinosa said they are investing in state-of-the-art equipment as well as in the building of a high-definition (HD)-ready studio, which observers believe is in preparation for the country’s bid to transition from analog to digital TV technology.

ABC-5 also plans to move out of its Novaliches studio to a new location either in Pasig or Mandaluyong. “We are looking for a place which is more accessible to people,” he said.

While refusing to reveal how much ABC-5 lost last year, Espinosa said they expect the network to break even in three years’ time.

He pointed out that ABC-5 will benefit tremendously from PLDT’s fiber optic backbone as well as its telecommunications facilities. “On the other hand, the PLDT Group, particularly its various media-related businesses such as Cignal, can utilize the content produced by ABC-5,” he said.

ABC-5, during Thursday night’s trade launch, unveiled its new set of officers, station ID, as well as programs and talents. Roberto Barreiro will be the network’s executive vice president and chief operating officer and will be in charge of programming.

During the launch, PLDT and Mediaquest chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, emphasized that while they know that starting a greenfield project will be different and that the road ahead will be long, they are prepared to meet the challenge.

“There will be setbacks and false starts. But it is in our nature to keep trying until we succeed,” he said.

Pangilinan earlier revealed that aside from ABC-5, they are also looking at the possibility of acquiring other broadcasting companies within the region.

He disclosed that he has approached Anthoni Salim, chairman of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. of which Pangilinan is the managing director and CEO, on the possibility of Mediaquest acquiring Indosiar, a publicly-listed national television station in Indonesia majority owned by Salim.

Indosiar’s parent company, PT Indosiar Karya Media Tbk, is a member company of the Salim Group conglomerate.

“Anthoni said he will study it. Anyway, we can operate ABC-5 and Indosiar, possibly exchange talents between the Philippines and Indonesia,” he said.

Mediaquest officials also said they are looking at acquiring radio stations to complement ABC-5’s broadcasting business, as well as developing the network’s international business.  

Mediaquest earlier said the investments in ABC-5 and Primedia are in line with its strategy of developing media, content, and production resources to complement its other media assets and platforms such as Cignal.

They added that by investing in both ABC-5 and Primedia, Mediaquest expects to further enhance the station’s programming, ratings and sales, as well as improve the broadcast network’s coverage and signal strength throughout the country.

They noted that over the past year, TV-5 has significantly increased its viewership ratings and has established its position as a strong number three in the country’s Philippine television industry. 

Company officials added that Mediaquest’s partnership with PLDT and Smart Communications allows the development of new convergent services through the fusing of telecommunications services with rich multi-media content, which include the recent launch of PLDT’s WatchPad and Smart’s Sandbox.

They stressed that Mediaquest’s entry into free TV broadcasting will further broaden and strengthen this collaboration with the PLDT Group.

yung capped ata yung peak hours lang, tapos magiging 256kbps kung lumampas na sa 3 gb.

pag off-peak usage hindi kasama sa bilang na 3gb

magtanong kasi muna bago pumirma ng contract

omg, yon di ko makalimutan itanong pero ang problema, ang sagot nila sa akin is 1 Mbps po yon sir ang sagot sa akin. so i presume na mag-fifilter sila ng traffic pag like p2p traffic.


saka bat away nila ilagay yon fair usage policy nila sa TOS nila? siply lang yon, ilalagay lang yon 3 GB monthly traffic nila sa TOS ganun lang. takot kasi dahil baka ii-lang mag subcribe sa kanila pag makita yon 3 GB monthly traffic.

NTC may cancel 3G license of CURE
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated March 24, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said yesterday the government may recall the third generation mobile communications technology (3G) frequency band and cancel the license granted to Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprise (CURE) in 2006 for failure to comply with its 3G commitments.

NTC deputy commissioner Douglas Michael Mallillin said the commission is studying the possibility of recalling CURE’s 3G license and frequency band for failure to roll out 3G services within the period required.

Under NTC Memorandum Circular 07-08-2005, grantees of 3G licenses and frequency bandwidths are required not only to begin the installation and construction of the 3G network and facilities not later than 12 months from date of award but also to start commercial operation not later than 30 months, also from award date.

The same circular provides that failure of 3G network operators to comply with any of the obligations specified in the MC shall be a cause for the cancellation of their authority to provide 3G services, and for the recall of the assigned 3G radio frequency bands.

The NTC in early 2006 granted 3G licenses and frequencies to Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc., and CURE, then owned by businessman Roberto ‘Bobby’ Ongpin.

Two years later or in April 2008, Smart acquired the entire issued and outstanding capital stock of PH Communications Holdings Corp. and Francom Holdings Inc., which collectively own 100 percent of CURE, for P419.5 million ($10 million) as part of its plan to expand and upgrade broadband services.

According to Mallillin, CURE, which holds 10 megahertz of 3G frequency, never rolled out its 3G network.

He pointed out that part of the requirement imposed on CURE and other 3G licensees is that they cover at least 80 percent of the provincial capital towns/cities and 80 percent of the chartered cities over a five-year period.

“We will notify them (CURE) and give them a show-cause order why it should not be sanctioned for its failure to roll out,” Mallillin said.

He said a review will be undertaken by the NTC next year to check if other telecom firms complied with their 3G roll-out plans.

Mallillin added that Smart, as the new owner of CURE, has requested the commission that it be allowed to use CURE’s frequency.

However, he noted that the transfer to Smart of the 3G frequency assigned to CURE has not yet been approved, which means the responsibility of rolling out the service is still with CURE.

He added that the memorandum of agreement between Smart and CURE only states that the latter can use Smart’s network and frequency and not the other way around.

Smart has 35 Mhz of 3G frequency, including its own 15 Mhz, Cure’s 10 Mhz and Pilipino Telephone Corp.’s 10 Mhz, while Globe and Digitel have 10 Mhz of 3G frequency each.

Last week, the NTC issued rules governing the auction for the last 3G frequency at a minimum bid price of P65 million. The new 3G rules require the interested telecom firms to have a company net worth of at least P3 billion and to put up a performance bond equivalent to 30 percent of the roll out cost for the first two years or P1 billion, whichever is higher.

:banana: woohoo. serves smart right. In the industry, sila kasi ang dirty player. looks like their plan will backfire.

I hope that the 3G slot given to cure would be recalled and then the 2 remaining slot to be awarded to SMC/Extelcom and Bayantel

:banana: woohoo. serves smart right. In the industry, sila kasi ang dirty player. looks like their plan will backfire.

I hope that the 3G slot given to cure would be recalled and then the 2 remaining slot to be awarded to SMC/Extelcom and Bayantel

NTC should cancel CURE 3G license. mababwasan narin yon 3G license ng PLDT, buti nga sa inyo. walang compititation na nangyayari dahil gahaman kayo sa 3G license.

WTF, SMC want to become strong telco player with hiding policy, what does that mean, when an agent of Wi-tribe offer thier service to a customer, they don't mention about the 3 GB monthly limit, like what happen to me, then after your consume your 3 GB traffic your connection speed will become 256 Kbps. WTF, you have the worst service in the conutry.

tell your agent to mention about your 3 GB monthly limit to your customer. avoid this telco as much as possible.

Noong nag inquire ako, about wi tribe, sinabi namn ng call center agent na may capping nga sila at 3Gigabyte. hindi namn nila tinatanggi. depende siguro kung gaano ka kabusisi magtanong.

sa iba tawag nila doon, fair usage policy:D

yung capped ata yung peak hours lang, tapos magiging 256kbps kung lumampas na sa 3 gb.

pag off-peak usage hindi kasama sa bilang na 3gb

magtanong kasi muna bago pumirma ng contract

omg, yon di ko makalimutan itanong pero ang problema, ang sagot nila sa akin is 1 Mbps po yon sir ang sagot sa akin. so i presume na mag-fifilter sila ng traffic pag like p2p traffic.


saka bat away nila ilagay yon fair usage policy nila sa TOS nila? siply lang yon, ilalagay lang yon 3 GB monthly traffic nila sa TOS ganun lang. takot kasi dahil baka ii-lang mag subcribe sa kanila pag makita yon 3 GB monthly traffic.

According to my cousin, the monthly usage allocation is doubled to 6 GB which started a week ago. but speed is shaped (slowed down) to 256 kbps when you exceed the allocation. Changes are still expected, given that they're still on "soft-operation".

:banana: woohoo. serves smart right. In the industry, sila kasi ang dirty player. looks like their plan will backfire.

I hope that the 3G slot given to cure would be recalled and then the 2 remaining slot to be awarded to SMC/Extelcom and Bayantel

NTC should cancel CURE 3G license. mababwasan narin yon 3G license ng PLDT, buti nga sa inyo. walang compititation na nangyayari dahil gahaman kayo sa 3G license.

and because the last 3G license was awarded to Bayantel, it would just be right for NTC to revoke CURE's license and award it to SMC's Liberty/Extelcom. :cool:

IMO, Cure's Red Mobile is a big flop. have you noticed the change of its color scheme recently? supposedly "red" mobile has solid blue on its billboards and print ads, which at first glance, aakalain mo Globe Unlimited or Touch Mobile advertisement. :lol: :ohno:

any update about Bayan Telecommunication?

Naka secure naba sila ng 3G license?

PLDT exec defends unit’s 3G license

MANILA, Philippines - An official of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) said regulators can’t take back the 3G (third-generation) license awarded to subsidiary Connectivity Unlimited Resources Inc. (Cure) for the latter’s alleged failure to roll out 3G mobile operations.

PLDT board member Ray Espinosa said the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) itself approved the agreement between Cure and PLDT’s mobile subsidiary legalizing the “sharing” of each others’ network facilities.

Espinosa, who is also president of MediaQuest Inc., the holding company of the PLDT Retirement Fund, said the NTC had given in 2009 the green light on the memorandum of agreement signed between Cure and another PLDt mobile subsidiary, Smart Communications Inc.

“They [NTC] have an approved network management and sharing agreement of the facilities,” said Espinosa in an interview.

The NTC warned last month that it may recall Cure’s 3G license if it fails to roll out its 3G mobile operations within the year. Cure and other licensed 3G operators are given five years from award of their licenses to roll out their respective 3G networks. The five-year period for Cure’s license ends this year.

NTC deputy commissioner Douglas Michael Mallilin stressed Cure’s “very minimal” rollout compliance, saying the company is riding on to the network of sister-firm Smart.

Cure, which holds 10 megahertz (MHz) in the 3G frequency spectrum, was acquired by Smart  for P419.54 million from the group led by businessman Roberto V. Ongpin. In effect, the NTC official opined, Cure now lends its 3G frequency bandwidth to Smart.

He said there is a pending application filed by Smart to use Cure’s 3G frequency bandwidth but this, he stressed, is yet to be approved.  As such, Cure is still responsible of rolling out its 3G service as stated in the permit awarded by the NTC.

Smart holds a total of 35 MHz of 3G frequency, including its own 15 MHz, Cure’s 10 MHz and Pilipino Telephone Corp.’s 10 MHz. Globe Telecom Inc. and Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc. each have 10 MHz. The companies have also filed applications for the fifth and last-remaining 3G frequency available in the country.

The NTC ruled that companies with subsidiaries will not be allowed to bid separately for the last 3G frequency. Malillin noted that the telcos must decide which subsidiary will file the application with the regulator. If they fail to do as prescribed, the NTC will consider the separate proposals as one bid.

The NTC has also required aspiring 3G applicants to post a net worth of P3 billion, be able to raise the minimum bid price of P65 million, and submit a performance bond equivalent to 30 percent of the rollout cost for the first two years or P1 billion—whichever is higher.

However, the NTC had been told by the Court of Appeals to put off the auction for the last 3G frequency. The telecom regulator, though the office of the Solicitor General, is expected to file an appeal before the Supreme Court.

source: http://news.abs-cbn.com/node/94342

kalokohan tong pagaaway sa 3g, line is still king when it comes to speed, stability, efficiency. nagdedevelop na sila sa states ng gigabyte speed na internet tayo nagaaway parin sa 3g T_T

:lol: Maybe hindi applicable yun technology ng state sa atin kasi marami tayong isla. Imagine 7,100 island while sa state one big island lang. Kaya the best way sa atin is via radio.

philippines is compose of 7,100 island so it's impossible and very expensive to install Fiber or wire but we still have good telecommunication infrastructure but the problem is, the telco won't give enough speed to end user. panay yabang lang na "the fastest internet in our country wtf.

give us 4 or 8 Mbps (uncap line) and $25 monthly fee. wag nyo kaming tipirin sa kakarampon na speed ng internet nyo.

^^ it is very possible and not that much expensive to create submarine wires, remember that we are connected to the world through submarine wires.
If the world find that radio / microwave technology better and cheaper why did they create all those wires.

http://www.mymym.com/gfx/Internet%201.jpg

kalokohan tong pagaaway sa 3g, line is still king when it comes to speed, stability, efficiency. nagdedevelop na sila sa states ng gigabyte speed na internet tayo nagaaway parin sa 3g T_T

hindi kalokohan yan. mas madali, mas mura mag roll out ng wireless kesa wired. performance oo, walang tatalo sa wired, pero impossible kasi i wire buong isla ng Pinas. Sa probinsya namin, baka kahit puti na ang uwak wala pa ring wired telephone:D

backbone cables/fiber optics puede sa buong Pinas puede, pero the best pa rin wireless sa remote areas.

wired sa area na pupuede, wireless sa remote areas

Switch to Wimax nalang.

Switch to Wimax nalang.

matagal na kaming naghihintay ng wimax sa probinsya, nauna ang globe at smart sa rollout announcement pero mukhang wi-tribe wimax ang mauuna sa kanila maglagay ng equipments.

Switch to Wimax nalang.

na try ko na din tong Wimax, slow at inefficient din.

hindi kalokohan yan. mas madali, mas mura mag roll out ng wireless kesa wired. performance oo, walang tatalo sa wired, pero impossible kasi i wire buong isla ng Pinas. Sa probinsya namin, baka kahit puti na ang uwak wala pa ring wired telephone:D

backbone cables/fiber optics puede sa buong Pinas puede, pero the best pa rin wireless sa remote areas.

wired sa area na pupuede, wireless sa remote areas

At least sa metro manila man lang sana at yung ibang highly populated areas, iimprove sana nila ang wired technology. hindi yung masyadong nagfofocus sila sa mobility at the expense of speed and efficiency.

may nakasubok na ba ng skybroadband?????

ako nasubukan kaso one day lang sa bahay ng classmate yung 6mbps....... a yr. ago pa yun.......

At least sa metro manila man lang sana at yung ibang highly populated areas, iimprove sana nila ang wired technology. hindi yung masyadong nagfofocus sila sa mobility at the expense of speed and efficiency.

I am running an icafe in Manila. PLDT wired dsl ang subscription ko. magnda ang performance, swerte ko nasa area ako na maayos ang linya, pero yung nasa ibang area, mayat-maya napuputol ang connection, pero wired din yun. Bakit? Mahirap i maintain ang wired lalo na inaasa na lang nila sa contractor.

kaya tagal magpa trouble shoot lalo na pag line mismo problema, kasi i-t-trace yan mula sa phone mo hanggang sa server nila. eh ang tatamad nila mag ayos, kaya yun, sasabihin sayo, sir babalikan na lang namin:D hanggang sa umabot ka ng ilang buwan:D

^ ganun raw talaga ang pldt eh pangit raw ang customer service. parang ayaw na kasi ng mga telecoms company mag invest sa wired eh... puro naririnig mong investments nila wimax or 3g na di naman ganun kaganda.

^ ganun raw talaga ang pldt eh pangit raw ang customer service. parang ayaw na kasi ng mga telecoms company mag invest sa wired eh... puro naririnig mong investments nila wimax or 3g na di naman ganun kaganda.



kasi nga, ang mahal mag rewire:D

kahit ako, meron akong project sa probinsya. linking 2 pts. 7km ang distance. eh kung maglatag ako ng wire nyan, aba, million ang aabutin sa copper wire pa lang, at hindi pupuede ang dsl sa ganun kalayo, compare that to microwave radio, makakabili na ako ng less than 100k, wimax technology, nasa 300k.

sino gusto mag invest sa wired? kung ganun kalaki ang puhunan? wala?

^ kung sa probinsiya ok lng since maliliit lang naman ang markets at wala masyadong need sa high speed. pero sa metro manila di pwedeng katulad rin ng technology ng probinsiya gamitin natin. parang same parin since 4 years ago ang internet dito sa manila eh mas naging mobile lang eh.

^^ Yun quality ng wired cable (mas stable at mabilis) talagang mas maganda kaysa wireless. Usually sa main city ginagamit nila yun wired broadband at sa probinsiya mas bagay yun wireless. I just wonder nga eh hindi pa naman eleksyon yun wireless broadband service minsan may signal kung may signal man sobrang bagal. Tapos the same facilities yun gagamitin ng comelec... eh baka abotin ng isang buwan hindi pa matapos yun counting ng botohan... he..he...:lol:

^^ Yun quality ng wired cable (mas stable at mabilis) talagang mas maganda kaysa wireless. Usually sa main city ginagamit nila yun wired broadband at sa probinsiya mas bagay yun wireless. I just wonder nga eh hindi pa naman eleksyon yun wireless broadband service minsan may signal kung may signal man sobrang bagal. Tapos the same facilities yun gagamitin ng comelec... eh baka abotin ng isang buwan hindi pa matapos yun counting ng botohan... he..he...:lol:

total lang ang tina transmit.. ano ba naman ang mag send ng text na "Noynoy:40;Villar:50;Roxas:80" and so on.

total lang ang tina transmit.. ano ba naman ang mag send ng text na "Noynoy:40;Villar:50;Roxas:80" and so on.

pre, may dagdag bawas ka, ito tamang data::D
Noynoy:4;Villar:5;Roxas:8, Teodoro:95, Fernando:100:D

maliit lang namn data tx nyan, kaya kaya yan kahit 2g

pre, may dagdag bawas ka, ito tamang data::D
Noynoy:4;Villar:5;Roxas:8, Teodoro:95, Fernando:100:D

maliit lang namn data tx nyan, kaya kaya yan kahit 2g

yep, actually may tao sa loob yung mga voting machine tapos sya ang mag te text. Bakit kailangan pa ng mabilis na transmission dun? :lol:

Switch to Wimax nalang.

siguro after 40 years pa makakarating sa amin yan sa matnog. but here is plan to build our own Wireless Internet Service provider (WISP) in our area, the area is located in Bon-ot Big matnog Sorosogon.

http://i44.tinypic.com/345kly9.jpg

If you have the same project or thinking similar project, you can send me a private message so we can exchange our idea. we hope we can build this network this coming July 2010 if not this network will be available within 2010. once we react 25+ clients i will upgrade our tower to accommodate more client by putting high power AP and sector antennas which can handle 100 to 300 client per Sector.

Thanks
Nanflexal

^^ it is very possible and not that much expensive to create submarine wires, remember that we are connected to the world through submarine wires.
If the world find that radio / microwave technology better and cheaper why did they create all those wires.

http://www.mymym.com/gfx/Internet%201.jpg

yes, i understand we have a good telecommunication infrastructure here but the deployment of high-speed and reliable internet is in the hand of philippines telco.

pero nakikita naman natin na hindi sila intrisado pagandahin yon ang service nila because if they want, they can use NGN and Fiber to react municipality and build high speed network and re-distribute the high-speed internet using wireless link. yeah wireless link pero hindi tulad ng setup ng Smart BRO.

kasi nga, ang mahal mag rewire:D

kahit ako, meron akong project sa probinsya. linking 2 pts. 7km ang distance. eh kung maglatag ako ng wire nyan, aba, million ang aabutin sa copper wire pa lang, at hindi pupuede ang dsl sa ganun kalayo, compare that to microwave radio, makakabili na ako ng less than 100k, wimax technology, nasa 300k.

sino gusto mag invest sa wired? kung ganun kalaki ang puhunan? wala?

ang laki naman ng gasto mo tol considering na 7km lang yon distance. mga ilan Mbps ang nakukuha mo sa 7 km ptp mo?

ang laki naman ng gasto mo tol considering na 7km lang yon distance. mga ilan Mbps ang nakukuha mo sa 7 km ptp mo?

actually, ang radio nasa 60k lang. 2mbps.
overkill kung mag kabit ng more than 2mbps, eh ang dsl speed sa point 1 max na 2 mbps:D. limitation ng copper wire. yung 40k para sa ibang gastos yun, like tower kung kailangan etc...

meron kasing wimax technology radio, nasa 300mbps:D pero aanhin ko ang axtra mbps, 2mbps lang namn ang puede magamit. at mahal rin kasi ang ganitong radio, nasa 300k:D

ngayon, I'm still using 3G/HSDPA ng globe, habang pinag aralan kung itutuloy ko ba ang radio o hindi.

yes, i understand we have a good telecommunication infrastructure here but the deployment of high-speed and reliable internet is in the hand of philippines telco.

pero nakikita naman natin na hindi sila intrisado pagandahin yon ang service nila because if they want, they can use NGN and Fiber to react municipality and build high speed network and re-distribute the high-speed internet using wireless link. yeah wireless link pero hindi tulad ng setup ng Smart BRO.

ang globe meron silang nilagay na fiber optics nationwide. nakita ko mismo yung diggings nila sa Leyte at sa Bicutan last year. di ko lang alam kung on operation na.

wimax in the philippines is super slow





for now :D

^^ di ba may plano na gawing wimax zone ang buong Makati? ano nangyari dun?

^^ Yun quality ng wired cable (mas stable at mabilis) talagang mas maganda kaysa wireless. Usually sa main city ginagamit nila yun wired broadband at sa probinsiya mas bagay yun wireless. I just wonder nga eh hindi pa naman eleksyon yun wireless broadband service minsan may signal kung may signal man sobrang bagal. Tapos the same facilities yun gagamitin ng comelec... eh baka abotin ng isang buwan hindi pa matapos yun counting ng botohan... he..he...:lol:

latency-wise, mas maganda pa rin ang wired. Wireless is fast too, but the issue is always about latency or delays in delivering data when it covers a vast area with multiple users sharing the same bandwidth of the limited frequency allowed. A cable/dsl having the same broadband speed with 3g have the advantages of lower latencies over 3g network. Hopefully, with further technological advancements in the future would eventually narrow the difference between wired and wireless.

How about other emerging broadband technology like BPL or broadband over power lines. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_line_communication) Not everybody in the Philippines have landlines or cable but for sure many more people have access to electricity.

actually, ang radio nasa 60k lang. 2mbps.
overkill kung mag kabit ng more than 2mbps, eh ang dsl speed sa point 1 max na 2 mbps:D. limitation ng copper wire. yung 40k para sa ibang gastos yun, like tower kung kailangan etc...

meron kasing wimax technology radio, nasa 300mbps:D pero aanhin ko ang axtra mbps, 2mbps lang namn ang puede magamit. at mahal rin kasi ang ganitong radio, nasa 300k:D

ngayon, I'm still using 3G/HSDPA ng globe, habang pinag aralan kung itutuloy ko ba ang radio o hindi.

mahal parin, 60k for two radio with 7 km distance. i know some equipment that would cost 20k or less to do your 7 km ptp link.

this equipment will be use in my WISP deployment, cheap radio but high power and can react 150+Mbps over 15+km distance.

mahal parin, 60k for two radio with 7 km distance. i know some equipment that would cost 20k or less to do your 7 km ptp link.

this equipment will be use in my WISP deployment, cheap radio but high power and can react 150+Mbps over 15+km distance.

anong brand yan?

motorola at proxim kasi ang mahal eh

anong brand yan?

motorola at proxim kasi ang mahal eh

it's www.ubnt.com, you can check this product.

-------------
NTC elevates dispute with Bayantel on 3G to Supreme Court

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has asked the Supreme Court to overturn an appellate court injunction preventing it from awarding the country’s fifth and last third-generation or 3G mobile network license (3G).

In a petition filed on its behalf by the Office of the Solicitor General, the NTC argued the order had deprived consumers of improved network service.

“The NTC’s actions on the last remaining 3G frequency band are principally based on the overriding consideration of furtherance of consumer welfare, market competition and public interest," the regulator said.

It added that the injunction would wreak havoc on the telecommunication industry since it had also nullified the grading system used by the regulator in awarding the first four 3G licenses.

The Court of Appeals issued the injunction in favor of Lopez-led Bayan Telecommunications, Inc. (Bayantel), which questioned its disqualification from the government bidding five years ago.

A 3G license allows a telecommunication firm to offer high-value services such as wireless broadband Internet.

The NTC awarded four of the five available 3G licenses to Smart Communications Inc., Globe Telecom Inc., Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. and Connectivity Unlimited Resource Enterprise.

In its suit, the NTC argued that nullifying the point system it had used consequently annulled the frequency assignments of the other mobile networks.

“The frequency awardees have in the meantime invested billions of pesos in their respective 3G networks and currently have countless of customers," it added.

The appellate court earlier criticized the NTC’s bidding system, which it likened to a "beauty contest." The system used a 30-point grading system that evaluated companies based on track record, financial capability and technical know-how.

The court noted that Bayantel had been disqualified even if the NTC had never disputed its qualifications.

source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/187973/ntc-elevates-dispute-with-bayantel-on-3g-to-supreme-court

is anyone here working in NTC? tanong ko lang, is it true that NTC will/still evaluating the HTC Desire smartphone for release here in the Philippines? kung totoo i'll just wait for the phone to be released here in the philippines but when? kung matagal pa i'll just buy online. LOL lahat na lang yata ng gusto dine-delay ng NTC :nuts:

^^ What I heard before on my suking cellphone dealer all types of mobile phone being sold in Philippines needs to go through first at NTC for type approval before it is release commercially in public.

This applies to your laptop/netbook embedded wifi modem, wireless router and smartphone device. The main purpose for this is to verify first if that transmitting device that you are going to use would not cause radio interference on existing commercial wireless network.

^^ this case is different, parang iphone. may logo pa nga ng NTC sa mga iphones ngayon. parang may iba pang test aside from what you mentioned, para i-aprove before HTC can officially launch the Desire here in the philippines.

Extelcom willing to advance $50-M for last 3G frequency
By Lenie Lectura, Business Mirror
as of 04/26/2010 2:37 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Awash with cash, Express Telecommunications Co. Inc. (Extelcom) is wiling to advance to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) $50 million, roughly P2.25 billion, in exchange for a “favorable response” from the regulators who will determine which of the aspiring 3G (third generation) applicants will be awarded with the remaining frequency bandwidth.

The $50-million so-called “upfront fee” is on top of the $100-million initial investment Extelcom will pour into its new network, the extended global system for mobile communications (E-GSM) technology.

The oldest mobile phone company in the country is also committed to increase equity and company net worth to at least $100 million. Moreover, it expects to post a performance bond equivalent to 30% of its rollout cost for the first two years until the fifth year, or upon completion of the rollout program.

Extelcom is prepared to shell out this huge amount, which also includes spectrum users fee “in such amount as the commission shall require,” only if the NTC awards to Extelcom the 3G frequency spectrum.

“Extelcom is determined to apply for a 3G license. In its serious desire to establish and operate a 3G network, Extelcom submitted on March 1 a proposal before the NTC requesting for the assignment of the 1965-1975/2155-2165 Megahertz (MHz) frequency band for use in its proposed telecommunications network,” said Extelcom in its motion for intervention filed before the Court of Appeals (CA).

The phone firm, which is being bought by conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC), is joining the NTC in its appeal to set aside the permanent injunction issued by the CA. The appellate court’s decision prevents the NTC from bidding out the precious frequency which is being eyed by some 10 applicants.

The CA ruled that “Bayan Telecommunications Inc. deserves the assignment of the last unassigned 3G frequency band” 1965–1975MHz/2155–2165MHz or 1890 1900MHz/1970 1980MHz. The review of Bayan’s petition found that the NTC committed “grave error” in denying Bayan a 3G frequency.

In a process that began in 2005, the NTC awarded 3G frequencies to Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Digitel Mobile Philippines and new entrant Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprises. The awards were implemented under NTC Memorandum Circular 07-08-2005 governing the award of all five of the country’s 3G frequencies.

Bayan, AZ Communications Inc. and Multimedia Telephony Inc. (MTI) all applied for 3G permits but failed to qualify. They went to court to contest the results, locking up in litigation the country’s last unassigned 3G frequency.

Extelcom said the protests against the NTC would affect its rights as prospective applicant and possible 3G frequency assignee. “The pendency of the cases poses an immediate, real and grave threat to the rights of Extelcom as a prospective applicant and possible assignee of 3G frequency. Should the CA award the last remaining 3G frequency to Bayan, MTI or AZ, Extelcom will lose its legal standing to participate in the award process, thus defeating its rights.”

Being directly affected by the cases filed by Bayan, MTI and AZ, Extelcom said it should be allowed to intervene to protect its rights and interest and join the NTC in opposing the actions for the nullification of evaluation process.

The phone firm also stressed that it stands to suffer grave damage in as much as it has already invested and spent millions of pesos in developing a 3G-complaint network system. “Intervention is necessary to protect its interest,” added Extelcom.

Aside from the monetary commitments, Extelcom also assured the NTC that it will not sell, transfer or lease the frequency to any other entity with an existing assignment of 3G frequency, or to an affiliate or subsidy of such entity. “Extelcom’s proposal by far exceeds the minimum requirement and qualifications. Nonetheless, guarantees to perform all the undertakings contained in its proposal despite that such is more than what is required under the new 3G MC,” said Extelcom.

Its proposal, added Extelcom, clearly demonstrates that the company is in all probability the best qualified entity which will “efficiently and effectively use the remaining allocated 3G frequency band to meet the public demand for telecommunications service, ensure universal coverage and foster a healthy competitive environment.”

The NTC, meanwhile, deemed it necessary to expedite awarding of the last 3G slot as non-usage of said frequency consequently deprives prospective subscribers of easier access to services it can provide. Moreover, the government has lost approximately P300 million in potential income through spectrum user fees, at the current rate of P65 million a year, due to the non-assignment of the last 3G slot for the past five years.

The agency is currently thinking of ways to increase its revenues. “Every centavo goes to the national government. That is why there is a pending measure on a planned NTC reorganization. Just imagine the potential revenue the government should have collected for the years that the remaining 3G frequency bandwidth was not allocated,” NTC deputy commissioner Douglas Mallillin had said.

The NTC is deprived of P65 million in yearly SUF payment or a total of P325 million to date.This is why the regulator is in a hurry to award the fifth and last 3G frequency bandwidth to a qualified applicant.

Digitel sets P1 billion to expand service (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=569738&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
(The Philippine Star) Updated April 26, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Digitel Telecommunications Phils, Inc. (Digitel) has earmarked P1 billion this year to expand its line service for wireline and broadband business and improve Sun Cellular’s wireless landline service through Suntel.

“Expansion of both line and broadband capacity were part of Digitel’s priority projects started last year to meet increased market demand for high-quality residential and business broadband services,” Digitel service delivery group head Ramon Rivera said.

Digitel’s high-quality broadband service, bundled with seamless wireline connection, is in demand in the company’s areas of operation.

“We want to provide better deals and product service offerings to our clients. This year, we will introduce broadband services that have ‘bandwidth on demand’ and other DSL offerings to catch the market’s attention,” Digitel vice president for marketing Mark Concio said.

Digitel is also planning to offer its services outside Luzon. “This will enable both existing and new subscribers to utilize our services nationwide,” Concio said.

Concio said Digitel was also aggressively marketing upgraded line-up of business packages for its corporate clients. “This involves launching innovative products such as IP/VPN over HSDPA to enable enterprises to interconnect with their satellite offices or branches spread all over the country through a secure wireless connection.”

“Further reinforcing Digitel’s market share is viable given our synergy with Sun Cellular,” Concio said.

Gokongwei-owned Digitel, with more than 300,000 subscribers, is among the leading telecom service providers in Luzon.

For information on Digitel’s products and services, subscribers may visit www.digitel.ph/lec or call 1-200 toll-free (Digitel landline) and 200 (Sun mobile). Non-Digitel subscribers may dial 1-800-3-395-8000.

Local tech startup connects OFWs with their families
By Paolo Montecillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:03:00 04/25/2010

Close this Millions of Filipinos are constantly on the lookout for inexpensive ways to communicate with their loved ones working abroad. Fortunately, a local company is stepping up to meet this growing demand.

Florante Cruz, president and CEO of startup Ocean 8 Multimedia group, said that with one in ten Filipinos working abroad, making the world a smaller place was the least he could do for his country.

Cruz, who was once one of the top engineers at Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), is behind the new product called USB/IP, short for universal serial bus/Internet protocol.

USB/IP works by connecting a small electronic device to a computer’s USB port. Once this is done, and assuming that the computer is connected to the Internet, a person can use that computer to call their loved ones anywhere in the world.

The device can be used in two ways. One way is for a USB/IP user to call another USB/IP user. These calls are for free.

The other way is to use the USB/IP to call landlines or mobile phone numbers almost anywhere around the world for a fee much smaller than what local phone firms charge for international calls.

This might sound familiar to many Filipinos who now use “Magic Jack,” which allows users to make calls to any phone in the United States for free.

Cruz points out that USB/IP’s biggest advantage over Magic Jack is that the latter is illegal in the Philippines since the product is not registered with the government, particularly the National Telecommunications Commission.

Another advantage is, while Magic Jack only works for calls to the United States, USB/IP lets you make free or cheap calls to anywhere in the world.

Another bonus for USB/IP is a feature that allows for free video conferencing. While sites like Yahoo! And Skype have their own video features, Cruz claims that USB/IP’s superior data compression technology, streaming live videos becomes smooth, unlike those provided by other services.

“There are other products out there that we compete with, but this is the most complete solution,” Cruz said.

He said a similar service is also now available for mobile phones called MobIP. This can be used to make free voice calls using smart phones connected to the Internet. MobIP can even be downloaded on App Store for iPhone users.

USB/IP devices go for P4,500 each, while MobIP subscriptions, meanwhile, will set a user back by P850. Both fees however are one-time fees, Cruz said.

natiowide narin ba yon Internet ng Globe? ibig sabihin ba nito na kung may Cellsite sa isang lugar available na yon internet?

Nahihirapan kasi kami maghanap ng Last Mile, we plan to become (WISP) wireless internet service provider somewhere in matnog but internet is not available in our place but one of the island somewhere in matnog has a Cellsite.

natiowide narin ba yon Internet ng Globe? ibig sabihin ba nito na kung may Cellsite sa isang lugar available na yon internet?

Nahihirapan kasi kami maghanap ng Last Mile, we plan to become (WISP) wireless internet service provider somewhere in matnog but internet is not available in our place but one of the island somewhere in matnog has a Cellsite.

Yes.. I think so kasi pwede mag-apply kahit saang globe store ng wi-max. Dito sa Albay they started rolling out wi-max at the start of 2010..
Di ba may cellsite ang Globe jan sa Matnog? wala bang 3G?

Yes.. I think so kasi pwede mag-apply kahit saang globe store ng wi-max. Dito sa Albay they started rolling out wi-max at the start of 2010..
Di ba may cellsite ang Globe jan sa Matnog? wala bang 3G?

di ko sure pero sa Matnog may Tower sila at sa Calintaan
http://i41.tinypic.com/23vf5e8.jpg

naka batrid may follow-up sa Globe dahil paulit ulit yon tanong sayo pag na follow-up ka at ang kulit pa ng mga na support nila sa Live Chat, wala naman sila Business Plan paulit ulit ang tanong na. na batrid talga ako kanina at mahigit two weeks na yon request ko kung available ang internet sa Calintaan since my cellsite sila don para wala pa rin sagot.


pag satillite naman provider namin sa internet yon installation 100,000.00 pesos. hindi practical pag satillit considering the latency issue.

baka mag-hintay nalang ako ng 2 Mbps na Smart BRO sa matnog pag available na yon nalang gamitin ko sa backhaul namin mga 4 na 2 Mpbs Smart BRO kasi yon Router ko is PC BASE at unlimited yon WAN port. RouterOS yon ng microtick na software base at maganda rin kasi to dahil $45 ang license at kahit old pc mo pwedi mo gawin na high power router, lagyan ng mga 2 GB RAM and can support 500+ users.

Yeah, satellite internet is just too costly and performance-wise baka maganda pa ang 56k dial up access:D

magand ba ang globe Wimax? kaya lang 1Mbps lang ang offer nila samantala yon Smart BRO is 2 Mbps na.

P995.. ang wi-max

Nalilito ako sa internet ng Globe.
Meron pa silang P795 500kbps WCDMA /3G daw which is different from Globe Tattoo.
All these 3 internet options are available here in Albay.

IMO Smart 3G is available in any major town I think meron jan sa inyo. You may opt to use smartbro plug-it usb modem.

Aling smartbro ba ang tinutukoy mo? canopy / share-it or plug-it?

P995.. ang wi-max

Nalilito ako sa internet ng Globe.
Meron pa silang P795 500kbps WCDMA /3G daw which is different from Globe Tattoo.
All these 3 internet options are available here in Albay.

IMO Smart 3G is available in any major town I think meron jan sa inyo. You may opt to use smartbro plug-it usb modem.

Aling smartbro ba ang tinutukoy mo? canopy / share-it or plug-it?

Canopy po. nasa 2 Mbps na ang plan ng Smart BRO canopy. pero di ko sure kung available na yon 2 Mbps nationwide.

walang unlimited internet ng USB type ng Smart BRO so canopy nalang kukunin ko pag 2 Mbps na.

thanks

IMO Sorsogon City/ Bulan / Gubat / Pilar lang available ang canopy.
May Plan 995 din po sa USB plug-it mabilis @ 2mbps din.
Am using it kahit nasa pinakaremote na sulok na ako ng Albay :banana:

Grrrr. mula noong nag offer ng unlimited 3G/HSDPA ang globe, gumagapang na ang speed ko. Dati nasa 1.8mbps ang speed ngayon swerte na maka 200kbps.

IMO Sorsogon City/ Bulan / Gubat / Pilar lang available ang canopy.
May Plan 995 din po sa USB plug-it mabilis @ 2mbps din.
Am using it kahit nasa pinakaremote na sulok na ako ng Albay :banana:

Matagal nang available ang canopy sa matnog. pero hindi ko pa sure kung available na yon HSDPA sa matnog kasi nong last tawag ko sa smart di pa raw available non 2009.

Grrrr. mula noong nag offer ng unlimited 3G/HSDPA ang globe, gumagapang na ang speed ko. Dati nasa 1.8mbps ang speed ngayon swerte na maka 200kbps.

Globe sells Huawei modems which are inferior compared to ZTE modems sold by SMART kaya mahina ang reception especially indoors. There is a firmware to update mf627 sold by smart para ma-openline. Am using it and it works well with my Globe Tattoo sim :banana:

walang hiya, tumawag sa akin yon globe kanina. 2D pa lang daw ang tower nila sa Calintaan at sa matnog naman 512 Kbps lang ang mabibigay sa akin kung sakaling kumuha ako ng internet sa kanila.

Smart BRO nalang talaga pag-asa ako sa matnog sana available na yon 2 Mbps nila.

I think yung P795 WCDMA yan.. super pangit. Wait for Wi-MAX or better search mo kung may 3G signal jan sainyo chances are you will get 2Mbps HSDPA connection

PLDT reports consolidated net income of P11.4B for Q1
MANILA, May 13 (PNA) - Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), in its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, announced that its unaudited financial and operating results for the first three months of 2010 amounted to P11.4 billion, significantly higher than the P9.6 billion recorded in the same period last year.

Core net income for the first quarter of 2010, net of exceptional items, rose three percent to P10.5 billion from P10.2 billion in the same period in 2009.

This year’s results reflect higher recurring net income and a net gain from foreign exchange revaluation of its financial assets and liabilities and derivatives compared to a net loss last year.

Consolidated service revenues decreased by one percent to P36.0 billion, as the three percent growth in voice revenues was offset by the four percent decline in data and ICT revenues.

Approximately 28 percent of consolidated service revenues are directly or indirectly linked to the US dollar.

PLDT said had the peso remained stable, service revenues for the first quarter of 2010 would have increased by one percent compared with last year.

Consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, deductions, and amortization (EBITDA) was lower at P21.2 billion while EBITDA margin was at 59 percent, similar to the full year 2009 margin.

Reflecting results of initiatives on cost control, cash operating expenses in the first quarter of the year increased by only one percent versus last year.

Consolidated free cash flow remained strong at P12.8 billion for the quarter, reflecting a 22-percent increase compared to the same period last year.

Consolidated capital expenditures stood at P5.2 billion for the first three months of 2010, as the group continues to improve both broadband and cellular coverage and capacity.

Capital expenditure (capex) for 2010 is estimated at P28.6 billion.

The group’s consolidated debt balance as at the end of the first quarter 2010 was USD2.2 billion with net debt at approximately USD1.6 billion adjusted for P26.3 billion cash utilized for the common dividends paid in April 2010.

Net debt to EBITDA on that basis increased to 0.9x. The company’s debt maturities continue to be well spread out, with more than 50 percent due in and after 2013.

The percentage of US dollar-denominated debt to the group’s total debt portfolio further declined to 46 percent, down from 48 percent at the end of 2009.

Taking into account its peso borrowings, hedges and US dollar cash holdings, only 22 percent of total debt remains unhedged.

The group’s cash and short-term securities are invested primarily in bank placements and government securities.

Wireless service revenues dipped one percent to P23.7 billion for the first quarter of 2010, compared with the P23.9 billion recognized last year.

Excluding the impact of our satellite operations where revenues declined due to the disposal of our satellite transponders, wireless service revenues would have been flat year-on-year at P23.3 billion.

Cellular subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continues to lead the industry in terms of both revenues and subscribers.

Wireless EBITDA was lower at P14.4 billion in the first three months of 2010 and EBITDA margin accordingly decreased to 61 percent.

The PLDT Group’s total cellular subscriber base for the first three months of 2010 grew to 43.2 million subscribers, a 17 percent growth year-on-year.

Smart added 1.9 million subscribers for the period, as compared with 1.7 million in 2009.

Wireless broadband revenues continued to grow strongly, up 23 percent to P1.6 billion, compared with the P1.3 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2009. Wireless broadband revenues now make up seven percent of wireless service revenues.

“With the cellular market maturing, we are more determined than ever to continue developing broadband as our growth sector – accordingly, the bulk of our investments will be made in this space, be it infrastructure, platforms, access devices or content,” Smart chief wireless adviser Orlando B. Vea said.

“Despite a maturing market, we were able to grow our subscriber base by 17 percent year-on-year. Text volumes continue to climb while voice minutes are increasing significantly. However, declining yields and alternative means of communication have combined to put pressure on revenues and margins," PLDT and SMART president and chief executive officer Napoleon L. Nazareno said.

"We recognize the challenges that we face in the cellular industry, and we also know that we can meet these challenges head on, by coming up with innovative solutions and aggressively managing our costs," he added. (PNA) http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=3&sid=&nid=3&rid=275575

hindi rin available yon 2 Mbps ng Smart BRO sa matnog. OMG

hindi practical ang 1 Mbps para magtayo ng 4 Tower para lang i-transport ang 1 Mbps share internet connection.

bukas ulit ako sa satillite as last mile. no choice.

Globe Telecom network powers automated polls
(The Philippine Star) Updated May 14, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom reported that its network has maintained optimal performance despite an increase in usage of call, text and data services during the conduct of the national elections last Monday.

“With over 85 percent of precincts successfully transmitting election results, we are pleased to see that the conduct of the first automated elections in the Philippines is going quite well,” said lawyer Froilan Castelo, head of Regulatory Affairs of Globe, “Within the last 48 hours, we have received a negligible number of reports from the National Support Center of Smartmatic-TIM, which were addressed promptly. These were isolated cases but on the whole, the network proved resilient and stable across the country.”

There are over 36,000 modems deployed to more than 37,000 polling centers nationwide to transmit election returns. Globe SIMs comprised 51 percent of the total SIMs purchased and deployed by Smartmatic-TIM for use in the modems for data transmission. On top of this, more than 6,000 polling centers relied solely on the Globe network to transmit election data.

On top of the transmission of election data via GPRS, Globe also established over 100 unique DSL connections for municipal and provincial canvassing centers nationwide. Globe was also responsible for housing the main data center of Smartmatic-TIM, which was the heart of the automated election system. This provided information to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the quick count of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) at the Pope Pius Center, and to the back-up data center.

“We are glad that the network upgrade and expansion we have been undertaking for the past six months, as well as the months of preparation for the national elections paid-off,” added Castelo, “At the onset, there were problems reported about malfunctioning PCOS machines and the long lines at the polls. But the fast transmission of data and the expedient proclamation of some winners saved the day for the nation.”

“The May 2010 elections put our network capabilities to the test, and Globe is proud to be part of this historic event in our country. The full automation, fast transmission and canvassing of votes served as a benchmark for elections in democratic countries worldwide.”

PLDT’s Piltel gets rebranded as well (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20100507-268662/PLDTs-Piltel-gets-rebranded-as-well)

By Paolo Montecillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:16:00 05/07/2010

THE BOARD OF PILIPINO Telephone Corp. (Piltel) Friday approved the change in the company’s name to reflect the group’s growing commitment to a new business segment.

The unit of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) will become PLDT Communications & Energy Ventures Inc.

The former telephone firm, which was turned into a holding company for its parent’s interest in Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), would be used to pursue the group’s future energy ventures.

“Basically, it’s a holding company for Meralco. One of the core objectives of this new company is to foster the synergies between PLDT and Meralco,” PLDT president and CEO Napoleon Nazareno told reporters at the sidelines of Piltel’s annual stockholders meeting.

PLDT and its sister firm Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) currently control over 40 percent of Meralco, which is the country’s largest power distributor.

PLDT and MPIC are both chaired by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

may smart bro sucks, may times waalnag conecction. merun ba dito probema using sun bro,bakit ayaw mag connect ym ko? nasa manila nn ako

may smart bro sucks, may times waalnag conecction. merun ba dito probema using sun bro,bakit ayaw mag connect ym ko? nasa manila nn ako

Avoid smart bro AT ALL COST. Infact, avoid anything wireless internet offered by the telcos. I've experienced, Sun wireless, Globe tatoo and Smart bro and all i can say is, they're all utter garbage. It made me go insane from weeks of having no net connection and their horrible support. :nuts:

If you use your internet just in your house, i suggest PLDT's Plan 999 DSL that connects to your phone. Your enemy here though is those people who steal the wires. :lol:

^^

eh yun PLDT na plan 1299 na may watch pad mas maganda ba yun kasi almost kbps ang kasma at landline......

yung smart BRO nangangain ng LOAD eh nag internet ako ng 15 mins (niload ko p30 good for 1hr and 30mins) disconnect ko lang ng sandli at pag connect ulit wala ng load...... it happens most of the time:ohno::ohno::ohno:

please try smartbro unli P200 / days

^^

eh yun PLDT na plan 1299 na may watch pad mas maganda ba yun kasi almost kbps ang kasma at landline......

yung smart BRO nangangain ng LOAD eh nag internet ako ng 15 mins (niload ko p30 good for 1hr and 30mins) disconnect ko lang ng sandli at pag connect ulit wala ng load...... it happens most of the time:ohno::ohno::ohno:

ganyan din nangyari sa kin nung 2008.. Nireklamo ko sa NTC.
ngaun okay...
its payback time!
Ako naman ang nakaka-internet ng libre :banana:

^^

eh yun PLDT na plan 1299 na may watch pad mas maganda ba yun kasi almost kbps ang kasma at landline......

yung smart BRO nangangain ng LOAD eh nag internet ako ng 15 mins (niload ko p30 good for 1hr and 30mins) disconnect ko lang ng sandli at pag connect ulit wala ng load...... it happens most of the time:ohno::ohno::ohno:

Kaya nga avoid anything wireless offered by the telco's. Any post-paid or pre-paid wireless internet that requires loading still has that "magic" that eats your load without any reason.

I really still suggest getting internet that's connected to the grid (phone lines). Bili ka nalang ng wifi router para magamit mo internet mo sa loob ng house at kahit sa banyo :lol:

Take mo un Plan 1299 o kung gusto mo mas mura mura, take Plan 999. Ayos ang internet at mabilis din for basic needs (watching youtube) at libre pa ang watchpad at unlimited downloading dahil walang download cap. Not to mention, monthly lang bayad mo for unlimited internet connectivity :cheers:

ako naman never had a problem with Sun Wireless Broadband plan799. i use it here in QC, Manila, and Antipolo. no problem naman, minsan mabagal tho, but im not that demanding when it comes to speed, and besides, bawal naman talaga with Sun Cell to download using torrents, its part of their fair use policy. :)

Las Vegas firm offers to make Bacolod RP’s ‘first Wi-Fi city’
BusinessWorld Online - May 19, 2010

BACOLOD CITY -- A firm called International Digital Communications, Inc. (IDC) has proposed to make Bacolod the first city in the country to offer free wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) service.

Company President Louis F. Baldenegro said his firm will present the proposal to the city government soon.

Emmanuel P. Aguilar, International Digital Communications chief financial officer, said all the city government has to do is to provide the property on which IDC can build structures and antennae needed to put up a wireless network.

“This will put us ahead of the others on the list of the top 10 next wave cities. Right now, we are No. 3 and if we do this, we are going to be No. 1 for sure,” he said.

International Digital Communications had installed a similar system in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the firm is based, he said. If successful in Bacolod, the same service will be offered to Bago, Silay and Talisay cities in Negros Occidental.

Mr. Baldenegro assured Internet cafés their businesses would not be affected. “We are not going to compete [with Internet cafés]. What this will do is increase commercial activities in Bacolod and the whole city will prosper,” he said.

International Digital Communications also plans to introduce a Wi-Fi cellular service. “There will be a certain expense to the customer for the Wi-Fi cellular but we will have different plans so everybody can [have access],” he added.

Wi-Fi cellular subscribers will enjoy unlimited service within the city, he said. -- Chrysee G. Samillano

Telecom firm eyes brgy training (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2010/May/22/negor3.htm)
BY JUDY F. PARTLOW

Smart Communications Inc. is looking at expanding a pilot project now being implemented in Antipolo City, Rizal Province, to other areas in the country to empower communities, starting at the barangay level, on disaster preparedness and response.

Ramon Isberto, head of Public Affairs of Smart Communications Inc., yesterday said the company has initiated a program in Antipolo City where public school teachers, students and barangay officials involved in disaster risk management, are being trained on reading rainfall gauges.

Antipolo City was chosen to pilot the project, in cooperation with the country’s weather agency, PAG-ASA, as 60 percent of the Marikina watershed is in that city, Isberto said.

During massive flooding last year due to the twin super typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, it was noted that a large volume of floodwaters in Metro Manila had originated from the Marikina watershed that overflowed.

By training the local communities to monitor rainfall in their respective areas, residents are now empowered to take the necessary pre-emptive action even ahead of government agencies giving them the warning, he said.

Under the joint program, PAG-ASA wanted to locate their rain gauges and set up a rainfall monitoring system within Smart cell sites in the Marikina watershed, Isberto said.

The telecommunications company has already donated manual and electronic rain gauges for the project, with PAG-ASA personnel teaching the trainees how to read and report rainfall levels via the Internet to a designated website or through mobile phone texting, he added.

Isberto also said Smart has been working with 50 partner schools across the country for three years now, and if the Antipolo project is successful, they would consider expanding and bringing the project to the countryside, especially in areas that are prone to landslides and flooding.

He highlighted the cooperation and support of the local government units in such project, saying that disaster preparation and response must be community-based.

In February 7, 2009, Dumaguete and some parts of Negros Oriental experienced unprecedented flooding due to massive rainfall that many elderly said had not been seen in more than 30 years, causing millions of pesos in damaged property and a few lives lost.

yung smart bro prepaid ni misis masyadong malakas sa load tapos laging walang internet connectivity. ano ba mas magandang alternative using same scheme and technology? tia

^^Direct line ka nalang dahil laking tipid nito at palaging connected pa at kung sa bahay lang naman kayo, bili ka ng wifi router para kahit sa banyo pwede :lol:.

ang problema kasi sa lugar nila misis wala pang landline.

CA stops NTC’s new cellular billing system
Written by Lenie Lectura - BusinessMirror Philippines
Thursday, 27 May 2010 06:10

THE Court of Appeals (CA) on Wednesday granted the petition of mobile-phone firms for a writ of preliminary injunction against the implementation of the controversial per-pulse billing scheme of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

The order, issued on May 26, 2010 by the court’s special former 11th division, extends the original 60-day temporary restraining order (TRO) up to the final resolution of the case.

In its seven-page resolution, the court said Globe and Smart are entitled to an injunctive relief as the cellular firms have shown in their petition that their operations could be hurt by the application of per-pulse billing scheme.

“To our mind, Globe and Smart, in the instant cases have shown, at least tentatively, the existence of a clear right and an urgent and paramount necessity for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction to prevent serious damage and to prevent the case from becoming moot and academic,” the CA said.

The case involves the implementation of the billing system as provided for under the NTC’s memorandum circular 05-07-2009. Under said circular, the calls within the same network should be charged based on time consumed instead of the prevailing per-minute method. A flag-down rate of P3 for the first 12 seconds will be charged to consumers. In the first minute of the call, each succeeding six-second pulse will be charged up to P0.56. Each pulse thereafter will be charged up to P0.75. The rates should not exceed P7.50 per minute, the highest prevailing rate among the phone firms.

Globe and Smart use prefixes as a way to comply with the NTC’s circular instead of a default billing system. They maintained that the NTC has no jurisdiction or power to fix their cellular voice rates.

In seeking the injunctive relief, Globe and Smart anchored their pleas on the following grounds: that the NTC order which required them to adopt the six-seconds per pulse unit of billing as their default billing statement has no bases in fact and in law; that the orders violate their rights to due process; and that the orders were issued without or in excess of the NTC’s jurisdiction and in violation of Republic Act 7925.

The NTC, according to Globe and Smart, has been attempting up to now to enforce the circular by means of a show cause order which directs them to cease their present cellular voice operations and to immediately refund their subscribers the difference between the amount they should pay under the new six-second per-pulse billing system and the companies prevailing scheme.

hindi na nila iniisip yon massang pilipino. over protected sila sa mga telco na yan.

EasyCall enters into broadband wireless services (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=579858&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann LL. Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated May 31, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - EasyCall Communications Phils. Inc. (ECP) is set to join the growing number of telecommunications companies providing broadband wireless services.

ECP general manager Renato Vicente Martinez said the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has issued a provisional authority to the company to provide broadband wireless access (BWA) services and has been assigned 15MHz of frequency within the 3.4-GHz range.

“The company shall now commence its plans to provide broadband wireless services within the next few months,” he said.

Since the closure of the paging business in 2002 as a result of the development of short messaging service of cellular phone companies, the company engaged in the contact center outsourcing business and information technology-related business. ECP had no operating activities in 2008 and 2007.

In July 1999, ECP acquired the call center business of Siemens, which included a major fastfood restaurant chain as its first order-taking call center client. However, in 2002, ECP decided to completely shut down its paging operations as its subscriber base dropped to a level not anymore sufficient to cover direct costs.

ECP also eventually terminated its last client for the local call center operations in 2004 because of the low contribution margin, which was insufficient to cover fixed overhead costs.

The company’s existing products and services in the call center and Internet businesses are carried out through its subsidiaries and affiliates. Its contact center, e-Performax Contact Centers Corp., handles customer service, outbound and verification services. The company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, EasyCall e-Services Inc. (e-Serve), offers Internet services such as dial-up access, dedicated dial-up, leased line, web business solutions and server co-location.

For the first quarter of 2010, ECP generated a net income of P320,000, compared to the P680,000 net loss in the same period last year. The 147 percent increase was primarily due the decrease in general and administrative expenses aside from additional revenues earned for IP-based telephone system rentals.

Another contributor is the equity in net earnings in ePerformax International which was reduced from a loss of P230,000 to P20,000 this year.

ECP generated P1.1 million in revenues while subsidiary e-Serve recorded P 3.19 million in service revenues, a decrease of 13 percent compared to last year’s level of P3.68 million.

The Internet segment’s bottom line performance decreased to P330,000 in net income, compared to P630,000 last year.

Also in the first quarter, the company’s consolidated service income increased to P4.4 million compared to P3.68 million last year. Officials said the 20 percent increase can be mainly attributed to additional IP-based telephony revenues that the company has offered to its member companies. The company’s revenue was generated through its own operations of P1.21 million and from e-Serve of P3.19 million.

Digitel to match network of rivals
Manila Standard Today - June 1, 2010

Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc., owner of the brand Sun Cellular, said Monday that the company’s network reach would be at par with its two competitors by the end of 2011.

“We have proven ourselves to be a worthy competitor,” Digitel president and chief executive James Go told reporters at the sidelines of the annual stockholders’ meeting.

He said Digitel’s cell sites would reach around 9,000 by the end of next year, matching those of market leader Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom.

The cell sites would cover about 90 percent of cities and municipalities nationwide, he said.

Digitel’s cell sites reached 6,000 at the end of May and would increase further to over 7,000 by the end of 2010 with the construction of 100 every month.

Digitel’s Sun Celullar, meanwhile, has edged out the mobile phone brand of Globe Telecom Inc. as the country’s third biggest in terms of subscribers’ base.

Go said Digitel’s Sun Cellular surpassed Globe’s total subscribers with about 14 million at the end of March this year compared with Globe’s 13 million.

Smart’s Smart Buddy leads with 25.5 million subscribers as of the end of the first quarter, followed by Talk ’N Text with 17.4 million subscribers. TM, another wireless brand of Globe, has about 10 million subscribers.

Digitel is allotting $350 million for capital expenditures this year, the same as last year’s and higher than the original budget of $250 million. The company plans to spend about half for the broadband business, which now has over 300,000 subscribers, and the rest for its wireless and fixed-line business. Jeremiah F. de Guzman

We still need national broadband network, Aquino told
By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:01:00 06/03/2010

MANILA, Philippines—Presumptive president-elect Sen. Benigno Aquino III should consider electronically connecting the bureaucracy despite the controversy stirred by the scuttled $329-million NBN-ZTE deal, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Executive Secretary Mendoza observed that the technical problems on the electronic transmission of votes in the May 10 elections had highlighted the need for a broadband network in the country.

He said that in Southeast Asia, only the Philippines and Myanmar lacked such a network.
“If we had a national broadband, problems on the electronic transmission would not have cropped up. I hope the next administration will consider the national broadband network,” he told reporters.

Mendoza was himself charged for signing the broadband network contract as then Transportation and Communication Secretary, but said he had been cleared of any liability by the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman had cleared President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo of graft charges as well as of charges that they conspired to stop whistle-blower Rodolfo Lozada Jr. from testifying on the matter.

^^ Man, I hope this project really pushes through. Talbog tayo sa ibang bansa. We need to have cheaper internet access.

^^ Man, I hope this project really pushes through. Talbog tayo sa ibang bansa. We need to have cheaper internet access.

hoy, actually mura na internet natin kumpara sa ibang european countries. meron kasi kaming comparison ginawa. tapos sa ibang state namn, mahal din, yung brother-in-law ko sa Arkansas sabi nya, mas maganda pa raw net connection ko sa Leyte kahit 3G/HSDPA lang yun.

ang problema natin, mga remote areas walang internet access. yung ZTE Broadband kung natuloy sana yun, yun yung mag ko-konek lahat ng remote barangays.

^^ I think the new incoming administration should look back and revive the construction of our country national broadband backbone.

Its really true that our fellow neighbor Asean is already laying down their nationwide backbone (i.e. IDA Singapore).
http://www.ida.gov.sg/Infrastructure/20060919190208.aspx

With our own broadband backbone we will be able to transact anywhere in the Philippines toward different gov't agencies. This will minimize longline in getting business permits, avail specialized medical care, tele-education, business portal and lot of other things that you can imagine.

Its even environmentally friendly since you don't need to travel to Manila just to transact your business. And another good thing maiiwasan na natin yun mga fixer kasi red tape will be eliminated.

This also help the gov't. bring local job for BPO operation in the provinces since with this technology it doesn't require BPO agent sitting in NCR but rather sitting at their own city. So basically its a good equalizer in distributing wealth around the whole country.

http://www.un-gaid.org/

Tama

We need faster (and probably cheaper) broadband internet access.

Isipin ninyo:
What we pay now for 1 Mbps connection will get you a 100 Mbps connection up/down fiber optic connection in Hong Kong (HKBN 香港寬頻網絡有限公司)

Tama nga and I think everyone agrees:
We need faster broadband internet :D

:)

And I hope they will create another Department for ICT.

^^ Agency attached to the proposed DICT -- Media Studies

walang hiya, tumawag sa akin yon globe kanina. 2D pa lang daw ang tower nila sa Calintaan at sa matnog naman 512 Kbps lang ang mabibigay sa akin kung sakaling kumuha ako ng internet sa kanila.

Smart BRO nalang talaga pag-asa ako sa matnog sana available na yon 2 Mbps nila.

If you intend to operate as an ISP then what you need is a dedicated leased line from either of the telcos, 1 x E1 at the very least. Subscribing to the current residential or even business packages won't suffice especially that you are going to this via Wireless radio.

If you intend to operate as an ISP then what you need is a dedicated leased line from either of the telcos, 1 x E1 at the very least. Subscribing to the current residential or even business packages won't suffice especially that you are going to this via Wireless radio.

I guess the place has no available DSL/WIRED connection.

I guess the place has no available DSL/WIRED connection.

there is no telecommunication infrastracture in place in this area. Can't get T1 because of lack of PSTN in calintaan.

512 Kbps is better than nothing, but the lack of reliable and high speed last mile is our problem. unless we build PSTN in our barangay then ask PLDT / GLOBE or BAyan to provide T1 but T1 is not cheap, it will cost 20k to 24k per month.

^^ Buti pa sa other Asean member they will get their hands on the
new iPhone. Malamang sa pinas by end of the year pa.


iPhone 4 fever hits HK, Singapore, India
Nicole McCormick | June 09, 2010
telecomasia.net

Mobile operators in Hong Kong, India and Singapore have jumped on the iPhone 4 bandwagon, announcing plans to sell the new Apple device in “coming months.”

Hong Kong operators 3 Hong Kong and SmarTone-Vodafone announced plans to launch the iPhone 4, as have sister firms 3 Macau and Vodafone India.

Singaporean operator M1 said it plans to rollout the iPhone 4.

Apple said Monday that the iPhone 4 would go on sale in the US, France, Germany, Britain and Japan on June 24, with the device to be available in 18 more countries from July. It will be available worldwide by the end of the year.

Softbank Mobile, which has exclusive distribution rights to the iPhone in Japan, said it plans to take orders for the iPhone 4 on June 15. The device will hit stores on June 24, according to the Nikkei.

The carrier is yet to reveal pricing details.

In the US, the 16-gigabyte model will cost $199, with the 32-gigabyte version priced at $299.

Vodafone India executives told The Telegraph that locked iPhone 4 smartphones could debut as early as July.

But the paper says unlocked versions will be available in the grey market for between $110-$170 apiece.

“Although it is easy to unlock the iPhone, a customer will not get the warranty associated with an operator nor some features that are specific to the service provider,” an analyst told The Telegraph.

^^

In Malaysia, Maxis (a Malaysian telco operator) confirmed that iPhone 4 will be available in Malaysia in the coming months both in the official site and also through their Facebook page.

^^ Buti pa sa other Asean member they will get their hands on the
new iPhone. Malamang sa pinas by end of the year pa.


iPhone 4 fever hits HK, Singapore, India
Nicole McCormick | June 09, 2010
telecomasia.net

Mobile operators in Hong Kong, India and Singapore have jumped on the iPhone 4 bandwagon, announcing plans to sell the new Apple device in “coming months.”

Hong Kong operators 3 Hong Kong and SmarTone-Vodafone announced plans to launch the iPhone 4, as have sister firms 3 Macau and Vodafone India.

Singaporean operator M1 said it plans to rollout the iPhone 4.

Apple said Monday that the iPhone 4 would go on sale in the US, France, Germany, Britain and Japan on June 24, with the device to be available in 18 more countries from July. It will be available worldwide by the end of the year.

Softbank Mobile, which has exclusive distribution rights to the iPhone in Japan, said it plans to take orders for the iPhone 4 on June 15. The device will hit stores on June 24, according to the Nikkei.

The carrier is yet to reveal pricing details.

In the US, the 16-gigabyte model will cost $199, with the 32-gigabyte version priced at $299.

Vodafone India executives told The Telegraph that locked iPhone 4 smartphones could debut as early as July.

But the paper says unlocked versions will be available in the grey market for between $110-$170 apiece.

“Although it is easy to unlock the iPhone, a customer will not get the warranty associated with an operator nor some features that are specific to the service provider,” an analyst told The Telegraph.

According to sources, on or before September in the Philippines.

^^

Sounds about right.

June : US, UK, France, Germany, Japan

July : Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland

August : 24 countries

September : 44 countries

Apple mentioned that by September, 88 countries would get iPhone 4.

Any news Smart or Sun will offer iPhone 4 ? , all 3 telcos here in Singapore will be offering it by July.

^^

Sounds about right.

June : US, UK, France, Germany, Japan

July : Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland

August : 24 countries

September : 44 countries

Apple mentioned that by September, 88 countries would get iPhone 4.

IPSTAR can provide us 4 Mbps (shared plan) but the cost of VSAT installation would be 70k to 80k.

Japanese standard favored in planned shift to digital TV
BusinessWorld Online - June 11, 2010

REGULATORS are leaning toward the Japanese standard for digital television, releasing a draft circular yesterday recommending the adoption of the Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial or ISDB-T system.

The move is in line with the positions taken by the country’s top television networks, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. and GMA Network, Inc., which have expressed preference for the Japanese standard -- which is being widely adopted in South America -- over a European one. Japanese makers of set-top boxes that will be required for non-digital TVs have pledged to put up a manufacturing plant here to cut prices.

The draft circular adopting the Japanese standard for Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcast Services will undergo public hearings starting today.

The National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) draft order was made following recommendations from two technical groups and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas.

"The introduction of digital technology in the broadcasting service would ensure the competitiveness of the broadcast industry and afford them the opportunity to provide enhanced services to better serve the viewing public," the draft circular states.

The government is eyeing a switch to digital TV by 2015.

In 2006, the NTC released a memorandum saying the country would be using the European standard for digital television. The NTC later deferred this, saying more consultations were needed.

A key issue is whether the government will subsidize the cost of set-top boxes. -- AMPD

Globe says broadband sales in Q1 surged 84%
Manila Standard Today - June 11, 2010

Globe Telecom Inc., the country’s second-largest telecommunication company, posted P1.2 billion in broadband revenues in the first quarter, up 84 percent year-on-year.

Fixed-line data revenues, meanwhile, reached P831 million, up 16 percent from a year ago.

Globe said in a statement that the company showed healthy revenue growth in its fixed-line data business in the first three months of the year, as robust demand from the local outsourcing industry helped sustain growth momentum.

Globe Business, the company’s corporate arm, remained strong in the market with the continued expansion of the business process outsourcing and services sector.

Wireline data business continued to grow, fueled by the expansion of Globe Business’ network of high-speed data nodes, transmission links and international bandwidth capacity that serve the requirements of enterprise customers.

“We hope to maintain the gains we have achieved in the enterprise market by focusing on the needs of our customers and continuously investing in our network,” said Gil Genio, Globe Business head.

“Enterprise customers value premium service and require more capacity and quality network services that Globe Business aims to provide at anytime of day,” he said.

Genio said Globe would continue to serve the growing demand of the BPOs, especially for corporate data services, as the company brings more bandwidth and faster connections to enterprise customers. Alena Mae S. Flores

RP picks Japanese digital TV standard
BusinessWorld Online
Posted on 07:46 PM, June 11, 2010

The country will be using a Japanese standard in the planned shift to digital television, regulators announced on Friday.

A day after releasing a draft circular and scheduling a public hearing on the Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial or ISDB-T system, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) declared that the standard would be adopted following unanimous industry support.

Officials said the decision was reached in a meeting where stakeholders from the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, GMA Network, Inc., ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp., RPN Channel 9, Vanguard Radio Network Co., Inc. and others backed the draft circular.

Also present at the hearing were representatives from the Japanese embassy with whom a memorandum of cooperation was signed with NTC officials. Japanese makers of the set-top boxes that will be required for non-digital TVs have pledged to set up a manufacturing plant in the Philippines to help cut prices.

The NTC order will take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation. The shift to digital TV, meanwhile, could take five years.

"We made sure to get the cost of the set of box in a lower price. This development would also mean 1,000 job vacancies for Filipinos for the next three to five years," NTC deputy commissioner Jaime M. Fortes, Jr. said.

Motohiko Kato, deputy chief of mission of the Japanese Embassy, said: "The Japanese government is ready to provide assistance to the Philippines. Being first in Asia to implement the standard of digital television, we are ready to conduct seminars or workshops to those who will be adopting the standard, help the national government to draft new rules or regulations regarding this development and provide development assistance if needed."

In backing the ISDB-T standard, GMA-7 COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. said in a statement that the network had "assessed the prominent DTT (digital terrestrial television) standards available and have determined ISDB-T to be technically suitable for our television broadcast industry. The network therefore endorses the adoption of the ISDB-T DTT for the country."

Vanguard Radio Network president and chief operating officer Manuel G. Galvez, Jr., meanwhile, said, "aside from the superior quality of the ISDB-T, we appreciate the commitment of the Japanese delegation to extend technical support, training for the personnel, lowering of the prices of digital boxes to make it feasible for ordinary people to purchase it, and financial support by extending loans to our company. This will help a lot in our transition from analog to digital television."

Aside from Japan, the ISDB-T standard has been widely adopted in South America.

Great news! I was hoping NTC would choose ISDB-T over the European standard. :)

^^ Currently, I am a subscriber to Skycable digital (using that box), is it a Japanese technology?

Any news Smart or Sun will offer iPhone 4 ? , all 3 telcos here in Singapore will be offering it by July.

I believe it would still be exclusive to Globe. Singapore I believe has a law that prohibits exclusivity to telcos or phones to be locked in to a single carrier.

I believe it would still be exclusive to Globe. Singapore I believe has a law that prohibits exclusivity to telcos or phones to be locked in to a single carrier.

^^ There was before a news article that say that Apple and Singtel (foreign partner of Globe) had signed together exclusivity in bringing IPhone in South East Asia for several years. This mean we still have to wait for several years before Iphone can be provide to other non-Globe customer.

Philippines' Fastest Growing Mobile Network Provider Once Again Taps Ceragon for 2G/3G Backhaul Expansion

By: PR Newswire


PARAMUS, New Jersey, June 14, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ceragon Networks (NASDAQ: CRNT) the provider of high-capacity, 4G/LTE-Ready wireless backhaul solutions, announced that Digitel Mobile Philippines will invest an additional $9 million in Ceragon's mobile backhaul network equipment in an ongoing expansion of Digitel's 2G/3G cellular services. Digitel, which operates under the brand name of Sun Cellular, is the fastest growing mobile telecommunications provider in the Republic of the Philippines, estimated to be the world's 12th most populous country with over 92 million citizens.

The newest Digitel order represents just one of numerous follow-on orders for Ceragon, a longtime provider of high-capacity wireless backhaul solutions to Digitel. The latest order puts more Ceragon gear behind a pair of expansion and upgrade projects for Digitel's 2G/3G metro network. The operator's Manila-Cebu Alternative Backbone project will now deliver 3G services to the southern part of the country employing native IP over long-haul microwave technology, while its North Luzon Backbone Expansion project will bring additional 2G service capacity to the north.

Both projects are part of Digitel's Ceragon-enabled migration to an all-IP Ethernet backhaul network that will better service the range of data, multimedia applications, and voice on the operator's expanded network. In turning once again to Ceragon as its backhaul equipment provider of choice, Digitel cited Ceragon's proven track record in providing highly available, robust, cost-effective, turnkey solutions and services for Digitel.

"Microwave is an ideal approach to quickly and easily setting up the most cost-efficient and consistently reliable backhaul network," said Patrick Lam, Senior Technical Adviser, of Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. "Our Ceragon-based backhaul even withstood last year's devastating typhoon and flooding, making Digitel the only operator able to keep delivering vital telecom services to people in some of the devastated areas of the country."

"Reliably delivering a demanding range of 3G services and IP-based multimedia applications is a great challenge for operators today," said Ira Palti, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ceragon. "And with microwave clearly representing the most physically-resilient approach to backhaul, Ceragon looks forward to supporting the high-reliability demands of Digitel's expanding cellular networks for many years to come."

Digitel, which has relied on Ceragon for its backhaul network since 2005, purchased a mix of traditional TDM and IP-based systems from Ceragon, including the TDM-based FibeAir 3200T, a high-capacity wireless system; the TDM-based FibeAir 1500R, high-capacity SDH/SONET wireless system; and the FibeAir IP-10, which combines IP and TDM networking for risk-free migration to IP.

The following Ceragon systems are included in the $9 million Digitel deal:

- The FibeAir IP-10 - this multi-service system is Ceragon's
next-generation carrier-grade wireless Ethernet solution, combining IP
and TDM networking. The system enables risk-free mobile backhaul
migration to IP with the highest possible capacities at the lowest
overall cost. It feature a powerful integrated Ethernet switch, optional
stackable radios with TDM cross-connect for nodal site applications.

- FibeAir 3200T - offering increased capacity, long-distance links,
simplicity of installation, more robust backbone and long-haul
infrastructure, supporting up to 10 high-capacity radios in a single link
and providing backup in the event of equipment failure or degradation on
specific frequency channels. The system can be assembled in an all-indoor
installation, with the entire system installed in a rack or split-mount
installation, with the RFUs (radio Frequency Units) installed near the
antenna.

- The FibeAir 1500R - a high-capacity SDH/SONET wireless system that
answers the need for future-proof efficient wireless networking solution.
The system includes a variety of interfaces and can be seamlessly
integrated into a variety of networks, and installed in split-mount and
all-indoor configurations for long, medium and short-haul transmission
with multiple protection schemes.


About Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc.

Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. (DMPI) is the wireless subsidiary of Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc. (Digitel), which, in turn, is 47%-owned by JG Summit Holdings. DMPI commercially launched its wireless service operations under the brand name of Sun Cellular on March 2003. Sun Cellular is the country's fastest growing network with 14 million subscribers supported by its over 5,000 cell sites. It offers the latest in GSM technology, providing voice services, messaging services, outbound and inbound international roaming, and value-added services.

About Ceragon Networks Ltd.

Ceragon Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ and TASE: CRNT) is a leading provider of high capacity LTE/4G ready wireless backhaul solutions that enable cellular operators and other wireless service providers to deliver voice and data services, such as Internet browsing, music and video applications. Our wireless backhaul solutions use microwave technology to transfer large amounts of telecommunication traffic between base stations and the core of the service provider's network. Designed to enable risk-free migration from legacy to next-generation backhaul networks, our solutions provide fiber-like connectivity for circuit-switched, or SONET/SDH, networks, next generation Ethernet/Internet Protocol, or IP-based, networks, and hybrid networks that combine circuit-switched and IP-based networks. Our solutions support all wireless access technologies, including GSM, CDMA, EV-DO, HSPA, LTE and WiMAX. These solutions allow wireless service providers to cost-effectively and seamlessly evolve their network from circuit-switched and hybrid concepts to all IP thereby meeting the increasing demands by the growing numbers of subscribers and the increasing demand for mobile data services. We also provide our solutions to businesses and public institutions that operate their own private communications networks. Our solutions are deployed by more than 200 service providers of all sizes, as well as in hundreds of private networks, in more than 130 countries. More information is available at http://www.ceragon.com.

Ceragon Networks(R), CeraView(R), FibeAir(R), the FibeAir(R) design mark and Native2(R) are registered trademarks., and Ceragon(TM), PolyView(TM), ConfigAir(TM), CeraMon(TM), EtherAir(TM), QuickAir(TM), QuickAir Partner Program(TM), QuickAir Partner Certification Program(TM), QuickAir Partner Zone(TM), EncryptAir(TM) and Microwave Fiber(TM) are trademarks of Ceragon Networks Ltd.

This press release may contain statements concerning Ceragon's future prospects that are "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that future results will be achieved, and actual results could differ materially from forecasts and estimates. These are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forecasts and estimates. These risks and uncertainties, as well as others, are discussed in greater detail in Ceragon's Annual Report on Form 20-F and Ceragon's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Ceragon undertakes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statement in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made.

^^ Currently, I am a subscriber to Skycable digital (using that box), is it a Japanese technology?

I'm not sure if Skycable is a Japanese technology, but it seems it's already digital and "HD-compatible" (or perhaps a better word is "HD-Possible). Skycable is separate from the over-the-air broadcast which is analogue. ISDB-T refers to the digital TV standard which will replace the current analogue system (meaning you will be able to receive HDTV signals over the air once ISDB-T is implemented assuming broadcasters such as ABS and GMA have HD content and you have an HDTV and the receiver at home). As a Skycable user, you're already digital but you will have to wait until they upgrade your cable receivers to be HDTV compatible.

I'm not sure if Skycable is a Japanese technology, but it seems it's already digital and "HD-compatible" (or perhaps a better word is "HD-Possible). Skycable is separate from the over-the-air broadcast which is analogue. ISDB-T refers to the digital TV standard which will replace the current analogue system (meaning you will be able to receive HDTV signals over the air once ISDB-T is implemented assuming broadcasters such as ABS and GMA have HD content and you have an HDTV and the receiver at home). As a Skycable user, you're already digital but you will have to wait until they upgrade your cable receivers to be HDTV compatible.

Thanks for the clarification.

we're dropping our VSAT option.


last mile is no longer a problem since we can get enough bandwidth in Bulan sorsogon.

http://i49.tinypic.com/2elqdeo.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/11vqw48.jpg

this is very interesting and can cover most of remote village of Bulan at Matnog.

guys, do you know some DSL provider in donsol which can offer 5 Mbps or 10 Mbps. we're having problem negotiating of source of internet is bulan, digitel can give 1.5 Mbps only

guys, do you know some DSL provider in donsol which can offer 5 Mbps or 10 Mbps. we're having problem negotiating of source of internet is bulan, digitel can give 1.5 Mbps only

1.5 Mbps din ang bayantel so far yun lang ang nag offer ng DSL.

guys, do you know some DSL provider in donsol which can offer 5 Mbps or 10 Mbps. we're having problem negotiating of source of internet is bulan, digitel can give 1.5 Mbps only

Hanggat copper wire lang dinadaanan ng data, hindi yan aabot ng 5mbps

d2 sa Virtoria samar, may DSL ba d2
http://i50.tinypic.com/qnsg8l.jpg


another option:
http://i48.tinypic.com/256dbme.jpg

sa Allen kasi mayron Bayan at Isang telco with parnetship with PLDT, may prefer ko yon Victoria kasi one hop lang papunta sa bon-ot big.

sino ba nakaka-alam kung may may DSL or bayan telecom or pldt sa virtoria.

thanks

What's the best option for high speed internet in Kalibo? Hirap mga magulang ko magpakabit eh.

What's the best option for high speed internet in Kalibo? Hirap mga magulang ko magpakabit eh.

a same project like us will do, get high speed internet in the nearest city which have Line of Sight from your target area to your source of internet.

May mura akong alam na wireless radio na reliable but affordable.

a same project will us will do, get high speed internet in the nearest city which have Line of Sight from your target area to your source of internet.

May mura akong alam na wireless radio na reliable but affordable.

PM mo naman sa akin kung ano gagawin ng mga magulang ko... kailangan nila ng connection para makapagSkype kami...

pahingi ng picture ng place nyo at kung saan pwedi maka kuha ng internet source.

Thanks

pahingi ng picture ng place nyo at kung saan pwedi maka kuha ng internet source.

Thanks

picture meaning map?

picture meaning map?
:lol:

google earth :D i guess:D

picture meaning map?

uu, para makita ko yon place nyo at makagawa ng plan.

thanks

New thread here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=59076673#post59076673)