DICT to redistribute frequency after selection of new telco

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will seek to redistribute frequency spectrum fairly among the telecommunications incumbents, PLDT, Inc. and Globe Telecom, Inc. as well as the new industry entrant, the so-called “third player.”
“This is where we are going to come up with the policies, the DICT will come up with policies for the equal distribution, redistribution of the spectrum especially (based on) frequency requirement. These are best practices in other countries. Also there is now in Congress a bill in coming up with also the same focus in equitably redistributing our frequencies,” Acting Secretary Eliseo M. Rio, Jr. said.
Mr. Rio was responding to queries by Senator Risa N. Hontiveros-Baraquel on his position regarding the bill that seeks to allocate and manage the country’s radio frequency spectrum through competitive bidding. He said the frequency that will be provided to the third player are the “leftovers” of Globe and Smart. He added that once the playing field has been leveled, the government will introduce frequency auctions.
“We said there will be no auction for the third telco but once we have leveled the playing field then we can go to the auction for new frequency,” he said.
Asked by Senator Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares on how he intends to claw back frequency from the major telcos, Mr. Rio said that the DICT is considering administrative measures, though its ultimate course of action will be formed after consultation with stakeholders.
“What we’re going to take into consideration is that we can monitor frequencies that are not being efficiently utilized or not even utilized at all. We can measure that and we can increase the SUF (spectrum users fee). That is an administrative function that we can do so that they’ll be really forced to give it back,” he said.
Mr. Rio also said the third player will need about two years before rolling out mobile infrastructure for additional frequency, especially for fifth generation (5G) services.
A total of eight firms have purchased bid documents at the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) office in Quezon City since they were made available on Oct. 8. Bid documents can be purchased online or at the NTC office for P1 million until the deadline for submission of bids on Nov. 7. — Camille A. Aguinaldo