New telco seeks 3G license

MANILA, Philippines - A new telecommunications company is seeking a license to go into 3G or the third generation of mobile communications technology.

Schutzengel Telecom has filed an application with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) to construct, install, operate and maintain a nationwide 3G system and to offer 3G telecommunications services and to charge rates therefore.

The company also asked the NTC for provisional authority (PA) to offer such services.

Schutzengel is a holder of a congressional franchise to construct, establish, install, maintain and operate wire and/or wireless telecommunications systems in the country.

In its application, the company said it will charge rates and tariffs for the service that are fair, just and reasonable. 

It added that it is legally, technically, and financially capable and qualified to construct, install, operate and maintain the proposed network and to provide the services applied for.

The company told the NTC that its funds shall be sourced from a combination of internally-generated funds, suppliers’ credit, loans and other forms of financing and should it be necessary, from equity infusion.

It added that it is open and amenable to operate within any of the frequency bandwidth which is presently available or may be available or may be made available for the 3G standard as may be determined by the NTC.

The firm also asked for the grant of the corresponding 3G frequency band and the requisite permits to import all the necessary equipment.

At present, the country has four 3G operators, namely Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Digital Telecommunications, and Smart subsidiary Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprise (CURE).

There is only one remaining 3G license remaining that has yet to be issued by the NTC.