Philcomsat gets new 25-year franchise

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has signed Republic Act 11226, extending for 25 years the franchise of Philippine Communications Satellite Corp. (Philcomsat).

The franchise includes the right and privilege of cable and wireless operations, such as telephone, mobile, cellular, and wired or wireless telecommunications systems, fiber optics, multi-channel transmission distribution system, satellite transmite, receive and other telecommunications systems and their value-added services, control signals, audio and video, information service bureau and other telecommunications systems/technologies.

Philcomsat, its successors or assignees, are further authorized to connect and keep connected its telecommunications systems in the Philippines, and other countries and territories.

The grantee is also authorized to connect or demand connection of its telecommunications systems to other telecoms systems installed, operated, and maintained by an other duly authorized person or entity in the Philippine for the purpose of providing extended and improved telecoms services to the public.

The law also calls on Philcomsat to get a certificate of public convenience and necessity and necessary permits and licenses for the operation of its telecommunications systems or facilities.

Meanwhile, Duterte also signed into law extending for 25 years the franchise of the University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network, which operates AM and FM stations in the region.