Subictel opposes Wi-Tribe application | SubicNewsLink

05 July 2013

Subictel opposes Wi-Tribe application

The plan of San Miguel Corp.-led telecommunication company, wi-Tribe, to invest P354 million to operate at the Subic Freeport was opposed by a local firm offering the same service.

Wi-Tribe in its application filed with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said that it plans to invest P354 million to offer telecom services in Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ).

But Subic Telecommunications Corp. (Subictel) has filed a petition before the NTC to oppose the request of wi-Tribe to operate in areas within the Subic Freeport.

In a filing with the NTC, Subictel said that “wi-Tribe entry into the Subic Freeport Zone would not serve public convenience in that: Subictel has the necessary facilities, capital and technical capability to serve the needs of SBFZ.”

“Subictel has invested so much capital on its facilities and equipment and has build up sufficient capacity to meet the requirements of current and future customers in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone,” it added.

The Subic-based firm added that it has outside plant facilities of over 95 percent of its service areas, except for uninhabited and forested mountain areas.

Subictel also said that the capital expenditure which wi-Tribe intends to invest should be channeled to areas where there is a dire need for telecommunications services, rather than crowded area with a very limited market adequately served by Subictel.

Subictel further said that as a prior operator in the area, the company it is entitled to protect its huge investments. It is also constantly innovating and updating its technology, consistent with the requirements of current and future customers in the area.

“The SBFZ is already adequately served by Subictel in terms of coverage, technology and level of service,” it added. (Rosalie C. Periabras, Manila Times)

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