IT is interesting to note the "healthy" interest that major mobile phone companies and emerging players have on 3G or third generation communications technology.
3G, in a nutshell allows more data to be sent and received wireless via a 3G-enabled network allowing carriers to offer services including real-time video calls, and radically fast mobile Internet, among others.
However, the cost of putting up a 3G infrastructure could run in the billions of pesos, as most of the existing mobile communications networks in the country needs to be overhauled in order to accommodate 3G.
For companies wanting to offer 3G, money is apparently not an issue.
Smart Communications will reportedly pour in more than R3 billion to upgrade its network, while Next Mobile, a trunk-radio operator, is said to be readying an even bigger R20 billion for 3G in a planned 5-year rollout period.
Other carriers, including Globe, on the other hand were quick to put up a R300 million performance "bond" in preparation for 3G.
However, as recent reports indicate, money is not the only hurdle that these companies need to overcome to be able to jump into the 3G bandwagon.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the telecom industry regulator, seems to be serious in "screening" which companies can and cannot offer the service, limiting the license for 3G to only five.
This in turn created quite a stir in the telecom industry with the NTC’s decision to decline the bids of some companies for a license using a scoring system to determine a firm’s capability to offer 3G services.
One of the casualties of this "purging’ is Next Mobile, which as mentioned, was readying R20 billion as expenditure for 3G.
Even the "old" players, such as BayanTel, were not spared the NTC’s strict rules when it comes to 3G.
The Lopez-owned carrier and a few more companies which failed to secure a license for 3G immediately filed their respective appeals to the NTC.
Of the five licenses, four has been granted to Smart, Globe, Digital Mobile, and Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprise.
BayanTel, AZ Communications Network, Multimedia Telephony, Next Mobile, and Pacific Wireless, meanwhile are left to scramble for the remaining 3G license.
Thus, it is interesting to wait and see which of the "losing" companies will get that last ticket to offer 3G in the country. — Joel D. Pinaroc
IT exec’s new venture
Rosan Sison, an experienced IT executive has finally set up his own company, Exsellsys Corp. which is focused on training, consultancy and sales. She used to be connected with several IT firms — HP Phils., IBM Phils., Dell and SunPhil.
One of Rosan’s partners is a Butch Marking, a veteran in the IT industry.
Even before the company was organized, she already closed contracts with a bank and First Data Corp. With her track record and connections, Rosan could make it in the corporate jungle.
Meanwhile, the Black & White Movement, a non-government organization has joined the bandwagon calling for the Comelec to implement the SC ruling on the R1.2 billion automation project which was nullified on Jan. 13, 2004. Nothing has happened since the high court ruling two years ago. The Comelec has not returned the counting machines and has not recovered the money.
The Ombudsman has yet to elevate the case to the Sandiganyan and for Congress to initiate impeachment proceedings against the Commissioners. Black & White believes that unless these Commissioners are replaced, we can forget clean and honest elections and election automation in 2007. — Edu H. Lopez
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