Two new recently-licensed local Philippine operators have applied for permission to deploy nationwide broadband services to challenge incumbents Globe and PLDT.
Infinivan and Megamanila Telecom – both of which received their franchise licenses late last year, have applied for permits to build and operate nationwide broadband services, Malaya Business Insightreported.
The National Telecommunications Commission will evaluate the applications and consider issuing a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) clearing the operators to offer the services.
According to the report, the issue of a CPCN would allow the two operators to compete in the upcoming new entrant spectrum auction planned for the middle of this year.
It is anticipated that the new operator would help shake up the Globe-PLDT duopoly by competing in both fixed and mobile networks, while helping to improve the Philippines' poor internet speeds – a key priority for the current government.
As of December, five companies had already declared an interest in participating in the new entrant auction.
Infinivan is seeking approval to build and operate a national and international broadband and data network in large parts of the country. The company is in talks with foreign operators covering the construction of a private subsea cable system to deliver broadband services nationwide.
Megamanila is meanwhile asking permission to install an interantional cable landing station in Nasugbu, Batangas to help address exponential growth in demand for data services in the Philippines.