Third telco search entices five bidders, including Chavit Singson-led firm

Yesterday, October 8, was a good start for the third telco search as five potential groups purchased the P1-million selection documents required in order to join the contest. 

The government's search for a new major telco player has already enticed five bidders

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Acting Chief Eliseo Rio said the government "was happy with the first day response" as this proved the "real interest" of industry players. 

The bidders who were identified by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) were TierOne Communications International, Inc., Udenna Corp., Telenor Group and NOW Telecom Co. Inc.

The fifth buyer refused to disclose its identity, the NTC said. 

Business tycoon Luis "Chavit" Singson, the chair of LCS Group of Companies which teamed up with TierOne, was present on Monday at the NTC office to acquire the selection documents.

Aspiring third telco players may also get the documents in NTC website. They have until November 7 at 10 am to submit and pay for the needed documents. 

If you were able to read our list of potential new major players, obviously, some of the firms included have already bought the selection documents. 

However, we have yet to hear from local firms like Philippine Telegraph and Telephone Corp., Transpacific Broadband Group, International Easycall Communications Philippines, and Converge ICT. 

While from foreign investors, such as China Telecom, LG Uplus Corp., Korea Telecom, Vietnam Telecom, AT&T, and Vodafone.

They still have a few more weeks to really show their intent to bring better services in the Philippine telecommunications industry. 

What do you think of this news?

Source: The Manila Times