MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court has affirmed the orders of the National Telecommunications Commission that junked the bid of Next Mobile Inc., now operating as NOW Telecom, and three other firms for a third-generation mobile communications technology or 3G radio frequency.
The three other disqualified telcos then were Bayan Telecommunications , Multi-Media Telephony Inc. and AZ Communications Inc. Citing Republic Act 7925 or the Public Telecommunications Policy Act, the SC said that radio frequency spectrum is a “scarce public resource” that should only be reserved for telco providers that will use it efficiently and effectively to meet public demand and may avail themselves of new and cost-effective technologies.
In disqualifying Next Mobile, the regulatory body cited the firm’s unpaid spectrum user fees and supervision and regulations fees amounting to P135.6 million as of December 2005. Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez yesterday urged China to stop its intrusion in the West Philippine Sea...