3rd PH telco bidders seen forming alliances

MANILA – Potential bidders for the country’s third telecommunication slot are expected to form alliances ahead of the government’s possible selection of the challenger to PLDT and Globe Telecom next week, a consumer advocate said on Friday.

Ten companies have purchased documents for the right to bid for the third telco slot and a “provisional” player could be announced as early Nov. 7, officials have said.

“We don’t think these 10 will be submitting on their own. Alliances will still be formed,” said Pierre Galla, co-founder of Democracy.net.ph.

Using the “highest committed level of service” criteria, the selection is unlikely to be politicized, Galla said.

Those who purchased bid documents include China Telecom, Norway’s Telenor, Davao businessman Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corp and a consortium that includes former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson.

“It shows a great deal of interest to become the third major telco player,” Galla said, referring to the number of potential bidders. “There’s a lot of potential for growth. There is a lot of opportunity for expansion.”

SOURCE: Panay News

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