Villar-Owned Firm Interested to Bid for 3rd Telco: DICT

Streamtech Systems Technologies Inc. expressed interest to become the new major player in the telco industry, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said.

“Yes, they expressed interest but would have to look for a foreign partner that has at least 10 years of experience in a nationwide telco business,” DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr. said in a text message to reporters late Wednesday.

On Tuesday, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11089 granting Streamtech, a company owned by the Villar family, a 25-yaar franchise to construct, operate and maintain telecommunications systems throughout the country.

The law states that the company secure a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity as well as appropriate permits and licenses for the construction, installation and operations of telecom systems from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Based on a memorandum circular by the DICT and NTC on the selection process for the third telco player, participants must have experience in the provisioning, delivery and operations of telecommunications services for the last ten years on a national scale.

To date, there are nine companies that have bought bidding documents worth PHP1 million to participate in the selection for the third telco player. These are Udenna Corporation, TierOne Communications with the Luis Chavit Singson Group of Companies
Telenor Group, Now Telecom, Philippine Telegraph and Telephone, China Telecommunications Corp., Mobiltel Holding GMBH and two undisclosed companies.

The issuance of bidding documents started last Oct. 8 and prospective bidders may submit these until Nov. 7.

The DICT expects to identify the new major telco player by November. (PNA)