On triple play

It would be interesting to find out how the Lopez group and PLDT will slug it out in the exciting field of triple play (delivering voice, video, and data via a single network or a single package).

The Lopezes, which own Bayan Telecommunications (BayanTel) and ABS-CBN Broadcasting and control Sky Cable and Home Cable are ahead of the pack. Through ABS-CBN Now, subscribers can either use their cable tv subscription or Internet broadband connection to subscribe to certain shows produced by ABS-CBN for a minimal fee. For instance, fanatics of the just-concluded first season of the tv reality show Pinoy Big Brother where able to watch the program 24/7 either through their cable TV or through the Internet.

The Lopez group has the highway – through BayanTel – to deliver voice, data, and video. It is a content provider through ABS-CBN programs. It has a fiber optic network via Telecphil that is able to ensure fast broadband connection. It has all the successful ingredients to lord it out in the business of triple play ˆ this newest byword in the telecommunications sector that is sweeping Asia and the rest of the world by storm.

Not to be outdone, PLDT is currently undertaking to install an all IP, next generation network (NGN) over the next two to three years. One of the key benefits of upgrading to NGN, according to PLDT officials, is the ability to enhance its voice and data offerings as well as expand its product range to potentially include video such as IPTV. Company officials said PLDT continues to look into new opportunities arising from advances in technology and analyze business models being undertaken by other fixed line operators who are also rolling out broadband services.

PLDT chairman Manny Pangilinan earlier revealed that they are planning to go into IPTV, a system where digital TV service is delivered to subscribing customers using IP over a broadband connection. This services is often provided in conjunction with video-on-demand and may also include Internet services such as Web access and voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

PLDT believes that IPTV has a lot of potentials but realizes that content will be the key driver for its success. Unlike the Lopez group, PLDT does not produce television shows and other content. According to insiders, PLDT will either license the shows (acquire the rights to air shows produced by third parties) or produce the show itself.

PLDT sources say that while the idea of IPTV has really not been discussed at length, the company is planning to test it early next year. ePLDT president Ray Espinosa has been assigned to lead the content acquisition and production group. ePLDT is we all know is the information and communications technology arm of PLDT. Under ePLDT, we have the Netopia chain, the call centers, Level Up which popularized Ragnarok, to name a few.

Too bad that Pangilinan failed in his bid to acquire ABC 5 and then later, GMA 7 which would provided him his much-needed content, but talks are rife that he is seriously looking at going after RPN 9 which the government is disposing soon.

3G bandwagon

Globe Telecom is really serious in its bid to go into 3G, the new generation of mobile communications technology that will leapfrog the company into the future of wireless communities.

Just last Thursday, Globe posted the required P300-million performance bond before the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in compliance with the rules and regulations on the assignment of 3G (third-generation) frequency bands.

With the move, Globe completely complied with all the NTC’s 3G requirements to provide the service as proof of the company’s commitment to push and seek different breakthrough possibilities that will enrich people’s lives through communications.

Globe needed 20 MHz of bandwidth for the planned upgrade of its cellular network to 3G and particularly requested for the 1920-1940 MHz, 2110-2130 MHz paired radio frequency bands, with the 1960-1980 MHz, 2150-2170 MHz as second priority.

The company believes it is best qualified for 3G operations given its commitment to service innovation, on top of its technical muscle and financial strength to guarantee the best delivery of 3G in the country. Thus, it anticipates a favorable response from the NTC.

Aside from Globe, Smart Communications and Digitel Mobile are prequalified to apply for 3G frequency bands, five of which will be up for grabs. Under the NTC rules, existing CMTS (cellular mobile telephone system) operators are prequalified and no longer need to secure a 3G license since 3G will simply be an upgrade of their existing CMTS service and network.

There’s talk that since each frequency band is big enough to be utilized by one telco, the NTC may consider suggestions for a possible sharing of frequencies so that more than five companies can offer 3G.

Bayantel has also applied for a 3G license, together with CURE, AZ Communications owned by Tonyboy Cojuangco, Multi Media identified with Fritz Server (formerly of Bayantel), Next Mobile, and Pacific.

With 3G technology and services, subscribers will not only hear, but see loved ones – both here and abroad as well as watch the news, TV shows, or sports highlights while mobile. Users can, likewise, choose to download and listen to the latest music, wherever and whenever the mood strikes them, among other applications.

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