NTC seeks COA help for valuation of 3G license

MANILA, Philippines - The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has sought the assistance of the Commission on Audit (COA) to determine the cost recovery amount for the auction of a 3G license surrendered by Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) three years ago.

NTC commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba told reporters the agency has approached the COA for the auction of the 3G license of Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprise (CURE).

“They (COA) are helping us on the cost recovery amount,” he said.

The NTC asked the help of COA after it was advised by the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) to get the third member of the three-man committee for the auction of the 3G license through bidding.

The three-member committee composed of one representative appointed by NTC, another chosen by PLDT and the third picked by both parties, would determine the cost for the auction of the 3G license.

“According to GPPB, we will have to hold a bidding for the third member. (We think) it is better to ask help from COA,” Cordoba said.

He said NTC expects to get a feedback from COA within the month until early January.

The CRA would serve as the compensation to PLDT for its investment in CURE.

In 2012, PLDT gave up the 3G frequency of CURE being used by its wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. to the NTC.

The PLDT Group surrendered the frequency to NTC as one of the conditions set by the government for the telco’s acquisition of Sun Cellular from the Gokongwei Group.

PLDT acquired CURE from the group of former trade minister Roberto Ongpin in 2008.

Cordoba said the 3G license could be auctioned off after its value is determined.

He also said the auction for the frequency could still take place before the end of the term of President Aquino.