MANILA, Philippines — Villar-owned Streamtech Systems Technologies is reportedly interested in becoming the country’s third telecommunications player that will break a longstanding duopoly of PLDT and Globe Telecoms.
In a report by GMA News Online, Department of Information and Communications Technology Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio, Jr. said Streamtech “expressed interest” in securing the third telco slot.
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But Rio said Streamtech would have to search for a local partner with at least 10 years of experience in the wireless communications business.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed on October 18 a law granting a 25-year congressional franchise to Streamtech, which is controlled by real estate magnate and former Senate President Manny Villar.
The family matriarch, Cynthia, is an incumbent senator while a scion of the clan, Mark, is a member of Duterte’s Cabinet.
Duterte had invited foreign firms to take a role in the country’s telco market to stir up competition. The company with “highest committed level of service” will be picked as the Philippines’ new major service provider.
According to the DICT, companies that have purchased bid documents so far are China Telecom Corp., Mobiltel Holding GmbH, Telenor Group, LCS Group of Companies with TierOne Communications, Udenna Corp., NOW Telecom, PT&T Corp. and two undisclosed bidders. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral