NTC clears PLDT-Digitel merger

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) cleared on October 26, Wednesday, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT)’s acquisition of the third-ranked Digitel Telecommunications Philippines Inc.

According to reports, NTC’s approval has certain terms and conditions in order not to monopolized the telecoms industry.

with the merging, PLDT acquires 51.55 percent of Digitel from JG Summit Holdings Inc. for PhP69.2 billion.

As with regard to the conditions, NTC ordered PLDT to divest 10 Mhz of its 3G frequency under Connectivity Unlimited Resource Inc. (CURE commercially known as Red Mobile).

Another condition cited is the continuous offering of a nationwide “unlimited” type of mobile promos via Digitel’s Sun Cellular brand.

On the other hand, consumer group TXTPower.org Inc. opposed NTC’s decision on PLDT-Digitel merger saying that the industry will just “return to a PLDT monopoly.”

According to TXTPower, NTC’s preconditions are just “consuelo de bobo against backdrop of one group now monopolizing telco industry.”

We may have different opinions on PLDT’s acquisition of Digitel but looking on the brighter side, let’s all hope that this move will perhaps improve the quality of our telecommunications services particularly in terms of mobile services.

Photo Credit: olivaglenn55.blogspot.com