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EASTERN Telecommunications Phils. Inc. wants the National
Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to deny an application from
Globe Telecom Inc. for the construction of an international cable
landing station in Ballesteros town in Cagayan province.
The Ongpin-led telecom company told the NTC that
there is no urgent need for the service Globe is applying for.
“The investment necessary for this project could be beneficially
channeled to other services of the applicant that maybe urgently
needed,” Eastern Telecom said.
Globe had said it would construct a cable
landing station in Cagayan because its facilities in Nasugbu,
Batangas, are vulnerable to earthquakes and other natural
calamities.
The Ayala-led company is investing $40 million
to add more capacity for international services to address the
growing demand brought about by the rapid growth of the cellular
mobile telephone service (CMTS), leased line, Internet and other
telecommunication services.
Eastern Telecom said Globe should have instead
made improvements to its network rather than undertaking unnecessary
projects.
“It is clear therefore that the approval of
the instant application is not required by public necessity, and
will only harm public interest, lead to unfair and ruinous
competition,” Eastern Telecom said.
It added that there already existing
enfranchised companies which operate cable landing stations in the
country. “Thus, the grant of the application will unduly restrain
the financial viability of the carriers now presently maintaining
such facilities,” Eastern Telecom said.
The company, however, said that in the event
that the NTC grants Globe an authority to construct the facilities,
Eastern Telecom wants the regulator to direct Globe to link the
cable landing station to rivals.
The company said the interconnection is pursuant
to the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Republic Act No. 7925.
-- Darwin G. Amojelar
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