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IN A bid to raise revenues, the National Telecommunications
Commission (NTC) is set to impose new fees on the industry.
In a draft circular, the NTC said the fees will
apply to all public telecommunications entities, and value-added
service providers with assigned names and numbers. These include the
three-digit exchange codes used to identify where a subscriber is
connected, prefix code for voice over Internet protocol (VoIP),
access code, number codes in the 1-900 and 1-800.
Jorge Sarmiento, NTC deputy commissioner, said
the circular aims to meet the revenue target set by the Department
of Budget and Management this year of P2.5 billion. The NTC is
expected to contribute P2.18 billion in revenue for 2007.
The NTC official said the government is expected
to earn additional P200 million in revenues each year if a plan to
charge phone firms for the use of exchange codes pushes through.
Like the radio frequency spectrum, names and
numbers are limited resources that shall be administered in the best
interest of the public, the regulator said.
“In order to effectively maximize and promote
the efficient use of names and numbers, fees for the use of such
limited resource [should] be imposed,” the NTC said.
It will charge P10,000 per year for one 3-digit
exchange code and one VoIP prefix code; P8,000 a year for one access
code; and P5,000 per year for one number code.
Currently, NTC collects spectrum users fees (SUF),
supervision regulatory fees (SRF) and other administrative fees from
the industry.
“Names and numbers assigned to emergency
services, safety and other similar activities are exempted from
payment of the fees,” it said.
The new fees shall be paid to the NTC not later
than January 31 each year and a surcharge of 25 percent will be
imposed on any late payments. Payment for the use of number codes
for this year will be made not later than 30 days from the
effectivity of the circular.
The NTC will set a public hearing for the new
memorandum circular.
-- Darwin G. Amojelar
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