The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) approved the request of Bayan Telecommunications Inc. for at least a 60-day extension for the approval of the joint use of its frequencies with Globe Telecom Inc.

“When Globe and Bayantel asked of co-used, we said yes, [but] because Bayantel is under rehabilitation they have to get clearance/approval [from] the Rehabilitation Court. We gave them 30 days. When they applied, the judges were not available for the hearing, kasi magkakaroon nga ng hearing [because there would be hearings], kaya [that’s why] they asked for an extension,” said Gamaliel Cordova, commissioner of NTC.

In its application with the NTC, Bayantel said that in compliance with the condition imposed by the commission, Bayantel filed a manifestation and motion seeking the Rehabilitation Court’s confirmation of the joint use. The hearing of the motion was set on December 13, 2012, but was reset to January 23, 2013 because of the unavalability of the presiding judge.

It also said that since the 60-day period within which to seek confirmation of the joint use is due to expire on January 6, 2013, Bayantel is constrained to request for an extension of at least 60 days until March 7, 2013, within which to secure the confirmation of the Rehabilitation Court on the joint use of frequencies.

Recently, however, Globe said that the “joint use” agreement with Bayantel could revive the Lopez-controlled company’s venture into mobile phone service.

In its application with the NTC, Globe said that the joint use agreement will allow it to address increasing demand for voice, SMS and mobile data services, while enabling Bayantel to offer mobile services nationwide.

The NTC recently approved Globe’s application for the joint use of the 1750-1760 megahertz/1845-1855 megahertz frequencies assigned to Bayantel.

The joint use agreement will allow Globe to address increasing demand for voice, short messaging service (text messaging) and mobile data services, and Bayantel to offer its mobile telecommunications services to customers.

Bayantel’s existing nationwide network comprises satellite, terrestrial, as well as land and submarine-based cable facilities.