Philippines Regulator to Raise BWA Sprectrum Fees

The Philippines telecoms regulator,  the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is proposing to raise the radio spectrum fees for WiMAX/BWA network operators using the 2500-2690 megahertz (MHz) band.

"The basis for the valuation is the demand for the said frequency which is for wireless broadband use. The proposed rates are comparable with that of the SUF collected for cellular use," an official told the BusinessMirror newspaper.

The Spectrum Usage Fee (SUF) must be paid not later than January 31 of every year, according to the draft memorandum circular issued by the NTC yesterday.

In related news, last week the cellular network operator, Smart started deploying its WiMAX network through its subsidiary Smart Broadband. In partnership with the Commission on Information and Communications Technology, Smart has connected an initial batch of 50 public high schools and is now working with the Department of Education in a program to provide connectivity to about 6,600 public high schools across the country.

On the web: NTC - BusinessMirror

Posted to the site on 20th July 2009