Telecom Lead Asia: Globe Telecom, a leading mobile
operator in the Philippines, has decided to bid for 10 megahertz s 3G spectrum
surrendered by Connectivity Unlimited Resource Enterprises (CURE).
CURE has recently surrendered one of its 3G frequencies
to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
Globe’s big for 3G spectrum is in line with its expansion
strategy. We’ve been vocal about our interest to bid for CURE’s 3G
spectrum as part of our drive to provide our subscribers with a better network,
especially with the growth of smartphones and the explosion of mobile data
use,” said Atty. Froilan M. Castelo, head for corporate and legal services of
Globe.
The spectrum surrender was in compliance to the
regulator’s conditions when it approved the PLDT-Digitel merger deal last year.
Cure has also surrendered its congressional franchise to the NTC for bidding.
“The availability of more 3G frequency is
an opportunity for Globe. Believing that it can serve customers better than its
competition especially in light of the ongoing network modernization and
transformation initiatives, the Globe chief executive is gearing up for the
anticipated auction,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO.
Globe Telecom to invest $640 million in 2012-13
Globe Telecom plans to invest around $790 million over
the next five years for the network modernization and IT transformation
program.
