Philippine telecom: 3G licenses awarded legally

14.06.2006
Smart Communications Inc. said there was nothing illegal in the granting of its license to operate third-generation (3G) mobile services by the Philippines National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), according to a statement issued by the mobile operator.

Some congressmen warned that the NTC may face graft charges for if it does not nullify 3G licenses awarded late last year to Smart and three other mobile operators.

According to lawmakers, the NTC did not conduct a bidding process and instead assigned the 3G frequencies to the four operators.