Globe, meanwhile, settled for 1945-1955MHz/2135-2145MHz (or channels 6 and 7). Digitel was awarded frequencies 1935-1945MHz /2125-2135MHz while CURE, which scored the lowest in NTC's grading system, was assigned 1955-1965MHz/2145-2155MHz.

NTC awarded the said frequencies in a recent closed-door meeting with representatives from the four companies.

5MHz edge?

Ramon Isberto, spokesperson for Smart, a subsidiary of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), noted in an interview that the company was able to choose the 'cleanest, most efficient' channels with the least interference from other frequencies.

'If you look at broadcast radio, for example, the major stations are located in the lower frequencies,' he said. 'In the case of 3G, this allows our consumers better access to our services and for us to provide these services at better quality.'