He added, 'We (Smart) were the first to focus on provincial deployments. We will continue that (with 3G) and our deployment will be nationwide.'

New entrant

Meanwhile, CURE's Recto said his company would focus first on deploying in urban areas -- where there is a larger concentration of subscribers -- in order to get the most out of its investments.

'Initial investment in technology is usually high and decreases over time. We don't intend to go full force early but do it in a subdued manner,' he said. CURE expects to cover 90 percent of the country's municipalities within five years.

Hong Kong-based operator Hutchinson Whampoa Ltd. is reportedly eyeing to invest in CURE, which was confirmed by a legal counsel for the company in an interview during the sidelines of the NTC meeting.