'Now that 3G operators (in the Philippines) have licenses, hopefully more handset models would be coming in,' Isberto said.

3G trials

Dominant players Smart and Globe have been conducting 3G trials since last year and are expected to beef up their infrastructure further this year.

After NTC awarded 3G licenses late December, Smart has begun the deployment of its 'nationwide 3G network,' with a number of its cell sites nationwide tested and utilized for demonstration to subscribers in key areas in Metro Manila and Cebu.

Globe, meanwhile, demonstrated its capability during the recent Southeast Asian Games wherein live video streams were shown to the public using 3G technology.