Nine companies applied for frequency assignments from the NTC last October, after the latter announced available frequencies for 3G. Five companies did not qualify under the commission's grading system: AZ Communications, Broadband Philippines Inc., Bayan Telecommunications Inc. (Bayantel), Next Mobile Inc., and Philippine MultiMedia System Inc.

Same rates apply?

The NTC is yet to issue rules that would cover pricing schemes for 3G. In an interview with reporters following the meeting with representatives of the four companies, Solis said companies are proposing the same rates that apply to current subscribers.

He noted, in particular, P10 to P15 per minute for video calls. 'I'm assuming this is based on comparative studies with other countries. 3G, for now, would cater to a niche market'but I think operators will try to outdo one another,' he said.

He added the NTC is aware of what happened to 3G in Europe, wherein operators surrendered their licenses back to the government. 'We wanted to lower the auction price as much as possible. We don't want operators not fulfilling their promises because of the steep price of acquiring the license to operate alone.'