Smart, meanwhile, admits that WiMax has not yet been proven as a potent alternative for delivering mobile broadband, but that it is part of their rollout plans.

A new player in the broadband services market emerged two years ago in the form of Wi-Tribe Telecoms, a subsidiary of Liberty Telecoms Holdings.

Formerly an integrator and operator of radio broadcasting stations, Liberty Telecoms has received fresh investment from a partnership between diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Qatar-based telco operator Qatar Telecommunications (QTel) in 2009.

Despite the maturing mobile market in the Philippines, reports say SMC deemed it essential to spread out to high growth industries in order to gain a share of the lucrative telecoms market.