Published
June 27, 2017, 10:01 PM By Myrna M.
Velasco
Concessionaire-firm
National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is offering to the
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) the fiber optic
cables in the transmission network to be used in the country’s broadband
program.
NGCP said it is now
preparing “to formalize its agreement with DICT on the use of the grid
operator’s fiber optic network for the national broadband program.”
Henry T. Sy Jr.,
president and chief executive officer of NGCP noted that they are in full
support of “this program and its expedited implementation,” further emphasizing
that “a well-connected nation, such as South Korea and Sweden, enables a
fast-paced exchange of knowledge and information needed to further propel our
country’s growth.”
He added “NGCP is
pleased to be chosen by the government, through the DICT, to be its partner in
the national broadband network project.”
The company had been
previously flagged by the transmission asset owner that it needs prior consent
before it can engage in a broadband business as stipulated in the Concession
Agreement inked with the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management
Corporation.
A statement from the
company has been silent on how this issue was addressed, especially on the
legally binding provisions set forth in the concession deal.
And if there would be
additional investments or revenues entailed in this venture, NGCP may also need
to maintain a separate account for such and make corresponding filings with the
Energy Regulatory Commission.
NGCP said it has fiber
optic cables stretching 6,154 kilometers or 160,779 fiber kilometers that may
be utilized for the envisioned “Internet connectivity”being pushed by the
Duterte administration.
It noted that DICT “can
piggyback on NGCP’s existing network,” albeit admitting that “there is still a
need for the government to provide last-mile connections and
telecommunications-grade redundancies to deliver services to the end-users.”
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