Philippines allows telcos to share spectrum to improve service

Philippine regulators have approved the applications by rivals Globe Telcom and Smart Communications for the joint-use of mobile and broadband frequencies with other carriers, which is aimed at helping to reduce the strain on their networks.
"The primary purpose of the joint use is to improve efficiency and decongest the networks of the telcos to improve their services and comply with the quality of service prescribed by the commission," said the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), according to a report Monday by the Business Mirror.

The NTC added it hoped the move would help address the the rising incidence of complaints over blocked calls, dropped calls and signal quality. 

One of the deals include the joint use by Globe and Bayan Telecommunications of 10 megahertz (MHz) assigned to the latter in the 1,800 MHz spectrum for the provision of CMTS (cellular mobile telephone system) service, the article noted.

Also, the NTC allowed the joint use of Smart Communications, Smart Broadband and Sun Cellular operator Digital Mobile Philippines Inc. of its frequencies.
The approval follows news last week that the regulator was considering barring telcos from signing up new subscribers, following worsening quality of service standards. This had stemmed from strained networks from unlimited plans being offered as a result of increased competition.

Networks are set to be strained further in the country with the growing adoption of smartphones, where the Philippines recorded the fastest pace of growth in Southeast Asia at 326 percent over the past year.