Eastern Telecom not keen on joining third telco bid

Eastern Telecom Philippines Inc. (ETPI) is not keen on competing for the third telco slot in the country, and is more focused on growing its fixed line business.

“So far, in terms of strategy, Eastern is more on providing fixed wireline for businesses, for the enterprise segment,” Marketing Services head Jedrek Estanislao told GMA News Online on the sidelines of a launch in Manila City.

Eastern is in the business of connectivity solutions with a portfolio of internet, data, voice, and managed services to for enterprises.

The company will continue to focus on providing data solutions for the enterprise segment, in line with its expansion plans.

“In terms of strategy, in terms of expansion as well, we focus on the major CBDs (central business districts) whether it’s in Metro Manila, Calabarzon, or Cebu,” Estanislao said.

Eastern Telecom, however, intends to welcome a third telco player in competition with incumbent PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc.

“Whether there’s a third telco or not, we will always be there. We’re regularly and consistently improving our services to be at par with the other operators,” said Michael Castaneda, head of sales at Eastern.

“We will always welcome another player. Whether they exist or not, whether they will come in or not, we will always be there to support the government, we will always be there to support the economy,” he added.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is finalizing the Terms of Reference for the third telecommunications player.

DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio said the third telco will be chosen based on the highest committed level of service, which involves a point system in the commitments of bidders vying for the slot.

Under the initial draft released in May, the DICT said companies vying for the third telecommunications slot must shell out at least P40 billion a year. —VDS, GMA News