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Former President Benigno
"Noynoy" Aquino, cites possible national security implication on the
possibility of China being the 3rd player in the PH Telco industry (photo
credit to owner)
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A third Telecommunications company
is expected, after Malacanang made a pronouncement that the President offered
it to the Chinese.
Globe and PLDT are the only telco
players in the country, and they have already profited themselves in the
millions despite improve services are very much wanting. Malacanang even
declared “ The telecom duopoly is about to end.”
Presidential Spokesperson, when asked why it was offered to the Chinese, Roque quoted the President as giving the capital and the technology in the telecom service.
“Consider also the
proximity and the fact that we want to avail ourselves of as much economic advantage that we could arising from the renewed friendly
ties with China,” Roque added.
Former President Benigno Aquino III,
gave his warning and thoughts in pursuing this plan of the present
administration. Aquino, cited a very serious national security implications if
this will push through.
Free trade with China is good, but
“there are things that have national security implications.” The former
President said.
Aquino said
that with the ongoing maritime dispute between the two countries, there could
be an “actual potential conflict” if and when China becomes part of the
Philippines’ infrastructure communication.
Aquino recalled
that years ago, the US and Australia cited national security as a reason why
they did not allow Chinese communications and technology companies to take part
in businesses in their countries, including the national broadband networks.
The two
countries were concerned about China’s possible cyber-snooping.
“Maraming
bagay na tila baliktad sa pananaw namin. Sana ang pinagbabasehan nila ay mas
tama sa pinagbasehan namin,” Aquino said.
The offer to
China to be the third player in our telecoms industry was done by President
Rodrigo Roa Duterte during the bilateral talks with Chinese Prime Minister Li
Keqiang.
PHL
ranking
In the
September study of the “Speedtest Global Index” the Philippines ranked 94th out
of 121 countries for mobile internet, while it was 91st out of 131 countries
for fixed broadband.
The
Facebook Deal
The government
last week signed an agreement with an affiliate of Facebook for the building of
“Luzon Bypass” of the Pacific Light Cable Network, which “will provide
bandwidth of two terabits per second.”
“These 2
terabits is equivalent to the current capacity of the duopoly operators today,”
Roque said.
“This agreement
with the subsidiary of Facebook should have been signed as early as December
2016. It was not signed by the former secretary of the DICT,” Roque explained.
Report from
inquirer.net
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