Globe, Smart ready for the third telco player

Spokespersons for both Smart Communications and Globe Telecom on Wednesday said they have been improving their services as they expressed readiness for the entry of the third major player in the telecommunications industry.

"Kailangan ipaliwanag sa ating mga kababayan na ang telecommunications ay bukas na industriya. Kami ay mentally handa na anytime may competitor na papasok," said Mon Isberto of Smart Communications in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

Yolly Crisanto, spokesperson for Globe Telecom, said in a separate interview that they welcome the third telco player and wished a smooth bidding process for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

"Anything that can help improve the industry, we should all welcome. Even we are part of the industry, from the beginning never naman namin tinututulan ang pagpasok ng third telco player," she said.

"We wish the DICT well na magkaroon sila ng very smooth na bidding ngayong araw na ito, para yung mga promises  na sinabi nila sa ating mga kababayan ay matupad din naman,” Crisanto added.

DICT is expected to announce the "provisional new player" on Wednesday after the computerized bidding process closes at 10 a.m.

Isberto said even without the entry of the third telco player, Smart has been improving its services. According to him, they will start to test a 5G cell site in Clark within the next couple of months to provide Smart subscribers "intelligent services" that can be used for self-driving cars and more.

Globe Telecom, meanwhile, will start the commercial rollout of its 5G services next year, Crisanto said. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News