NTC declares Mislatel as new major player

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Monday officially declared Mislatel Consortium as the country’s new major player (NMP) in the telecom industry, 12 days after the bid documents were opened.

In a resolution dated November 19, the NTC declared Mislatel Consortium as the third player.

“Mindanao Islamatic Telephone Company Inc. with Udenna Corporation, Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp., and China Telecommunications Corp. (is declared) as the New Major Player,” it said.

As the third major player in the industry, Mislatel is expected to compete head-to-head with incumbent players PLDT Inc. and Globe Communications Inc. The consortium is made up of Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corp., its subsidiary Chelsea Logistics Holdings Inc., China Telecommunications Corp., and Mindanao Islamatic Telephone.

The resolution was signed by NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, Deputy Commissioners Edgardo Cabarios, and Delilah Deles, and Oversight Committee chair Eliseo Rio Jr.

“The Mislatel Group as the NMP has a period of 90 days from the date hereof, to submit to the NTC the documents and performance security as required ...” the NTC said.

Mislatel was the lone qualified bidder and only third telco aspirant to submit complete all the requirements.

Sear Telecom—the consortium of TierOne Communications International and Chavit Singson-led LCS Group of Companies—was disqualified for not having the P700-million Participation Security.

The NTC also disqualified Philippine Telegraph & Telephone Corp. (PT&T) for not submitting a Certificate of Technical Capability.

Both groups submitted their respective motions for reconsideration (MR), but the NTC denied their appeal.

Sear and PT&T then decided to no longer pursue their respective motions before the NTC. —VDS, GMA News