NTC approves gateway interconnection for telcos

The Philippines’ telecoms regulator the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has approved a move allowing telcos to interconnect their backhaul networks to cable landing facilities in the country. It is hoped the move will ultimately lead to lower communications fees for end users, by boosting competition among network operators. GMANews quotes NTC Director Edgardo Cabarrios as saying the circular will mandate a cable landing station to provide enough space which would allow new connections from backhaul operators. ‘If interconnection would require the installation of radio equipment, the radio equipment shall [be] provided by the backhaul network providers. The cable landing station operator shall provide the required space and termination equipment,’ the circular said. Cable landing stations are currently operated by Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) in Nasugbu, Batangas and La Union; Globe Telecom, also in Nasugbu and soon in Cagayan Valley; and Digital Telecommunications Philippines, in Cavite.