NTC mulls auctioning regional WiMAX licences

A report commissioned by the Filipino telecoms regulator the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the World Bank considers the watchdog’s best move would be to auction WiMAX/BFWA licences on a regional basis. According to the report, a copy of which has been seen by local newspaper The Nation, the authorities have highlighted possible spectrum in the 2.3GHz or 2.5GHz band, although 2.3GHz is considered more appropriate for the state’s needs. However, the band is currently being used by a number of state bodies and private operators meaning that first, the NTC must migrate their services onto different frequencies ahead of any full-blown auction. Once that task has been completed, The Nation writes that a total of three licences are to be offered for each region, with no constraints placed on operators wishing to apply for concessions in multiple regions. However, the allocation of WiMAX licences is not expected to take place until the completion of the 3G mobile licensing proves – scheduled for later this year. The delay will give the NTC time to reallocate alternative frequencies to the current users of 2.3GHz spectrum.