Filipino president Benigno S Aquino III has signed into law a new edict renewing wireless broadband provider Wi-Tribe Telecoms’ operating concession in the country for a further 25 years. Online news journal Tempo notes that in the same ceremony the president granted franchises to five other firms, namely: Reliance Broadcasting Unlimited Inc, Telecommunication Technology Solutions Inc, TV Maria Foundation Philippines Inc, Cultural Foundation of Davao del Sur Inc, and Nueva Vizcaya State University.
Wi-Tribe Telecoms, a joint venture of San Miguel Corp (SMC) and Qatar Telecom, had its franchise amended on 21 September 2011 by Republic Act No.10183. Its operating franchise was set to expire in June 2014. Wi-Tribe Telecoms, formerly Liberty Broadcasting Network, is allowed to operate mobile and wireless telecoms systems and secure necessary permits from the National Telecommunications Commission.