PhilComSat franchise extension granted for another 25 years

The president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, has signed into law a measure formally extending Philippine Communications Satellite Corp (PhilComSat’s) telecoms operating franchise for a further 25 years. Under Republic Act 11226, or the act renewing PhilComSat’s franchise, signed on 22 February 2019, the telco will continue to operate ‘telecommunications satellite systems, satellite terminal stations, lines, cables or systems, and associated equipment and facilities for international and domestic communications’ across the country. PhilComSat, owned by the Philippine Overseas Telecommunications Corp (POTC), was initially issued with a 25-year franchise in 1966 and was subsequently granted a 25-year extension in 1995. Further, Republic Act 11226 allows PhilComSat to secure a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) from the national regulator, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), as well as the necessary permits and licences for operation of its telecommunications systems or facilities.