By Prince Golez
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed laws granting a 25-year franchise extension to Smart Broadband Inc. and seven other firms.
Republic Act No. (RA) 11678, signed by Duterte on April 8, 2022, extends the franchise of Smart Broadband Inc. formerly known as Meridian Telekoms Inc., for another 25 years from its expiration in July this year.
The new law allows the grantee to “construct, install, maintain, lease and operate” wired and wireless telecommunications within the Philippines for commercial purposes.
It also mandates the Manuel V. Pangilinan-owned company to provide a mobile number portability and its implementing mechanism, including the required infrastructure and processes, to ensure effective interconnection of its telecommunication services with other carriers.
RA 11678 gives the President a special right to temporarily take over and operate the stations or facilities of Smart Broadband Inc. in times of war, rebellion, public peril, calamity, emergency, disaster or disturbance of peace and order.
Duterte also renewed the operating franchise of the following companies:
-R.C. Yulo Telephone System, Inc.
-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi Broadcasting Foundation, Inc.
-Mati Telephone Corporation
-Marbel Telephone System, Inc.
-Bicol Telephone and Telegraph, Inc.
-Capricom Broadcasting Network Corporation; and
-Odiongan Telephone Corporation.
