PLDT accuses Globe of illegally using Altimax spectrum

Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) is accusing rival Globe Telecom of illegally using spectrum of a broadcasting firm for broadband services. "Through the testimony of Globe's witness, we were able to establish that Globe is illegally using the radio frequencies of Altimax, a broadcast company, for Wimax purposes, which has not been authorised by the NTC," the Manila Times quotes Ray Espinosa, PLDT director and head of regulatory and policy affairs as saying. The testimony was delivered in a hearing on PLDT's plan to acquire a controlling stake in Digital Telecommunications Philippines (Digitel). During the hearing, Globe's head for network technologies, Emmanuel Estrada, said the 30 MHz spectrum owned by Altimax is part of the company's frequency portfolio. Globe's senior VP for legal and inter carrier services, Froilan Castelo, says the NTC has approved the use of Altimax spectrum for Wimax. However, in 2009, Globe, through its retirement fund, acquired 39 percent of Altimax for PHP 780,000. PLDT claims this acquisition did not go through the regulator. Estrada argues that PLDT's acquisition of Digitel will result in PLDT having far more spectrum than it needs to carry out operations. Globe says the excess frequencies must be reviewed and rationalised.