Do you want to how to receive emergency text alerts on your mobile phone? Ever wonder how they work? In the Philippines, we have this Emergency Cell Broadcast System (ECBS) which is designed to send emergency alerts and warnings to mobile devices via cell broadcast services (CBS). This is currently being operated by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council [...]
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) allows customers to retain their mobile phone numbers even after switching network providers or changing subscriptions from postpaid to prepaid and vice versa. MNP is being implemented by TCI or Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI), a joint venture formed by DITO, Globe, and Smart to enable number porting services in the Philippines in compliance with [...]
The Office of the President (OP) has officially launched the 8888 SMS/Text Service, an additional communications channel at the 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center (8888 CCC). The 8888 SMS Hotline will allow citizens to raise their concerns, complaints, and grievances on graft and corrupt practices of government officials and/or employees; slow and inefficient delivery of government services [...]
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has confirmed Mislatel Consortium as the new major telecommunications player to compete with PLDT Inc. and Globe Telecom. The consortium is owned by Davao-based businessman Dennis A. Uy and state-owned China Telecom Corp. Ltd. The companies behind the consortium are Mindanao Islamic Telephone Inc. (Mislatel), Udenna [...]
In the Philippines, the current number of cell sites is 16,500. Unfortunately, this is not enough to serve the needs of millions of mobile internet users. According to the telcos, the long process of securing permits is slowing down the expansion of their networks. To address the demand for more cell towers, the governement will push tower sharing to be mandatory among all telecommunication companies. [...]
The deadline for choosing the 3rd telco player has already passed but still no telco has been chosen yet. Rumors have been circulating in social media particularly in Facebook saying the initiative is already dead. The Department of Communications and Technology (DICT) has debunked those rumors and issued on Saturday that the search for 3rd telco would still push through. Rumors about the [...]
PLDT Inc. has officially surrendered its 3G frequency to the government, in compliance with the request from National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). The surrendered frequency is to be allocated to the new player in the telecommunications industry. The 10 MHz 3G frequency was formerly owned by Connectivity Unlimited Resource Enterprises Inc. (CURE), which was returned to NTC as part of [...]
Following persistent public protest, the House of Representatives is now retreating from its plan to impose a five-centavo tax on text messages two weeks after approving it for plenary voting on Sept. 8. The panel agreed to conduct more hearings and approved the motion of Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez [...]
The Ways and Means committee of the House of Representatives approved last Tuesday a bill proposing to collect a five-centavo excise tax for every text message sent. Antique Rep. Exequiel Javier said the committee agreed to a proposed tax on text without the "no pass-on provision" being insisted by Ilocos Sur Rep. [...]
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has picked Globe Telecom Inc. as the most reliable and efficient mobile phone service provider in Metro Manila, based on their benchmarking study. Tests were conducted last year (Sept. 17 to Oct. 6, 2008) by NTC engineers on three cellular service operators [...]
Text scams are more likely to increase as Christmas season is fast approaching. Their style is to offer quick cash, or a house and lot, or a new car, even if the recipient of the text message never took part in a raffle. Example: We are glad to inform you that you have won P650,000 thru PGMA. Claim ur prize, call now. [...]
Malacanang has finally decided that it will not pursue a new tax on text messaging. The government was forced to abandon its plans to impose a tax on text messages due to an SMS revolt led by TxtPower yesterday. TxtPower called on all Filipino texters to send the text message, NO TO TEXT TAX! directly [...]
Trade Secretary, Peter Favila has proposed adding a tax on text messages to help compensate income losses from proposals to end sales tax on oil products. Favila told GMANews in an interview that imposing a tax on SMS could make Filipinos shift their focus on endeavors that are more productive. "Texting is [...]