NOW Telecom awarded 800 MHZ from NTC

NOW Telecom received a much-needed boost from the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC), which awarded it a radio license renewal to operate in the 800MHZ band, critical to implementing its mobile telecommunications system as authorized by the NTC. NOW Telecom is one of the four companies licensed to operate a mobile telecommunications system (MTS) after Smart, Globe, and Dito.

“This license renewal with the most coveted 800 MHZ frequencies shall strengthen the communications security and connectivity to vital critical infrastructures in the country,” says Mel Velarde, NOW Group Chairman. Bolstered by NOW Telecom’s current initiatives with the Philippine military and the Cybersecurity Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC), NOW Telecom eyes sixteen (16) critical infrastructures defined by these Philippine agencies and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that require immediate blanket coverage for a secure, reliable, and robust communications systems using only trusted equipment.”

Earlier, the U.S. government announced during the visit of U.S. VP Kamala Harris its intent to partner with NOW Telecom for the nationwide design and deployment of 5G standalone and National Broadband Network (NBN) throughout the country. The technical assistance the U.S. Trade and Development Agency extended to NOW Telecom was formalized during the recent Philippine visit of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink. “Filipinos can and should be secure online. Securing against malicious cyber activities is difficult even in the best of times, but it is infinitely more difficult when the risk comes from the entity that built and may maintain access to a telecommunications network,” Kritenbrink said during the signing of the grant documents with officials of NOW Telecom and the Department of Foreign Affairs on January 20.

NOW Telecom received the NTC license dated September 29, 2023, on October 2, 2023.

Critical Infrastructure

US Department of Homeland and Security

16 Sectors whose assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, are considered vital. Incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination.

  1. Chemical Sector
  2. Commercial Facilities Sector
  3. Communications Sector
  4. Critical Manufacturing Sector
  5. Dams Sector
  6. Defense Industrial Base Sector
  7. Emergency Services Sector
  8. Energy Sector
  9. Financial Services Sector
  10. Food and Agriculture Sector
  11. Government Facilities Sector
  12. Healthcare and Public Health Sector
  13. Information Technology Sector
  14. Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste Sector
  15. Transportation Systems Sector
  16. Water and Wastewater Systems

Related News

Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) partners with NOW Corp and NOW Telecom for secured connectivity solutions and ICT services

In photo: NOW Telecom President and COO Rene L. Rosales, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center Undersecretary Alexander K. Ramos, NOW Corp President and CEO Henry B. Abes, & Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center Atty Alvin M. Navarro, Director IV

On 18 September 2023, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed by and among the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (“CICC”), NOW Telecom Company, Inc., and NOW Corporation for the provision of secured connectivity solutions and ICT services to CICC and key agencies to support CICC’s operation and mandate to foster the nation’s cybercrime resiliency and promote sound cyber-risk management.

US extends grant to PH telco company for 5G project, study

“The US government has given a local telco company a P118-million grant to be used for a pilot project and feasibility study aimed at developing a “reliable and secure” 5G network in the country. 

 The technical assistance extended by the US Trade and Development Agency to NOW Telecom was formalized during the recent Philippine visit of US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink.” 

SOURCE: PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER

FACT SHEET: Vice President Harris Launches New Initiatives to Strengthen U.S.-Philippines Alliance

The United States and the Philippines enjoy an alliance and partnership based on deep historical, economic, and cultural ties, and our shared democratic values.  The United States and the Philippines stand together as friends, partners, and allies.  Now and always, the U.S. commitment to the defense of the Philippines is ironclad, and we are committed to strengthening our economic and investment relationship. 

SOURCE: WHITE HOUSE

FACT SHEET: Advancing the Indo-Pacific Strategy

“Philippines: USTDA approved funding for technical assistance and a pilot project to support Philippines NOW Telecom Company, Inc.’s deployment of a 5G network to help meet growing household and industry demand for reliable and secure digital services in the Philippines.”

SOURCE: USTDA.GOV