Consumers assail NTC approval of PLDT-Digitel merger

Consumer group TXTPower.org Inc., an oppositor in the National Telecommunications Commission proceedings concerning the PLDT petition for approval of its merger with Digitel (Sun Cellular) issued the following statement:

We are dismayed by NTC’s approval of arguably a return to a PLDT monopoly. Consumers, netizens reserve right to appeal.

Off-hand, the so-called NTC preconditions seem like consuelo de bobo against backdrop of one group now monopolizing telco industry.

While we all accept that mergers and acquisitions are a normal business occurrence, we must not forget the fact that telecommunications is not an ordinary enterprise. It is a public utility imbued with public trust and public interest. We are of the view that the concentration of legislative franchises, frequencies, and prerogatives under one man or one corporation does not serve the public good in the long run.

As we have said in our Opposition, big does not necessarily mean good. Even prior to the NTC’s approval of this merger, PLDT as the single biggest telco group was emblematic of what’s wrong in the telco industry. Our landline, mobile and internet services are below par in terms of quality and costs – if we discount the whimsical and time-bound promotions. The situation was worse in the 1970s until 1980s when a PLDT monopoly ruled unchallenged by other companies and pampered by government.

The social networking and text messaging capital of the world deserve a better telecommunications industry. Filipinos, especially end-users, developers, social media practitioners, bloggers, online entrepreneurs, OFWs, and SMEs view telecommunications as an enabler. Monopolies or companies pretending not to be monopolies could be a big stumbling block, not an enabler.

Finally, the ruling again confirms the NTC’ obstinacy refusing to defend the interests of public and the Republic. President Aquino, under whose office the NTC is directly attached, should review the ruling and expect an appeal coming from consumers and netizens.