Co-use unutilized frequencies with GHT- NTC orders Newsnet

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered News and Entertainment Network Corp. (Newsnet) to co-use unutilized 26.35-27.35 GHz frequencies with GHT Network, Inc. (GHT).

GHT is Newsnet’s sister company along with Now Corp. and Now Telecom Corp.

An excerpt of NTC’s decision states that “a review of GHT’s operations in terms of radio station license or permit and as a consequence, has not utilized the frequencies assigned to it in accordance with its PA (Provisional Authority) for over a year since its grant.”

Said favorable decision came January 27, 2020, weeks ahead of the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) instruction for NTC to immediately issue Newsnet’s certificate of public convenience.

Although NTC already granted Newsnet with a provisional authority, it clarified that Newsnet’s petition for ARTA’s intervention was unnecessary given the latter's lack of jurisdiction over NTC’s quasi-judicial functions.

In a statement, NTC emphasized that its quasi-judicial functions are not covered by the 3, 7, and 20-day periods of Republic Act 11032 of the Ease of Doing Business Law.

“Radio frequency assignment, subject to treaty obligations, is also exempt from ARTA’s coverage,” NTC further added.