NOW Telecom Expands Its Broad Network After The NTC Renewals Its 3.5GHz License

NOW Telecom Company, Inc., a subsidiary of NOW Corporation, announced that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) successfully renewed its radio station licenses in the highly sought-after 3.5 GHz spectrum in January 2024, marking an ambitious step towards improved nationwide connectivity.

With this crucial action, NOW Telecom continues its proactive efforts to expand its nationwide telecommunications network throughout the Philippines. This license renewal marks a significant milestone for NOW Telecom, signifying a dedicated endeavor to reduce the digital gap. Specifically, there will be a strong emphasis on improving connectivity in both public and private settings, including residential ones, and especially in areas that were previously neglected and unserved. Recall that NOW Telecom is one of just four organizations—along with prestigious operators Smart, Globe, and Dito—to receive a license for a mobile telecommunications system (MTS) from the NTC. The company's potential to take advantage of developing technologies is supported by the fact that the original MTS license, which was issued in 2006, is "not specific to 3G," meaning that it covers technologies beyond 3G, including satellite to mobile phone communications, 5G, and 6G.

The license renewal is expected to hasten the rollout of broadband services in various industries, highlighting the key role that connections play in essential infrastructure. Building communication networks that are safe, trustworthy, and robust using reliable technology is NOW Telecom's mission. It also aims to support the 16 vital infrastructure sectors that the US Department of Homeland Security and Philippine agencies have identified.

​Engr. Rene Rosales, President and CEO of NOW Telecom, states, "The reauthorization of our license, particularly within the strategic 3.5Ghz band, will substantially reinforce NOW Telecom's stature as a burgeoning force in the nation's telecom landscape, especially as we undertake the protection and connection of our most essential sectors."

Pioneering a Secure and Reliable Telecommunications Framework

Leading the way, NOW Telecom establishes the Trusted Network Initiative, a partnership of public, private, and Indo-Pacific partners that aims to develop network security and reliability by implementing Zero Trust Architecture. The company's steadfast dedication to safeguarding customer information and maintaining the integrity of its public and private communication networks is reflected in this endeavor. 

In November 2022, the US government announced a ground-breaking agreement with NOW Telecom, made possible by US$2.15 million in funding from the US Trade and Development Agency. The purpose of this award is to assess the technical and commercial feasibility of NOW Telecom's proposed nationwide 5G broadband and mobile networks. For the purpose of strengthening its position in the market, the company has formed partnerships with leading global technology companies such as SK Telecom, OneWeb, CISCO, NOKIA, Ericsson, and Fortinet.

NOW Telecom's commitment to tackling the cybersecurity and connectivity imperatives of the country's critical infrastructure is further demonstrated by its partnership with the Cybersecurity Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC).

Moreover, it is noteworthy that in November 2023, NTC renewed its 800 MHz frequency band license, demonstrating its continued trust in NOW Telecom and supporting the company's endeavors to improve critical communications infrastructure and public safety.