Nextel welcomes congressional inquiry

Nextel Communications Philippines Inc., the local distributor of Nextel trunk radio service, said yesterday it welcomes a proposed congressional inquiry on the real nature of this product "to finally put the issue to rest."

The inquiry was proposed by House Assistant Minority Leader Prospero Pichay who expressed concern over the capability of Nextel trunk radios to access other wireless and wireline telecommunication systems using its integrated digital enhanced network (iDEN) technology.

Nextel president and chief economic officer Antonio Urera said he believes such inquiry "should clarify that Nextel is basically a digital two-way radio service with advanced features including access to so-called public switched telephone networks as well as to cellular mobile telephone systems."

This feature has helped Nextel comply with the mandate of Republic Act 7925 that two-way radio systems must interconnect with telephone systems, both wireless and landline-based, to allow their respective subscribers to access one another, Urera explained.

He said he is confident that Congress would support the growth of advanced communications technologies in the country which is essential to progress.

The inquiry might even help the House draft legislation that would further encourage the expansion of so-called converged technologies which allow consumers to avail of various services in one handset (such as Internet based transmissions and multi-media applications).

Urera said Pichay's move is a step in the right direction towards the continuing modernization of the local telecommunications industry.

We believe the solon's move is aimed to further liberating the industry by allowing mobile operators to provide the best wireless services to the public, Urera said.