Smart, Nextel sign MOA on interconnection

Smart Communications and Nextel Communications Philippines, Inc. signed yesterday a memorandum of agreement (MOA), which will pave the way for the interconnection of their networks and services.

The MOA was signed by Rogelio Quevedo, head of legal department of Smart Communications, and Emilio Festejo, president of Nextel Communications Philippines, Inc.

With the newly signed interconnection MOA, Smart and Nextel subscribers can call up one another as soon as the physical interconnection facilities are installed. Target date for physical interconnection is within March 2001.

Officials said the interconnection agreement is in support of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration’s thrust to provide universal telecommunications access to the Filipino people.

"With the interconnection of the two networks, communication amongst a great number of Filipinos will now be established and should make the nation better prepared to face the challenges of the new world economic order where a smooth and seamless flow of information is critical," both officials echoed.

Smart is the country’s biggest cellular telecommunications provider with more than three million cellular phone subscribers throughout the country. Nextel is the country’s biggest trunk radio operator using the fully digital technology called iDEN (Integrated Digital Enhanced Network).