Broadband Phils to invest P3B on wireless networks

Broadband Philippines is investing P3.15 billion over the next few years as it introduces broadband wireless technology, which transmits data via microwave frequencies using fixed broadband wireless networks, into the Philippine communications scene.

The company together with Callahan Broadband Wireless Inc. announced that it has been acquiring strategic buildings in Metro Manila’s key business districts to serve as cornerstone for building the country’s first e-building community.

It has successfully wired more than 30 prime buildings and has more than 150 buildings in the pipeline in the Makati and Ortigas central business districts. These buildings are set to experience high-speed Internet access in real-time.

In addition to access, Broadband Phils. is set to launch a range of innovative value-added services, which will allow its subscriber to enjoy cutting-edge services, according to company president Joey de Venecia.

De Venecia noted that economic expansion and modernization have been hindered by a lack of high-speed Internet solutions and high telecom costs, the most expensive in Asia,

Currently, only 11 percent of large businesses and two percent of total have dedicated lines of 128 kbps or faster.

As a strategic partner to Broadband, Callahan has committed to provide strategic marketing and technology management support, as well as financial resources needed to support this venture. Consummation of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

Callahan Broadband Wireless was formed recently to accelerate Callahan Associates Intl’s activities in Europe, Asia, and South America. Investors in the new company include Callahan Associates Intl, Angelo Gordon, The Bass Group, and Investcorp.

Mark Bell, chief executive officer of Callahan Broadband, said their broadband wireless Internet solution offers, in real time, rapid revenue-led deployment as well as secure, reliable, high-capacity data trabsmission from a minimum of 64 kbps to over 10 mbps service.

"The broadband wireless last-mile network service will cost far less than fiber optics but offers similar network speed, security, and reliability already used in the US and Canada. With Broadband Phils. and broadband wireless in the country, we have the opportunity to enter a high-growth market with extraordinary technology," Bell said.

Broadband Phils. signed recently a P300-million investment agreement with Next Century Partners to accelerate the build-out of broadband wireless infrastructure in the business districts of Metro Manila