APPENDIX 5 - Agile's Ten-point Program to Restructure the Philippine Telecommunications Industry

Summary

1. The resolution of interconnection problems by drafting and promulgating clear interconnection implementation rules and regulations.

2. The establishment of a new pricing regulatory regime for wholesale services by providing guidelines for access pricing reform.

3. The establishment of a new pricing regulatory regime for retail services by providing guidelines for rate rebalancing.

4. The establishment of a new accounting regime by drawing up a uniform chart of accounts and cost allocation manual.

5. Increasing public knowledge on regulatory issues by setting up a website for the NTC and establishing an NTC-Industry Cooperation Council.

6. The promotion of convergence by commissioning a report on the regulatory reform need for convergence and drawing up a comprehensive guidelines for Internet/value-added service/Internet service providers.

7. The promotion of universal access, service, and obligation by drawing up a clear policy on the issue, and exploring the possibility of establishing a universal service or access fund.

8. The establishment of technical standards.

9. Licensing.

10. The management of frequency resources.

Outcomes of Agile Support for the NTC, as of 2002

1. The issuance of Memorandum Circular 14-7-2000 on the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the Interconnection of Authorized Public Telecommunications Entities on 14 July 2000.

2. The release of the Consultative Document on Wholesale Charging Regime, Access, and Interconnect Arrangements in July 2000.

3. The establishment in November 2000 of the NTC website, through which consultative documents, memorandum circulars, procedures for costumer complaints, and other information are made accessible.

4. The release of a comprehensive study on the outcomes of the SAS in January 2001.

5. The issuance of Memorandum Circular 6-9-2001 on the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Retail Pricing.

6. The release of the draft Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure for the NTC on 9 July 2001.

7. The issuance of the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Competitive Wholesale Charging for Interconnection Services (Memorandum Circular 09-07-2002) on 31 July 2002.

8. The issuance of Memorandum Circular 05-05-2002 on the Rules and Regulations on the Provision of High Speed Networks and Communications to IT Hub Areas on 13 May 2002.