Next Mobile to roll out mobile network in three years

Next Mobile Inc. plans to complete in three years its nationwide rollout for the operation of its mobile-phone service in the country.

On January 3 the National Telecommunications Commission granted the company’s provisionary authority to install, operate and maintain a nationwide mobile telecommunications system as well as offer services and charge rates.

Lamberto S. Ramos, Next Mobile president and chief operating officer, said the company proposes to deploy a multiaccess network that is equipped to provide mobile service through Manila-based mobile switching centers. The switching centers will handle the traffic in the National Capital Region, Rizal province, North Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The company also plans to deploy 144 base stations in Metro Manila, 39 in Northern Luzon, 41 in Southern Luzon and 41 in Mindanao. The remaining 20 base stations will be deployed in locations with in-building coverage requirements.

Next Mobile said the initial build-up of the proposed mobile service will be done in three stages. The company will also upgrade and expand its existing transmission network infrastructure to serve the transport requirements of the proposed mobile service in the metropolis and Luzon.Darwin G. Amojelar, abs cbn