ITAP, NTC to discuss permit issues for wireless products
By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 14:38:00 06/12/2008
Filed Under: Technology (general), Computing & Information Technology, Telecommunications Equipment, Telecommunications Services
MANILA, Philippines -- The Information and Technology Association of the Philippines (ITAP) is set to hold further meetings with the National Telecommunications Commission to discuss issues on the issuance of permits for PCs and other IT equipment.
During its membership meeting Wednesday, ITAP members raised the issue before Engr. Alvin Blanco, head of NTC equipment standards division, a guest speaker at the meeting.
ITAP is the de facto local industry group representing local offices of major technology companies like IBM, Microsoft and HP.
In previous interviews, ITAP executives raised the need to clarify some procedures involving the issuance of NTC permits for PCs and other equipment brought into the country.
In particular, ITAP members noted this applies to issuance of permits for wifi-enabled devices such as laptops and handheld devices. Blanco confirmed that an NTC permit is required for type-approved equipment that have built-in wireless capability.
But per NTC regulations, this permit applies to wireless equipment meant for public use, such as those purchased by public telecommunications entities (PTEs), which refer to local telecom companies.
A number of ITAP members, however, argued that this isn't necessarily the case.
Ruth Ong, an executive from local IT distributor Phildata Business Systems, said in an interview that the customs agency still inspect for permits even though this does not necessarily apply to local resellers that sell the equipment for private use.
To secure a permit, the NTC charges P100 per piece of equipment.
"We are still required to pay a fee. The fee is nominal but sometimes releasing the goods is delayed by two to three days which then delays our shipment to our customers," Ong said.
For his part, Blanco suggested that ITAP member-companies submit a list of products that fall under this category.
"Like what we have done with a particular seller, we asked for a list and then request it to be updated every six months," he noted.
He added that the NTC is open to a tripartite meeting with ITAP and the Bureau of Customs to discuss the issue further.
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