Section 8Sec./Art. 8

Registration. - All segments of the data transmission network shall be competitive and open and all DTIPs shall be allowed to put up their own networks. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act or any other law, the following procedure for registration and certification shall apply to the data transmission industry:

(a) All DTIPs shall be required to register with the NTC. The NTC shall promulgate a speedy and expeditious administrative process for registration and apply its eligibility criteria in line with the policies of the DICT. DTIPs must meet the NTC criteria in registering an industry participants in order to construct, operate, lease, or own networks or facilities, including radio transmitting and/or receiving stations for the provision of data transmission services: Provided, That all DTIPs intending to use spectrum resources shall secure authorization from the NTC and be assigned or allowed access to such spectrum in accordance with the provisions of this Act and other pertinent laws.

Foreign entities who wish to enter the data transmission industry shall be subject to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7042 or the "Foreign Investment Act of 1991", as amended by Republic Act No. 11647, Commonwealth Act No. 146 or the "Public Service Act", as amended by Republic Act No. 11659, and other pertinent laws and issuances; and

(b) Those seeking to operate an international gateway facility or a core or backbone network shall secure authorization from the NTC, which shall consider the proposed route or rollout plan, as well as the manner of construction, in the grant thereof.