Philippines conglomerate San Miguel Corp is set to launch mobile services by January next year through subsidiary Bell Telecommunications Philippines (BellTel).
BellTell has concluded agreements with contractors and suppliers covering the rollout and operation of a mobile network, Manila Standard Todayreported.
The company now plans to launch services by January, becoming the Philippines' fourth mobile operator after PLDT, Globe and ABS-CBN Mobile.
According to the report, BellTel has integrated 197 base stations to its mobile network and received radio licenses for 191.
The operator will apply for more licenses as additional base stations are integrated into the network, and plans to debut services as soon as sufficient BTS sites are available for a commercial launch.
San Miguel, the corporation primarily known as SEA's largest publicly listed food, beverage and packaging company, acquired a controlling stake in BellTell in 2010.
The conglomerate also owns data services provider Liberty Telecoms Holding and data and internet service provider Eastern Telecom Philippines (ETPI). San Miguel bought into ETPI at the end of 2010.