China Telecom eyeing services in Philippines

MANILA - State-run China Telecom Corp could become the third telecoms player in the Philippines, officials of the Southeast Asian nation said on Sunday, as the government looks to stir up competition in an effort to boost local services.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte last month offered China the "privilege" of challenging a long-standing duopoly that has frustrated consumers because of slow and intermittent internet and mobile phone services.

"The Chinese government selected China Telecom to invest in the Philippines upon invitation by President Duterte during the bilateral meeting last Nov 16," said Eliseo Rio, secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, told Reuters.