A group of GTA TeleGuam employees, who are members of the recently created non-profit Citizens for Fair And Competitive Telecom, made their pitch with the senators during Monday’s session.
GTA and other local telecommunications companies have until May 10 to submit to National Telecommunications Information Agency, Department of Commerce, official comments and replies on the round 2 grant application process.
But Sen. Tom Ada said Guam has no control over the grant awarding process.
However, he said, the Legislature can adopt a resolution stating that there should be a fair and open access to the infrastructure grant.
Dan Tydingco, GTA executive vice president of external affairs, told lawmakers that his company has 325 employees and that if the $89 million is awarded to IT&E, there will be “potential consequences.”
According to GTA, the company may have to lay off 100 employees as a result of the revenue lost from IT&E’s free infrastructure.
Tydingco said the federal grant is perceived as “free money” and GTA will not be able to compete with it.
Tydingco said GTA is seeking the Legislature’s support in opposing IT&E’s application.
He told lawmakers that two to three years down the road, IT&E will have the advantage in an unfair competition.
Tydingco reminded lawmakers that five years ago, it was the legislative body that provided fair competition to the telecommunications industry and lawmakers should now support the same policy.
Tydingco said GTA wants to know if lawmakers will support competition without any government intrusion, government subsidies or government support.
“We’re asking expression of support from the Legislature,” said Tydingco.
