"This paper describes the external factors to be considered by a foreign firm before entering the telecommunication marketplace in the Philippines. Areas of investigation include the current state of telecommunications in the Southeast Asian region, with concentration on the Philippines. Also examined are the governmental controls of telecommunications, the recent history and current status of political power, and an assessment of the telecommunication needs in the Philippines. The recommendations investigate three potential opportunities for a foreign firm to participate in the evolution of the Philippine telecommunication infrastructure. Entering into a joint venture with a Philippine company is the first opportunity investigated, while providing financial assistance to a Philippine firm is the second option. Both options are not recommended since successful outcomes heavily depend upon the stability and direction of the Philippine government. Should the directions of the Philippine government prove to be stable, eventually an on site venture might be established. The third option discussed is entering the market as an equipment vendor. The option is highly recommended. The market for telecommunication equipment sales in the Philippines will be $8 to $16 billion over the next decade. The only government risk at the time of writing is that the instability of the Philippine government could cause the foreign government to not allow the technology transfer to take place."--Author's Abstract.