Regulatory reforms are urgently needed to expand internet coverage and ensure that the country sustains its recovery post pandemic, develop resilience and bridge the digital divide in the country.

 

In a public webinar, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Better Internet PH (BIP) discussed their proposed policy reforms to improve digital connectivity and cybersecurity in the country, foremost of which is the outdated legal framework.

 

“It is lamentable that in this digital age, the Philippines remains to be the lone country in the world that still needs a congressional franchise to provide data transmission service,” PCCI President George Barcelon stated.

 

The Open Access in Data Transmission Act, one of the proposed policy reforms, aims to remove the requirement for a congressional franchise, Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), and Provisional Authority (PA).

 

“The bill introduces an efficient and expeditious process for the qualification and registration of broadband industry players. It also promotes the sharing of infrastructure and streamlining of the permitting process,” says BIP Lead Advocate Grace Mirandilla-Santos.

 

Expressing support for the said bill, Project Lead of Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce’s (NOCCI) Free Wi-Fi project Mr. Edward Du said, “The OADTA is undoubtedly a game-changing reform bill that will leap-frog the country’s telecommunications and data transmission services in the 21st century.”

 

Du also emphasized the growing clamor for more climate-smart wired infrastructure networks as proven by the recent devastation brought about by Super Typhoon Odette.

 

“On the Rural Wired Connectivity Development Act, it is not enough to merely incentivize the roll-out of wired infrastructure but we should make it more resilient by moving it underground,” he stated.

 

DICT Secretary, Atty. Ivan John Uy stressed the importance of addressing the geographically-isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

 

“As our country gets more connected, areas that are isolated and do not have access to digital infrastructure will suffer the most in terms of development. And so, the government is willing to step in to find ways and means to connect them,” he said.

 

Uy’s legislative agenda includes pushing further on spectrum management and amending the National Building Code to incorporate internet connection, apart from power and electricity, before issuing a permit-to-occupy. He also welcomed recent developments such as the introduction of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite and the recent amendments to the Public Service Act.

 

In addition, good internet connectivity and access to technology are insufficient without a cybersecurity plan as mentioned by Network Security Expert William Yu. He called on the DICT to support the EO on Critical Information Infrastructure Protection which aims to protect infrastructure that provide vital services by requiring entities who own, operate, and maintain the computer systems and ICT networks to comply with minimum information security standards.

 

Priority policy reforms namely the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, Rural Wired Connectivity Development Act, Satellite-Based Technologies for Internet Connectivity Act, and Philippine Spectrum Management Act were discussed to increase awareness on the current Philippine Internet situation among government and industry leaders, particularly in the new Marcos administration. –-- Anya Marie Cruz

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