July 21, 2024 | 8:11 pm
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. should certify the Konektadong Pinoy bill as urgent to drive private sector and community investment in broadband infrastructure, according to some business groups.
“The bill will update outdated policies that have long hindered internet connectivity in the country, including the Public Telecommunications Policy Act (nearing 30 years old) and the Radio Control Law, as amended (nearing 75 years old),” the groups, led by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said in a statement over the weekend.
“We, the signatories, believe that the proposed Open Access in Data Transmission bill is key to unlocking a more digitally inclusive, economically vibrant, and prosperous country,” they added.
The joint statement was signed by 23 parties, including Philippine Business Groups, joint foreign chambers led by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, industry associations, and civil society organizations.
They said that the bill would encourage investment in broadband infrastructure by simplifying the licensing process for internet network and service providers.
The bill aims to promote infrastructure sharing, streamline the permit approval process, and allocate radio spectrum for wireless internet to more providers, especially in rural areas.
“Given these transformative reforms, we request swift action to ensure the passage of this landmark legislation under the Marcos Administration,” the groups said.
According to the World Bank, the bill represents a promising opportunity to reform the Philippines’ outdated policy frameworks, adapting to technological and business model changes in the broadband value chain.
Reports by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies since 2021 have identified the Open Access bill as a solution to the country’s digital infrastructure gap, enhancing digital connectivity in underserved and unserved communities.
Although the House of Representatives approved the bill in December 2022, Senate Bill No. 2699 remains pending in the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.
At the PCCI’s 2nd General Membership Meeting on Thursday, Senator Francis G. Escudero said that the Open Access bill is expected to pass before Congress adjourns on Sept. 28 for the midterm recess. — Justine Irish D. Tabile