The Senate committee on science and technology will hold next week its first hearing on a bill that aims to push for more players in the telecommunications sector, Senator Bam Aquino, chair of the committee, announced on Tuesday.

Aquino said that Senate Bill No. 171, or the “Open Access in Data Transmission Bill,” intends to break the barriers to competition in telecommunications and data transmission services.

Aquino, the principal author of the bill, said the legislation will put forward regulations to encourage the entry of more players in the telecommunications sector. The bill will also ensure safety nets to maintain fair competition, he added.

“I am happy to announce that the Senate will start tackling the Open Access Bill in my Committee next week,” Aquino said in a statement.

“The price of internet service in our country has been tagged as one of the most expensive in our region. Healthy competition is our best bet to promote affordability and finally improve services for the Filipino consumers,” Aquino said.

READ: Bam says new telco players in PH should not be limited to China

According to Aquino, the bill also intends to push the National Telecommunications Commission to ensure a healthy environment for the development and growth of data networks in improving data access to Filipinos. /jpv

Source: http://business.inquirer.net/241970/senate-tackle-bill-pushing-players-telco-industry-senate-telco-bam-aquino-open-access-bill-first-hearing