Legislators on Monday expressed support for the call of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Gregorio Honasan for the construction of more cell towers to improve the country’s internet speed.
Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said if the construction of more cell towers is the main factor in making internet speed faster, then “let’s do it by all means.”
Belmonte noted that as it is, the Philippines is lagging behind other Asean countries in terms of internet speed.
“I am in favor of faster internet speed. If more cell towers is the way to do it, l vote yes,” Belmonte said
Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, chairman of the House committee on public information, echoed Belmonte’s view.
“I totally agree. The DICT [Department of Information and Communications Technology] should prioritize far-flung areas of the country to keep the pace of development,” said Evardone, a member of the House committee on information technology.
Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez said, “cell towers should be shared by all telcos and not just exclusive to one.”
“This way we can spread out its location and make our communications faster and more efficient,” Benitez, chairman of the House committee on housing and urban development, said.
Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting, however, noted there are factors to consider in the construction of more cell towers.
“Cell sites are important. But it is more complicated than that. Location and right of way should be considered. Also, accessibility and speed are two different things,” Tambunting, chairman of the House committee on games and amusement, said.
Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said he hopes Honasan will be able to deliver faster internet service that is vital to country’s growth and development.
“I hope he makes good in his promise to make the internet faster. It is about time the Philippines will be at par with other countries regarding internet connectivity. If he will be able to improve internet services, this could contribute to our growth and development,” Pimentel said.
Stakeholders in the telecommunications sector earlier batted for more independent cell tower builders when the draft policy was put forth before the industry by Presidential Economic Adviser Ramon Jacinto.
Globe Telecom said the government must implement measures that will ease the process in acquiring permits for the rollout of the cell towers.
The company has created an independent tower company with the exclusive purpose of building cell towers. The Securities and Exchange Commission approved the corporate papers of that company last August.
However, Smart Communications said the draft guidelines violate the provisions of its franchise, which grants it the authority to construct, operate and maintain its own telecommunications facilities.