Ten business groups are expected to sign on July 5 a joint statement of support for the immediate enactment of the proposed Open Access in Internet Services Act.
The groups include the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Export Development Council, National ICT Confederation of the Philippines, Fintech Alliance.PH, Philippine Cable Television Association Inc., Internet Society – Philippines Chapter, Foundation for Media Alternatives, Democracy. net. Ph and Better Internet PH.
Major challenges in internet access, quality and affordability are affecting the digitalization of the Philippines, according to the groups.
Results of the National ICT Household Survey 2019 showed the Philippines entered the COVID-19 pandemic with only 47 percent of Filipinos using the Internet and 18 percent of households subscribed to an Internet connection.
A Department of Education survey also revealed that 52 percent of public schools and 83 percent of their enrollees were unable to go online during the height of mobility restrictions.