Foreign chambers of commerce and business leaders reiterated their support to the Konektadong Pinoy Billl in a forum with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
This marks a huge step in building a wide coalition among stakeholders to bolster connectivity, boost economic growth, and make internet prices affordable for Filipino families, the DICT said in a statement.
“The measure that aims to address fundamental issues that have long slowed growth of the Philippine Internet industry and establish a comprehensive connectivity framework for the country,” they said.
The industry players said the proposed legislation would allow the Philippines catch up with its income comparators in the ASEAN in terms of digital infrastructure and internet access.
They welcomed key provisions of the bill that expand competition in the market. These include streamlining administrative processes for new entrants as well as the development of a qualification process that ensures that global performance standards are met by service providers.
“More secure internet options will help lower costs for consumers and businesses,” they said.
The foreign chambers also welcomed the aim of the bill to promote infrastructure sharing and use of common facilities. This will result in economic efficiency and simplify network deployment, they said.
Apart from these, they favor the improvement of spectrum management provisions in the proposal as it will ensure a more transparent and consultative process of spectrum allocation and its equitable distribution.
This will maximize the use of such a scarce resource, ensuring that smaller players that can provide better internet access will have the opportunity to access the Filipino market. Ultimately, this framework will bring down internet prices while improving services.
“By focusing on a policy centered on obtaining reliable, accessible and affordable Internet connectivity for all Filipinos, the Konektadong Pinoy Act can serve as the foundation for long-term digital transformation, economic resilience, and inclusive growth,” they said.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda expressed his gratitude for their support. “We thank the foreign chambers of commerce and key industry leaders for backing this legislation. The DICT will continue to work with every stakeholder to ensure that Konektadong Pinoy will be implemented to serve the interest of the Filipino while encouraging business growth,” he said.
