SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano is upbeat that the support of local key players in the artificial intelligence (AI) and telecom industry will kick off digital transformation in the country.
Cayetano cited the Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP), an organization of AI professionals and stakeholders which has expressed support for the Konektadong Pinoy Bill.
Data from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), AAP indicated that AI can contribute up to P2.6 trillion to the economy yearly.
“Technologies like GenAI are an opportunity to empower Filipino jobs and communities,” the AAP stated.
The group emphasized that unlocking this potential “depends heavily on the country’s internet connectivity.”
The Konektadong Pinoy Bill seeks to provide fast, affordable, and reliable internet for all Filipinos.
“Access to high-speed internet is a requirement to fully embrace the unlimited potential of the digital age,” Cayetano said.
AAP president Michelle Alarcon said passage of the Konektadong Pinoy bill will be fundamental in ensuring that all Filipinos can partake of the economic and social benefits brought by AI advancements.
The Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association, Inc., a group that represents small internet service providers (ISPs) in the country, likewise voiced its support for the bill.
PCTA said Konektadong Pinoy will allow ISPs to “bring more Filipinos online” by “removing the barriers” to their expansion.
“This bill will allow us, small players, to further invest in infrastructure, especially in underserved areas where various hurdles hinder our efforts,” the group wrote in an online statement on August 26, 2024.
The Konektadong Pinoy bill aims to improve access to fast and affordable internet nationwide by removing the need for legislative franchises, promoting infrastructure sharing among telecom companies, and overseeing the allocation and use of radio spectrums.
The organizations’ statements of support came following the sponsorship speech of Cayetano, who chairs the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, on August 5.
In his speech, he urged advocacy groups and non-governmental organizations to submit their input.
“To all who contributed to this bill, to all the authors, all the NGOs, all the advocacy groups, I look forward to discussing this bill in the next few days,” Cayetano said.
“Once we do this, we will in a year, two, or three years see the difference of having reliable, affordable, accessible internet connection in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao,” he added.
