WITH the Philippines “suffering” from a so-called broadband infrastructure gap, the President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will find it hard to achieve his digitalization goals, unless the government “immediately” enacts the proposed Open Access in Internet Services Bill.
The groups explained that there are major challenges in Internet access, quality, and affordability which are affecting the digitalization of the Philippines. “Despite some improvement over the past two years, the country continues to suffer from a broadband infrastructure gap, which is worse in the rural areas. Legal obstacles brought about by outdated laws restrict the building and operation of broadband networks. These obstacles are manifested in high barriers to entry and a costly and inefficient way of installing broadband infrastructure.
The Open Access Bill, however, will lower barriers and cost to market entry of Internet network operators by simplifying the registration and qualification process for providers. The Senate Committee on Science and Technology has initiated public hearings on key digital connectivity and cybersecurity bills, including Open Access.