MARCH 15, 2024 – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) today (March 15) pushed for the passage of the ‘Konektadong Pinoy Bill’ or the Open Access in Data Transmission Bill to strengthen the country’s internet infrastructure and enhance digital connectivity.
During the forum on “The Future of Philippine Connectivity” at the Novotel in Quezon City, NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan emphasized that access to reliable internet services is a fundamental prerequisite for a more connected Philippines to advance inclusive socioeconomic growth and development.
“In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the Philippines stands at a critical juncture in its journey towards economic advancement. We cannot overstate enough the transformative power of information and communication technologies that have the potential to revolutionize every aspect of our lives,” stated the government’s chief economic planner.
Included in the list of Common Legislative Agenda of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Committee (LEDAC), the bill was already passed by the House of Representatives and is currently being discussed in the Senate. It aims to provide affordable Internet access for every Filipino by enhancing market accessibility, upgrading physical and digital infrastructure, and enabling full participation of individuals and businesses in the digital economy.
[Related: Faster, Cheaper Internet within Reach; Telco Sector Reforms Key to Unlocking Economic Opportunities]
“This landmark legislation embodies our commitment to promoting fair competition and dismantling barriers to entry in the data transmission sector. It aims to reduce costs and expand access to high-quality internet services for all Filipinos, especially those in unserved and underserved areas,” Balisacan said.
Meanwhile, NEDA Undersecretary Krystal Lyn T. Uy also highlighted that affordable and reliable high-speed internet is not just a ‘luxury’ but a lifeline to progress among Filipino households, enabling breadwinners to work remotely while caring for their loved ones, empowering farmers in remote communities to access broader markets, facilitating growth of online businesses and entrepreneurs, and opening avenues for upskilling and career advancement.
“We firmly believe that the Konektadong Pinoy Bill will help the country’s ICT sector meet the demands of the 21st century digital landscape by reforming the legal and regulatory framework for internet network infrastructure deployment and spectrum management. The passage of this bill is not merely about enhancing connectivity; it is about enhancing our economic resilience. By promoting infrastructure investment, we safeguard our digital assets and pave the way for sustainable growth,” Uy said.
Organized by NEDA in collaboration with the USAID BEACON Project, the World Bank (WB), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the forum was an avenue for discussion of the salient points of the WB policy note, “Better Internet for All Filipinos: Reforms Promoting Competition and Increasing Investment for Broadband Infrastructure.”
[Read more on NEDA’s policy note: Policy Note on Open Access in Data Transmission]
“Today’s event will serve as a crucial step in learning about the policy and regulatory gaps in data transmission and how each of us in our respective sectors can contribute solutions to address these challenges. I urge all of you to unite to support our shared vision for a more connected Philippines,” Balisacan added.
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