The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is pushing for the swift passage of the Open Access in Data Transmission bill that aims to strengthen internet infrastructure and bolster digital connectivity across the country.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said during the forum on “The Future of Philippine Connectivity” 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,” Balisacan said.
“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,” he said.
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 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.
“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 Uy said 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,” Uy said.
“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,” she 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.”