The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has partnered with Better Internet PH to prioritize legislative measures to improve broadband connectivity in the country.
“We have lagged behind our ASEAN neighbors for a very long time in terms of improving the internet and we should prioritize legislation that will improve our overall connectivity,” the PCCI Chairman said. , George Barcelona.
Barcelona noted that better internet connectivity would have far-reaching implications for the government, economy, tourism, education and many other sectors as it will attract more foreign direct investment.
For her part, Grace Mirandilla-Santos, Better Internet PH’s Chief Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy Analyst, echoed Barcelon’s statements.
Mirandilla-Santos pointed out that the Philippines is the only country in the world that still requires Congressional franchise from potential Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to provide data transmission services.
“We want to update policies to make it easier for ISPs to build digital infrastructure. Technology will overtake regulation, so our policies must be scalable,” she stressed.
To address these concerns, PCCI has partnered with Better Internet PH to advocate for legislative measures such as the Open Access Data Transmission Act, Rural Wired Development Act, Satellite Liberalization Act and the Spectrum Management Act in the upcoming 19th Congress.
PCCI and Better Internet PH are set to host a webinar on recommended policy reforms to generate support for legislative action.
In a press release on Monday, PCCI said, “Access to connectivity, reliable and affordable internet connection, and internet security are critical to the country’s economic growth.”
Just two weeks ago, several local business groups as well as foreign chambers also urged the Senate to pass the Open Access Data Transmission Bill, along with other feasible economic reforms, before the adjournment of the 18th Congress on June 4. -30-
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