The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) expects local telecom firms to fast-track their rollout of ICT infrastructure in the country in the next three years with the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) new rules on the right of way (ROW).
DICT said it fully supports DPWH’s initiative to allow telcos to occupy a portion of the government’s ROW to facilitate infrastructure buildup and speed up improvements of connectivity services in the country.
This is pursuant to DPWH Department Order No. 29 (DO 29), or the “DPWH Policy on Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure Pursuant to Republic Act No. 11494” issued on March 23, 2021, that eases restrictions on telecommunications firms aiming to construct ICT infrastructure projects along national roads.
“To address the increased need for Internet connectivity services during the state of public health emergency, we must prioritize the faster rollout of ICT infrastructures like cellular towers. We fully support the DPWH’s initiative and we hope that this will help address the issues of congestion, connection reliability and coverage in the near future,” said Gregorio Honasan II, DICT secretary.
DPWH stated that the DICT, along with the Anti-Red Tape Authority and the National Telecommunications Commission, were instrumental in paving the way for the issuance of DO 29.
Since last year, these agencies had urged DPWH to revisit and establish more “conducive” ROW regulations to help improve internet connectivity in the country.
DICT and DPWH worked hand in hand to ensure compliance with their respective commitments under the Memorandum of Agreement signed during the First Philippine Telecoms Summit in 2017 to eliminate barriers to the expansion of connectivity services in the country.
