The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
has begun exploratory talks with local and foreign satellite providers on the provision of satellite broadband services.
Philexport News & Features quoted DICT assistant secretary Adrian Jude Echaus in an online presentation on July 28 that the agency is looking at how these providers can fit into the DICT community Wi-Fi and Internet initiatives.
The DICT is finalizing the draft implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Executive Order (EO) No. 127, which liberalizes access to satellite technology through inclusive access to satellite services.
EO 127, titled “Expanding the Provision of Internet Services through Inclusive Access to Satellite Services, Amending EO No. 467 (S. 1998),” was signed by President Duterte last March 10.
Under the EO, non-enfranchised but registered internet service providers (ISPs) and value-added service providers (VASPs) may directly access satellite systems to put up broadband facilities. There used to be a franchise requirement in the access of international satellite systems.
This will allow small players like cable television operators and utility cooperatives to operate a satellite broadband service for local communities.
Added Echaus: “Overall this means that the DICT will deploy more last-mile connectivity to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas faster. Likewise the deployment of VSATs can be DICT’s short-term solution to providing readily available Internet connectivity while we lay out the fiber optic backbone.”
EO 127 directs the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to update its regulations and expedite its administrative processes to enable VAS providers and ISPs to directly access, use, own, and operate facilities for Internet access service using satellite technologies, such as very small aperture terminals (VSAT), broadband global area network, and similar technologies, for all segments of the broadband network.
