The new head of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) proposes requiring property developers to install not just power and water connectivity but data and telecommunications infrastructure as well before a permit to occupy is issued for the building.
DICT Secretary Ivan Uy in a forum hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said this can be done by amending the National Building Code.
“This will be good legislation to pass so that it will allow for faster and better connectivity,” Uy said.
Uy expressed hope that by legislation, the Philippines can update many of the old laws on telecommunications and make them more relevant in this day and age with internet connectivity being at the forefront of our digitalization efforts.
At the forum, Uy revealed his priorities for the information communication technology, while highlighting recent milestones, such as amendments to the Public Services Act and the entry of Starlink in the country.
These priorities include welcoming other players offering satellite-based technology, rationalizing spectrum management, among others.
According to the 2019 National ICT Household Survey, 53 percent of Filipino individuals, 52 percent of public schools, and 57 percent of households still remain unconnected to the internet.
The better internet speed is largely attributed to the streamlining and speeding up of the issuance of local government unit permits as telcos are able to fast-track building infrastructure cellular towers and fiber optic networks necessary in boosting services and connectivity.
The entry of Elon Musk’s Starlink in the Philippine market is also expected to improve internet speeds further.
The low Earth orbit satellite of Starlink is an ideal platform to households in remote and isolated communities. The service offers high speed low latency satellite internet service with download speeds between 100 to 200 Mbps.
Using advanced satellites in a low orbit, Starlink will enable video calls, online gaming, streaming and other high data activities that historically have not been possible with satellite internet.
Uy earlier said the DICT is looking forward to the entry of more satellite internet providers that will help bring down the cost significantly.
At present, the market share for home broadband services stood at 40 percent and there is still a huge potential market for the new player, according to the National Telecommunications Commission. – with Myla Iglesias
