The House of Representatives approved on second reading Tuesday, May 25, a bill that would require all internet service providers (ISPs) in the Philippines to implement a roll-over scheme for the unused data allocation of its subscribers.
House Bill No. 9057, or the proposed "Roll-Over Internet Act", is expected to be passed on third and final reading next week.
Under the bill, unused internet data shall be carried over until they are fully consumed.
For prepaid users as well as postpaid subscribers who avail of internet data package promo offers, the unused data allocation shall be rolled over provided that the subscriber renews the subscription right after the expiration of the promo.
The measure proposes that the unused data allocation of prepaid subscribers who fail to renew their subscription shall be reduced by 20 percent every day until the subscription is renewed. If it is not renewed after five days, all unused data will be considered consumed.
Meanwhile, the unused data allocation of postpaid subscribers every month shall be carried over and accumulated up until the last month of the year.
Further, their unused internet data for a year may also be converted as rebates, which may be used as payment for internet service in the following year of subscriptions.
Subscribers who avail of unlimited internet data package with no data cap are not covered by the proposed law.
The House bill seeks to penalize violating ISPs with a fine of P50,000 per violation per subscriber.
For repeated violations, aside from the payment of fine, the license, registration, or franchise of the ISP shall be revoked or cancelled.