Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director-General Jeremiah Belgica lauded the collaborative efforts of the government and the telecommunications companies in providing streamlined guidelines for the processing of documents that led to the improvement of the country's internet services.

Belgica made the statement after the recent data from worldwide speed monitoring firm Speedtest by Ookla showed that the Philippines' internet speed global rankings for both mobile and fixed broadband improved substantially in December 2021.

The country's median mobile internet download speed increased to 19.20 megabits per second (Mbps) from 18.68 Mbps in November, moving it up one spot to 89th place out of 138 countries.

The Philippines climbed nine places to 63rd place in terms of fixed broadband median download speed from 72nd place in November, as speed increased to 50.26 Mbps from 46.44 Mbps the previous month.

In a statement, Belgica recognized how government agencies stepped up to help ease the process for telecommunications companies to build the necessary infrastructure to improve internet services in the country.

"It is with great pride that we recognize the collaborative efforts of the telecommunication sector and our government agencies in continuously providing streamlined guidelines for the issuance of permits, licenses, and certificates for the construction of Shared Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure (PTTIs)," he said.

But mostly, Belgica credited President Duterte for this breakthrough.

"All of these breakthroughs can be mainly attributed to President Duterte's determination to improve services and provide a more comfortable and convenient way of life for Filipinos," he said.

"Rest assured that in the coming months, we will continue to step up our efforts and keep coming up with innovations to improve the services in the country," he added.

According to Belgica, the upward trend of connectivity coincides with the growing demand for faster internet activity among the Filipinos in the new normal as most transactions are now being done online.

"Apart from the improved ranking, our true aspiration is for Filipinos to fully appreciate the seamless connection as they go about their daily lives, whether at work, in business, or in school," he said.

"It is also very timely, as we are pushing for ease of doing business, as this will allow for the effective implementation of our programs and initiatives to further advance our government services," he added.

In December, ARTA launched the Joint Memorandum Circular on pole, fiber ducts, and cable laying which aims to further bolster the country's internet connectivity through the widespread access of telecommunications infrastructure. This was in collaboration with the departments of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and other key agencies.

Meanwhile, Belgica said the steady increase in internet speed continues to boost the competitiveness of the Philippines not just in Southeast Asia, but also worldwide.

"I believe that by the end of the term of this Administration, the President would have fulfilled his promise to the people of a better and faster internet connection and services," he said.

"This is a primary example of the tremendous impact on a sector when all agencies and stakeholders, both from the government and private institutions, come together to battle and cut red tape in their industry," he added.