The Internet is an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we communicate, access information, and conduct business. It has transformed the world into a global village, connecting people across continents and bridging cultural and societal gaps. However, with the increasing importance and reliance on the Internet, there arises a need for legislation that ensures its openness to everyone.
Open access to the Internet is vital for several reasons. First and foremost, it promotes freedom of expression, enabling individuals to share their ideas and opinions without restrictions. Secondly, it fosters innovation and economic growth by providing a level playing field for startups and businesses to compete. An open Internet facilitates access to education, healthcare, and essential services, thus promoting inclusivity and bridging the digital divide. Legislation safeguarding the openness of the Internet is essential to protect these fundamental principles and ensure equal opportunities and access for all individuals in the digital age.
Several organizations are calling for the current administration to pass the proposed Open Access in Internet Services Act.
Better Internet PH (BIP) is the lead advocate for this cause, joined by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Internet Society – Philippines Chapter, Fintech Alliance.PH, Philippine Cable Television Association, Inc., National ICT Confederation of the Philippines, Foundation for Media Alternatives, and Democracy.net.ph.
“An Open Access law is critical to supporting the Marcos administration’s goal of promoting universal, seamless, and secure connectivity for Filipinos. We call on the 19th Congress to approve Open Access to make the Philippines a truly digital nation,” according to the joint statement released by the organizations this week.
Based on DICT’s National ICT Household Survey of 2019, 70% of barangays in the Philippines have no access to fiber optic cables, 60% have no access to cellular towers, and 80% have no access to FREE WIFI. In the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), only less than 1% of barangays have broadband Internet facilities.
The House of Representatives had already approved on Third Reading House Bill No. 6 (Open Access in Data Transmission Act), while in the Senate, five (05) bills (SB Nos. 183, 864, 1383, 1611, and 1845) related to this legislation are stuck at the Senate Committee on Science and Technology level. Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano is the current chairman of the Senate Science and Technology Committee at the 19th Congress.
The local arm of the global non-profit organization Mozilla enjoins the call for the urgent passage of this legislation.
“We encourage all stakeholders, including lawmakers, industry representatives, civil society organizations, and fellow citizens, to support the passage of the proposed Open Access in Internet Services Act. By working together, we can establish a framework that guarantees a fair and open internet for all Filipinos, fostering digital literacy, economic opportunities, and democratic participation,” Mozilla Philippines said in a statement of support on their website.