Efforts to reclassify internet links as public service is now underway in a bid to boost the country’s digital infrastructure and eventually expand its reach to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged (GIDAs) areas.
Currently, there are two pending bills which seek to amend the National Building Code of the Philippines. House Bill Nos. 900 and 8534 and once enacted, they will mandate developers and property owners to provide a space for telcos in all newly developed and existing projects.
There are also calls to remove the rental fees for broadband connectivity as internet services should have equal footing with water and electricity.
The bills, filed by Representatives Christian Yap and Joey Salceda, got a commitment of support from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) which vowed to work closely with legislators to classify internet connectivity as a public service.
DICT Assistant Secretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso said the DICT supports the enactment of the said bills, including the lifting of rental fees for broadband connectivity.
"We make sure to participate in the discussions, especially in the Technical Working Group discussions of these bills. But, all in all, we are very supportive and respect the direction of our legislation when it comes to what laws need to be passed," said Paraiso.
"The DICT, for the record, supports that, we have to work within the bounds of the law, especially with the advent and the implementation of the Public Service Act. We have to find a way and we have to convince the lawmakers that broadband connectivity should be exempted from paying these fees; however, they should not be considered as public utilities, but rather as “public services," he added.
The move is in support with President Marcos’ order to boost the country’s digital infrastructure.