A digital advocacy group urged the national government to suspend the lease of fees on broadband connectivity to provide wider internet access that benefits more Filipinos.
Ronald Gustilo, national campaigner for Digital Pinoys, said the lifting of the lease of fees will have a positive impact on as many Filipinos and eventually narrow the digital divide, especially for those living in services, especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).
"The lifting of lease fees for telcos and internet service providers may lead to better wifi and telecommunications services for the public and will also improve connectivity, as this will impact the lives of internet users positively," Gustilo said.
Such connectivity will also benefit families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are in constant communication with migrant workers.
In order to make it possible, Gustilo said more property and building owners should allow a rent-free broadband connection through government intervention.
He said other foreign governments have begun to recognize the value of broadband connectivity to provide adequate internet connection such as Africa and Singapore, the latter's government mandated that there would be no lease to be paid by the telecom operator.
The Department of Information Communications and Technology (DICT) previously expressed its support for legislation that would improve digital connectivity in the country.
One of the telcos operating in the country, Globe Telecom, has been pushing to eliminate lease fees to "foster a more competitive market and enhance internet accessibility for the public.”
"Connectivity is something that residents or tenants cannot do away with. That's why it's important for developers to work with us and see this as a win-win situation," Globe Vice President and Head for Site Lifecycle Management Service Michelle Ora said.
Over 60,000 cell towers are needed to provide adequate internet connection to Filipinos, according to the Asian Development Bank.