The clamor has been there for decades. It has gained strength this time, with over 30 national organizations recently signing a petition to urge President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., to sign the bill into law.

In an AI economy, digital connectivity is no longer a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Yet, in the Philippines, millions remain disconnected, left on the sidelines of economic opportunity, education, and innovation despite impressive growth in mobile internet usage and increasing fixed broadband speeds in urban centers. This digital disparity directly hinders economic development and social progress. That’s why the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act (KPA) is not just timely but an absolute necessity for the nation’s future. It is expected to be transformative and has the potential to become a groundbreaking legislation.

The digital economy is rapidly becoming the backbone of global growth. In the Philippines, the potential is massive: from thriving e-commerce platforms and digital payment systems to the ever-expanding business process outsourcing (BPO) sector. But all of these opportunities hinge on one thing—connectivity. This also matters most for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially those outside Metro Manila. With better access to affordable internet, these businesses can reach larger markets, adopt digital tools, and become more competitive in a tech-driven economy. Moreover, sectors such as agriculture and tourism—which often operate in areas with limited connectivity—can now connect to the digital mainstream. Precision farming, digital marketplaces, and virtual tourism campaigns become viable, not distant dreams.

If we look at the current digital infrastructure landscape of the country, we see a tale of two Philippines. While major cities boast improving fiber optic networks and expanding 5G coverage, a stark reality persists: almost half of all barangays, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), still lack internet access. For those who are connected, the cost of internet remains among the highest in Southeast Asia relative to income, placing a heavy burden on low-income households. This digital divide cannot persist if we want to see the Philippines become a competitive economy. The existing connectivity landscape, historically characterized by unnecessarily high barriers to entry, has limited competition, preventing the widespread, affordable connectivity that a developing nation like the Philippines urgently needs.

This landmark legislation seeks to dismantle decades-old bottlenecks in our digital infrastructure. The most significant change is the removal of the legislative franchise requirement for data transmission providers. This antiquated barrier, unique to the Philippines, has long stifled competition. By moving to a more straightforward registration process with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the Act paves the way for new players, including smaller and community-based ISPs, to enter the market. This increased competition, coupled with mandates for infrastructure sharing and transparent access pricing, is expected to make connectivity more affordable for a larger number of Filipinos.

The KPA is expected to streamline permitting processes for broadband infrastructure deployment, addressing a major bottleneck that has plagued network expansion. This, combined with eased market entry, will incentivize greater investment in digital infrastructure, including fiber optic networks and data centers, particularly in underserved rural areas. Imagine more local networks sprouting up, tailored to community needs and powered by shared infrastructure, reaching previously unconnected towns and islands.

The KPA also introduces a rational and transparent framework for spectrum allocation, ensuring efficient use of this vital resource. This will enable better utilization of airwaves, leading to more stable and faster connections across the archipelago.

While incumbent players have raised some concerns regarding potential national security implications and regulatory oversight, proponents argue that the bill has undergone rigorous scrutiny and includes provisions for cybersecurity measures, performance audits, and prohibitions against foreign government-controlled entities. These safeguards, along with robust implementing rules and regulations, will be crucial for ensuring a secure and equitable digital future.

Artificial intelligence holds enormous promise for the Philippines—from more innovative traffic systems in Manila to AI-powered health diagnostics in rural clinics. But AI requires more than imagination—it needs infrastructure. We need to lay the groundwork for AI adoption. Data-rich environments, low-latency connections, and stable bandwidth are foundational for deploying AI systems. The Konektadong Pinoy Act should help deliver exactly that, making the country more attractive for AI startups, global investors, and local innovators.

The Konektadong Pinoy Act isn’t just about building more cell towers—it’s about building a more inclusive, prosperous, and future-ready Philippines. It paves the way for digital equality, economic decentralization, and technological competitiveness.

As the world continues to shift further into a digital-first era, the question is not whether we can afford to connect more Filipinos—it is whether we can afford not to. With the Konektadong Pinoy Act, we finally have a chance to make every Filipino not just connected, but empowered.

(The author is an executive member of the National Innovation Council, lead convener of the Alliance for Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), vice president of the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines, and vice president of UP System Information Technology Foundation. Email: [email protected])