DICT Chief Clarifies "Konektadong Pinoy" Bill, Stresses Need for Stronger Consumer Rights and Competition

Strategic Insights -

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) secretary Henry Aguda emphasized that the proposed "Konektadong Pinoy" bill aims to safeguard consumer rights and promote competition, rather than undermine the country's telecommunications providers. Speaking at a Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) event, Aguda highlighted the bill's goal of providing universal Internet access for Filipinos, with provisions for improved customer service response times and fairer service practices. He also revealed that the DICT is working on releasing a study by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) showing a decline in Internet service prices due to increased market competition.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed "Konektadong Pinoy" bill seeks to strengthen consumer rights and promote competition in the telecommunications industry, not to undercut existing providers.
  • The bill aims to ensure universal Internet access for Filipinos, with provisions for faster customer service response times and fairer service practices.
  • The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will soon release a study by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) showing a drop in Internet service prices due to heightened market competition.
  • The DICT is preparing a department order extending tower operators' licenses to 15 years to attract more investment.
  • The DICT is finalizing fair-use rules for new players' access to existing infrastructure.
  • Converge ICT CEO Dennis Uy expressed support for the bill, but emphasized the need for a strong regulatory framework and clear Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) to safeguard consumer protection.
  • Converge also signed a memorandum of understanding with DICT to strengthen efforts against online scams.
  • The National Fiber Act's Phases 1 to 3 were completed last month in Tacloban, two years ahead of schedule.
  • Phases 4 and 5, linking Mindanao to Luzon and Visayas, have been launched and are targeted for completion before the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Statistics:

  • 15 years: the proposed duration of extended tower operators' licenses to attract more investment.
  • 2025: the target completion date for Phases 4 and 5 of the National Fiber Act, linking Mindanao to Luzon and Visayas.

Sources:

  • "DICT chief says 'Konektadong Pinoy' not an anti-telco bill", Newsbytes.PH, accessed on [insert date].
  • Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) event, "51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBCandE)", held on August 18, 2021, at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.