Manila: Senators on Monday announced that the newly enacted Konektadong Pinoy Act aims to alleviate the challenges faced by Filipino families, students, overseas workers, and small businesses by ensuring more affordable, faster, and reliable internet services nationwide.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senate President Francis Escudero characterized the law, also known as the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, as a significant move towards bridging the digital divide in remote areas. Escudero emphasized the high costs of internet connectivity in the Philippines relative to the speed offered and highlighted the importance of empowering Filipinos through improved access to information and connectivity.
The legislation simplifies entry for smaller companies into the industry by removing the requirement for legislative franchises and promotes infrastructure sharing to speed up the deployment of internet services across the nation. Escudero noted that this would lead to reduced prices and increased consumer options.
Senator Imee Marcos, the principal author of the act, stated that the law addresses the persistent issues of slow and expensive internet. She pointed out that the measure includes special discounts for students and ensures protection of consumer rights, including the swift resolution of service complaints.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who sponsored the law as the chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, underscored the necessity of aligning its implementation with other information and communication technology policies, such as the E-Governance Act and the digital highway masterplan. Cayetano expressed the law's role in modernizing digital infrastructure and ensuring that all Filipinos have access to affordable and quality information and communication technologies.
The Konektadong Pinoy Act became law on August 23. It prioritizes the installation of infrastructure near schools, offers student discounts, and establishes minimum service standards to enhance internet connectivity across the country.
