MANILA: Senator Loren Legarda on Wednesday emphasized the importance of investing in the development of data transmission services to narrow the digital divide in the country and push for holistic national growth. 'At present, connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity," Legarda said in a news release as she urged for the passage of Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2699, or the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act. 'It is our goal to also democratize the digital marketplace by eliminating regulatory barriers and promoting a technology-neutral policy framework to create a fair and open environment for all service providers,' she added. SBN 2699 seeks to provide accessible internet connections and democratize the digital marketplace. It also seeks to foster fair competition and remove barriers to entry in the data transmission sector. Once passed into law, the measure is expected to make internet more affordable and increase access to high-quality internet services for all Filipinos. 'It is imperative that we prio ritize digital inclusivity at this present time, acknowledging the importance of innovations in national development,' Legarda said. Legarda was the principal author of Republic Act No. 10844, which established the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and has consistently pushed for initiatives to enhance the country's ICT infrastructure and services. Source: Philippines News agency