DICT eyes faster internet services before Duterte’s term ends

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), under acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr., is aiming to upgrade internet services in the country to world standards before President Duterte’s term ends.

Telecom companies, including the new entrant and more than 12 tower companies have signed a memorandum of understanding with the government, led by the DICT and the National Telecommunications Commission, to fast-track the improvement of internet services.

Rio said the agreement would allow DICT’s infrastructure policy to take off within the month.

The number of towers and their locations for this year will be identified as soon as possible. The telcos and towercos target to build 50,000 towers over a 10-year period.

The DICT aims to help the country catch up with the fast-growing digital world. Under Senate Bill No. 1763, the government seeks to provide open access in data transmission.

An earlier proposal of Presidential Adviser on Economic Affairs Ramon Jacinto to limit the towercos to only two participants was seen as contradictory to the Open Access in Data Transmission Act.

Rio cited a World Bank study titled, “Fostering Competition in the Philippines: The Challenge of Restrictive Regulation,” which promotes open common tower outlook and policy.