Bill requiring ISPs to roll-over data allocation gets House OK

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MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives approved on second reading a bill requiring all internet service providers (ISP) in the country to implement a roll-over data allocation scheme.

Via voice voting, the lower chamber approved during Tuesday’s session House Bill No. 9057 or the “Roll-Over Internet Act.”

Under the measure, the rolled-over data allocation for postpaid subscribers shall be prioritized to be consumed in the preceding month, provided that the unused data every month will be rolled over and accumulated up until the last month of the year.

The unused data allocation of postpaid subscribers may also be used and converted as rebates, that may be used by subscribers as payment for internet service in the succeeding year of subscriptions.

Meanwhile, the unused data allocation of prepaid subscribers and postpaid subscribers who avail of internet data package promo offers shall be rolled over provided that the subscriber renews the subscription right after the lapse of the offer duration.

The unused data allocation of prepaid subscribers who fail to renew their subscription shall be reduced by 20 percent every day until the subscription is renewed.

According to the measure, an ISP that fails to comply with the bill shall be made to pay a fine of P50,000 per violation per subscriber. For repeated violations, aside from the payment of a fine, the ISP’s license, registration, or franchise will be revoked or canceled.

/MUF