House OKs bill requiring ISPs to roll over data allocation

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

In a vote of 244 affirmative, zero negatives and zero abstentions, the lower chamber approved House Bill No. 9057 or the “Roll-Over Internet Act.”

With this measure, the rolled-over data allocation for postpaid subscribers will be prioritized for consumption in the preceding month, subject to the condition that the unused data will be rolled over and accumulated up until the end of the year.

If postpaid subscribers don’t use all their data, they can get rebates that can be used to pay for internet access next year.

Meanwhile, those who take advantage of data package promos will get to keep their unused data if they renew their subscriptions immediately after expiring.

Prepaid subscribers who do not renew their subscription will have their unused data allocation lowered by 20 percent daily until they are renewed.

According to the measure, an ISP that violates the bill will be fined P50,000 for each violation and each subscriber. Apart from a fine, the ISP’s license, registration, or franchise will be revoked or canceled for repeated offenses.

abc