Passage of open access bill backed
Business and advocacy groups are pushing for the signing into law of the open access bill to accelerate digitalization in the country.
The groups said despite some improvement over the past two years, the country continues to suffer from a broadband infrastructure gap, which is worse in the rural areas.
Better Internet PH — a coalition of stakeholders pushing for accessible, reliable, affordable, and secure internet for all Filipinos — have gathered top industry leaders in signing a Joint Statement of Support for the Open Access in Internet Services Act (OAIS) which seeks to urge the Congress, particularly the Senate, to prioritize the deliberations on the open Access bills and approve it immediately.
The signing is scheduled today.
The signatories include the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, National ICT Confederation of the Philippines, Fintech Alliance.PH, Philippine Cable Television Association Inc., Internet Society-Philippines Chapter, Foundation for Media Alternatives, Democracy. net. Ph and Better Internet PH.
“Legal obstacles brought about by outdated laws restrict the building and operation of broadband networks. These obstacles are manifested in high barriers to entry and a costly and inefficient way of installing broadband infrastructure. As a result, poor and unreliable access and unaffordable Internet services persist,” they said.
The groups said the open access bill is a curative law that will address the legal obstacles and binding constraints as it lowers barriers and cost to market entry of Internet network operators by simplifying the registration and qualification process for providers; and makes broadband network deployment faster and more efficient by promoting infrastructure sharing and streamlining the approval process for permits to install broadband infrastructure.
On Dec. 12, 2022, the House of Representatives approved, on Third Reading, House Bill No. 6 or the Open Access in Data Transmission Act.1
Starting May , the Senate Committee on Science and Technology has initiated public hearings on key digital connectivity and cybersecurity bills, including Open Access.
Better Internet PH said an open access law is crucial to achieving the digitalization objective set in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, where the bill was identified as a priority legislation.
It added a pervasive and robust Internet infrastructure is the foundation of economic growth and digital transformation.
“We believe it is high time that our good Senators recognize and act on this important reform. Through this Joint Statement of Support, we are optimistic that the Senate will fast-track the approval of this landmark legislation this 19th Congress, and that the President will sign into law,” the group said.