The Internet has forever changed the way we do things and how we create wealth. With the advent of e-commerce, online connectivity has become the driving force behind the world’s economic growth. In advanced countries, high-speed Internet has democratized innovation and transformed the delivery of public service in unprecedented ways. With the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution, a digital revolution that requires universal and reliable Internet access, developing countries, like the Philippines, must have reliable Internet access to participate in the global digital-based economy.
Since access to the Internet has become a vital development tool, the government must prioritize the deployment of a national broadband infrastructure. Unfortunately, for more than 100 million Filipinos, Internet connectivity in the Philippines remains the slowest among Asia-Pacific countries. This means Filipinos cannot avail themselves of the myriad opportunities online that could help make their lives better.
This is unfortunate because previous administrations have already prepared a National Broadband Plan (NBP), which was envisioned to provide detailed targets and strategies to effect a nationwide broadband deployment. The NBP spelled out a road map for initiatives to stimulate economic growth, spur job creation and boost the country’s capabilities in education, civic engagement and other online services.
According to the NBP, rural areas where commercial telecommunications services are absent will get priority connection to the national broadband infrastructure to give them Internet access. The plan also included strategies to promote new media, local content and applications; the development of a rural technology road map; and optimization of spectrum usage.
We recall that former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tried to establish a national broadband network that would link all government agencies via the Internet. The Arroyo administration tried to implement a $329-million broadband deal with Chinese firm ZTE Corp., but canceled it in the wake of allegations of corruption and overpricing. However, it seems that green shoots of recovery are starting to bud, as the Duterte administration is intent to make faster Internet speeds a national priority.
All indications show that the President is taking the issue on Internet access and speed more seriously than his predecessors. For example, upon hearing the complaints of telecommunication companies that it took anywhere from one to six months to secure dozens of permits to construct a single cell site, the Chief Executive promised to cut red tape for cell-tower building permits, a problem that the two telcos have been complaining about for many years now.
Under the Duterte administration, telcos are seen investing in network upgrades to keep pace with exploding demand for mobile-data services. Sadly, these investments are only being made in urban areas. While such network upgrades may help bring faster speeds to those who are already served, they will not decrease the number of Filipinos waiting for Internet connection. This inequality threatens to widen the existing digital divide in the country, which can be a roadblock to economic development and social inclusion.
Given the current realities, the government must focus on the development of Internet infrastructure in the countryside, particularly in areas with no Internet access or where Web access is scarce or limited. It must have a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber-optic cables and wireless technologies to improve Internet speed throughout the country. As most everyone knows, the Internet has brought progress to our world in immeasurable ways. Let’s make social inclusion a virtual reality in this country by ensuring that no Filipino is denied access to the Internet.