Globe Telecom Inc. said on Thursday it supports calls for the establishment of a national connectivity index rating, an initiative that will establish a standard for Internet quality in the Philippines.
According to Globe President Ernest Cu, the group is supportive of this plan, noting that it is “ready to collaborate” with the government to jumpstart this endeavor.
“We are ready and eager to work with the government to establish a connectivity index rating in the country. This will allow our consumers to choose which establishment or public place they would want to patronize because internet services are within standards,” he said.
Last month, consumer advocacy group CitizenWatch Philippines and its partners proposed the creation of a national Connectivity Index Rating to serve as a consumer-friendly, easy to understand rating system for the quality of internet experience in a particular indoor area.
The quality of internet experience includes speed, accessibility, availability and security. This rating will provide a benchmark for property owners and government institutions on the right level of connectivity vis-a-vis the volume of user traffic in a given building or area.
“With this in place, we will cement the perception that the Philippines has internet services at par with other countries, just as external party surveys have been showing. This initiative resonates profoundly with the President’s blueprint for a digitally resilient and vibrant Philippines,” Cu said.
Currently, consumers have no way of assessing the quality of internet connectivity in public spaces such as airports, malls, hotels, libraries, and coffee shops.
Tim Abejo, co-convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines, said the index should be as straightforward as the familiar 5-star system used to rate hotels.
“Having a connectivity rating of an establishment publicly displayed or available online will affect the image of an institution and will force building owners to take steps to ensure high-quality digital connectivity for their users,” Abejo said.
