THE government must look into emerging technologies and allow companies that test them to flourish, an advocate said on Thursday, to help improve the quality of Internet connectivity in the Philippines.
Better Broadband Alliance (BBA) lead convener Mary Grace Mirandilla-Santos said the government must revisit old regulations and policies, particularly those implemented during the analog era, and amend them to suit the demands of the times.
Today, she said, there are a number of emerging technologies all around the world, and companies are brave enough to test whether they prove to be economically sound or not—so long as it will help improve the quality of the Internet.
“Given the different challenges and issues on quality and affordability and access, we look at other technologies out there that are being used to improve access, reliability, thereby making the cost of broadband much cheaper,” Santos said.
For example, some foreign companies are testing technologies that use radio frequencies to produce connectivity, some are building fiber-optic cables directly in their premises, and some use satellites and fixed wireless innovations.
“We look at emerging technologies because they are known to disrupt the market. Having a disruptive technology can introduce competition to the market, and entice unexpected market entry,” she said.
So what needs to be done, Santos said, is for the government to review, amend, and upgrade the policies, regulations, and even laws that are barring or may bar the development of new technologies. She cited the proposed amendments to the Public Service Act and to the Philippine Telecommunications Act as examples. She also cited the initiatives in both houses of Congress to pass the open access in data transmission Bill.
“We are aware there are other ways of doing things. We just need to allow them to happen,” Santos said. “We do have hope and it can be done. We can bring our policies and regulation to the digital age.”