Gov’t inks IRR for Konektadong Pinoy Act

This development will fast-track the connection to internet service in isolated areas.

Photo from PCO

Faster and cheaper internet service for Filipinos

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and other government agencies have signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Konektadong Pinoy Act.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said the Konektadong Pinoy Act is a priority measure under the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) and one of the main directives of President Marcos under Bagong Pilipinas.

Layunin nitong pabilisin ang koneksyon, pababain ang halaga – ibig sabihin, dapat mas mura ang service po natin sa internet – at palawakin ang access sa internet lalo na sa mga lugar na unserved, underserved at sa mga GIDAs o geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, the DICT chief said.

The IRR makes it easier for new internet service providers to enter the Philippine market, enhances competition in the telecommunications industry, and speeds up the processing of permits and registration, resulting in more affordable internet connectivity.

The guidelines also include the implementation of the "Dig Once Policy," or simultaneous laying out of fiber cables in government projects to save time and money.

Aguda also announced that, through the assistance of the Australian Government under the Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) program, the DICT has completed the national mapping of fiber cables in the entire country.

The mapping project was aimed at speeding up the fiberization of all households and lowering the connectivity service price with the help of the private sector.

Alam na natin iyong mga 50 percent na household sa Pilipinas na may fiber optic connectivity. Siyempre alam na rin natin kung ano iyong 50 percent na walang fiber optic connectivity, Aguda said.

With these developments, DICT said it is ready to fuel fiberization in the country, in line with the goal of having a fast, reliable, and affordable internet connection before 2028.

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Source: PCO