Telcos cite need for gov’t support in network upgrade

MANILA, Philippines -  Local telecommunication companies have underscored the urgent need for government support in the deployment of infrastructure, most especially in rural and far-flung areas which pose significant business viability concerns, an industry regulator said.

National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba said unlike in other ASEAN countries, the Philippines remains the only nation where the telco industry is not dominated by state-owned firms.

This means other ASEAN governments are mostly providing infrastructure funding support for the telecommunications sector while in the country, the two major privately-owned telcos (PLDT and Globe) are shouldering the massive investments in network infrastructure.

Cordoba said this situation underscores the urgent need for the government’s P72-billion national broadband network (NBN) program to deliver fast internet service to far-flung areas.  

In addition to investments in “missionary routes,” telcos also need government support in minimizing, if not eliminating bureaucracy in relation to the permitting process for ICT-related infrastructure such as cell sites, Cordoba added.

The NBN program, recently approved by President Duterte, would establish a National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan, as well as accelerate the deployment of fiber optic cables and wireless technologies throughout the country.