Facebook heeds government call to ensure internet stability

MANILA, Philippines — Facebook has decided to temporarily reduce bit rates for videos on Facebook and Instagram in the Philippines in response to the government’s call to ensure internet stability during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Facebook is working closely with the country’s mobile operatorsto manage any bandwidth constraints during the crisis.

The measure is expected to address network congestion and free up bandwidth allocation that may be used for other vital online services, the agency said.

Facebook’s move follows similar measures taken by online streaming platforms Netflix, Google, iFlix and iWant following the request of the National Telecommunications Commission.

Information and Communications Technology Secretary Gregorio Honasan lauded the online streaming platforms that have heeded the government’s call to help ease data congestion.

Honasan said the enforcement of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon has caused a significant surge in the usage of digital services and streaming platforms which strains the country’s internet infrastructure.

“Along with food, water, and medicine, connectivity is vital for the people right now. With the participation of our private sector, we hope to maintain and improve the Filipino’s internet connectivity during this crisis,” he said.

The DICT, with the guidance of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, aims to provide enhanced internet experience to the public during the quarantine period.