More reforms underway to fortify Philippines digital infrastructure

MANILA, Philippines — More reforms are underway to address regulatory constraints and help improve the country’s insufficient digital infrastructure, according to the Department of Information and Communications and Technology (DICT).

ICT Undersecretary for digital Philippines Emmanuel Rey Caintic said President Duterte has approved DICT’s proposals to institute additional regulatory frameworks to hasten the rollout of key digital infrastructures.

“The government understands the plight of private companies in this journey of helping build the country’s digital infrastructure. Thus, we strive to continue to evaluate and improve our processes for the benefit of the Filipino public,” he said.

Caintic said on top of these milestone policies, which would “lay down the foundations of digital connectivity and access program,” is the upcoming issuance of a joint memorandum circular (JMC) for fiber, common poles and in-building solutions for national compliance.

Among the agencies involved are the DICT, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“We are also pursuing a spectrum management policy to liberalize the use, allocation and refarming of the spectrum. This will allow a level playing field for all players,” Caintic said.

“Additionally, we are exploring regulations that necessitate the use of in-building solutions, which are small antennas placed in the ceilings,” he said.

Caintic said the DHSUD and the DILG would likewise issue soon the regulatory framework for necessitating in-building solutions as a necessary step toward attaining occupancy permit.

“Just like water, power and sewerage, the building occupants will have this service and it is already considered a basic utility,” the DICT official said.

Caintic said Duterte has already ordered the various agencies involved to immediately work on these directives.