President Duterte signs an EO to expand telco’s access to satellite systems
President Rodrigo Duterte signed an Executive Order on March 11. This aims telco players’ to have inclusive access to satellite systems. This comes as part of the government’s way to help telecommunication companies to provide better Internet services to Filipinos. The new Executive Order 127 allows telco along with broadcast service providers to have inclusive access to satellite systems following NTC rules, regulations, and authorizations.
President Duterte signs an EO to expand telco’s access to satellite systems.
Additionally, internet service providers and value-added service providers registered under the National Telecommunications Commission are now allowed to have direct access to the satellite systems. Studies have also already proved Filipinos’ social media and internet usage.
This, of course, makes the Philippines as top social media and internet users in the world. However, the country still suffers from slow internet speed. Ookla ran a Speedtest Global Index last November. This puts the Philippines at the 110th out of 139 countries in mobile internet speeds.
As the country continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos heavily rely more on the internet.
With the new EO, the government mandates the telco regulator to accelerate administrative processes. To update its regulations to allow Internet Service Providers and Value-Added service providers. To “directly access, utilize, own, and operate” internet access service facilities using satellite technologies. And, to further improve internet connectivity in the country.
The new EO also stated:
“In recent years, high-speed wired and wireless data networks providing interactive connection to the internet have emerged as powerful drivers of economic and social change such that access to the internet has become a basic household need for Filipinos.”
With DITO Telecommunity coming in as the third telco player, the current administration expecting the three telco giants with improved yet cheaper services to Filipino people.
Source: PNA.GOV.PH / CNN
