The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) gave a three pronged approach for the improvement of Information and Communications Technology in the country.
DICT Secretary Salalima has approached congress to impose sanctions against subdivision homeowners’ associations that do not cooperate in the installation of cell sites in their subdivisions. Sec. Salalima stated that such resistance leads to the detriment of broadband services since cell sites are integral to a broadband network.
The lack of cellsites results in network congestion and slow broandband speed. The inability of telcos to put up cell sites in known subdivision hinders the operations of the broadband network.
DICT drafted a measure to allow telcos to construct cell sites in private subdivisions. To this effect, the DICT called on congress, particularly Rep. Victor Yap, chairman of the house committee on information and communications technology.
“I implore Congressman Yap request his colleagues to pass a law or legislation stating that telecommunications is a basic human right and any board or association preventing telcos from entering the subdivision are, in fact, violating the rights of the residents of that subdivision to the basic human right to telecommunications,” Salalima said during the official launching of the DICT’s flagship programs in Manila on Friday.
The Philippines has only 16,300 cell sites lags poorly in numbers as compared to its neighbors like Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.
Together with havering for support from the legislature, the DICT also launched its National Broadband Plan (NBP). With the NBP, the DICT aims to provide internet services to the most remote areas of the country.
The NBP will piggyback on the National Grid Corporation’s (NGC) fiber optic network. Theoretically, since the NGC provides electricity, then areas with electricity can have internet connectivity. This is critical in providing information and government services such as health education in remote areas.
The third is providing free WiFi services to the people in public areas such as government buildings, hospitals, clinics, schools and other government buildings. This will enable WiFi access to those who need them for health, education, applying for government services and processes.
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