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Collaboration between the government and the private sector is crucial to improving the country’s Internet speed, as it requires massive capital spending, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said.
A strong telecommunications infrastructure is needed, especially during these times when online communications and correspondence have become the new norm due to the pandemic, the telecommunications regulator said.
This year, the government allocated almost P2 billion for the National Broadband Plan that aims to accelerate telecommunications projects to close the digital divide in the country.
“The administration’s initiative to increase the budget for the National Broadband Plan is a welcome development, as this will also mean connectivity to more mission sites or areas without existing telecommunications infrastructure,” said NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Córdoba.
“More is needed to accelerate development in this sector, which once done will mean growth for the broader economy that will translate into more jobs and livelihoods,” he added.
The NTC said that 18 billion pesos are needed to fully implement the NBP’s “digital nation” plan.
Córdoba pointed out that other countries spent massively for their infrastructure network.
Thailand, for example, allocated $ 343 million to upgrade its broadband connections and $ 143 million for additional submarine cable lines.
Taiwan, meanwhile, will spend $ 2.4 billion to upgrade its digital infrastructure, while Vietnam allocated $ 820 million for more submarine cables.
Singapore, Japan and South Korea also prioritized investments in their public and digital internet backbone, according to the NTC.
He said Germany will also roll out $ 116 billion for a “gigabit” internet service, while the UK has allocated $ 962 million to support next-generation innovations.
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