Limited internet access continues to hinder rural communities in the Philippines, widening the digital divide and restricting opportunities in education, employment, and digital services.
Former Philippine Cable TV Association president and Negrosanon columnist Joel Dabao emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, calling the Konektadong Pinoy Bill a game-changer for small internet service providers (ISPs).
“By removing the congressional franchise requirement through the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, we allow more local players to deploy broadband networks,” Dabao told Brigada News FM Philippines on Friday, February 14.
Current regulations require ISPs to secure a congressional franchise before operating legally, a process that small players struggle to navigate. The new bill seeks to simplify this process, allowing ISPs to register directly with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) instead of waiting for lengthy legislative approval.
Dabao pointed out that many small-scale internet providers, such as pisonets (internet cafes), operate illegally due to the franchise requirement. He believes that removing this hurdle will significantly expand internet access in underserved areas while boosting economic growth.
“The Konektadong Pinoy Bill will dramatically reduce the digital divide, especially in rural areas, while improving e-governance, remote work opportunities, and access to distance learning,” he said.
Oppositions
CitizenWatch Philippines, a local network advocacy group, warned that the proposed telecommunications bill might lower network service quality. The group argued that new players in the telco industry could pressure existing companies to cut corners to stay competitive.
However, Dabao dismissed this statement, calling it a “terrible argument.” He said that the bill requires the NTC to establish performance standards that ISPs must follow or risk losing their licenses.
“Even if enforcement weakens, increased competition will still benefit consumers, who can switch to providers offering better services,” Dabao said.
He also noted that the Philippines remains the only country that requires ISPs to obtain a franchise before rolling out internet infrastructure.
Lawmakers have traditionally classified ISPs alongside telecom giants like PLDT, Globe, and Converge, often overlooking the role of smaller providers in remote communities.
He cited Kabankalan Community Antenna Television System Incorporated (KCAT) as an example, saying that it had already provided services in multiple barangays long before major telecom firms arrived.
Aside from franchise restrictions, cumbersome regulatory requirements also slow down small ISPs. “Instead of following a straightforward registration process, I had to apply for multiple permits from the NTC just to build infrastructure. Some of these permits have remained pending since 2019,” Dabao revealed.
While the bill aims to level the playing field, the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) also opposes it, claiming that easing restrictions on small ISPs could disrupt fair competition.
Dabao argued that large corporations already dominate the industry with extensive resources and political influence. “The competition isn’t fair as it is. Congress forces smaller ISPs to go through a legislative process that larger companies navigate easily due to their influence,” he said.
Urgent bill
Supporters of the bill gained momentum after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. certified it as urgent, showing strong backing from the government and the business sector.
However, Dabao noted that the measure still needs to pass the bicameral conference, receive presidential approval, and undergo the drafting of implementing rules and regulations before becoming a law.
If enacted, the Konektadong Pinoy Bill is eyed by tech experts to transform the country’s digital landscape, allowing small ISPs to compete fairly, bid for spectrum, offer localized mobile internet, and collaborate with international providers to expand infrastructure, he said.
“Small ISPs will finally compete on equal footing with major players,” Dabao added.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.