Developers, telcos urged to build digital communities

An advocacy group is urging real estate developers to partner with telecommunication companies so they could ensure fast and reliable internet service to their homeowners and tenants.

Tim Abejo, co-convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines, said many developers still refuse to allow cell sites and restrict access to fiber cable installations, resulting in spotty and slow internet connections among residents.

“A stable internet connection is no longer a nice-to-have feature but a basic utility, just like electricity and water. In the world we live in today, communities must be digitally ready, and this is one thing that developers must guarantee,” he said.

“The pandemic-induced lockdowns made us see how indispensable the internet is to our professional and even personal lives. It is not only workplaces that need to be fully digital. Communities also have to be digitally enabled.”

The Department of Information and Communications Technology has committed to support legislation setting standards for telco integration in the design of residential property.

In the 19th Congress, Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares refiled Senate Bill 329 – the Better Internet Act – requiring service providers to establish minimum standards for connection, reception, pricing and billing.

“As advocates championing the interests of ordinary citizens and consumers, we laud – and expect much from – the DICT’s and Sen. Poe’s legislative initiative to mandate fast connectivity for all housing developments,” Abejo said.

“Telco space for network infrastructure in housing developments, be they buildings or subdivisions, should be a standard facility integrated by developers and imposed by government to align with a nationwide broadband strategy.

Abejo cited the example of Globe Business’ Project RISE (Regional Insights and Strategies for Enterprise), which advocates foresight in shaping Philippine communities, specifically in the master planning and development stages.

“Building and subdivision developers should make room for communication infrastructure as early as their planning stages, in the same way as electrical, electromechanical, water, plumbing, sanitation and other aspects are considered,” he said.

He also warned that failure to put telco infrastructure at the outset would result in costlier retrofits.

“There is no doubt that the internet connectivity must be reliable and at least at par with global speed standards. To keep up with all our online activities – fast broadband services are now a basic necessity. If deprived of this, the quality of life and the productivity of entire communities, not just individuals, organizations or households, will be seriously stymied,” Abejo said.

“The digital readiness of our people should be a prime concern of government. This is essential to our recovery and the economic empowering of our people.”