Strengthening PH digital economy in the new normal

IN May 2021, a report by global internet testing leader Ookla indicated that the country had made great strides in improving internet speed. For fixed broadband, the country’s average download speed reached 58.73Mbps, a 15-notch monthly increase, while speed in mobile registered 31.97Mbps, a sevennotch monthly increase the Ookla Speedtest Global Index revealed.

This is good news for the Filipinos as it sends great hope and relief for the majority who rely on the Internet for online classes, virtual meetings, digital networking and businesses, among others.

The vast improvement can also be attributed to the Duterte administration’s all out support in expediting the release of local government unit permits needed for the fast tracking of telecommunications infrastructure improvement.

Timely revelation

THE news is timely as the country, led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), observes National ICT Month this month. As the primary policy planning, coordinating, implementing and administrative entity of the Executive Branch, DICT plans, develops and promotes the national ICT development agenda.

The DICT has adopted the “Connect, Harness, Innovate and Protect” or CHIP conceptual framework to improve Internet speed in the country.

“Government recognizes that there are existing challenges in our efforts to connect with our people. This is due to several factors: a 1 tower to 4,000 households’ ratio; the minimal use of poles/micro towers and in-building solutions in CBDS (Central Business Districts); the low number of towers, fiber, backhaul, and fiber network; and inadequate investment in connectivity in Missionary Areas. In this regard, the DICT has adopted the CHIP conceptual framework in order to address these concerns,” said Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.

CHIP components

THE Connect component contains the DICT’S digital connectivity and infrastructure programs. Harness pertains to capacity-building initiatives to upskill Filipinos for the digital economy. Innovate, on the other hand, highlights the Department’s government modernization and digitization projects. Lastly, the Protect component focuses on the mitigation of risks and threats as the country transitions to a digitally-enabled economy.

With the theme, “Onwards Through ICT: Building a Stronger Philippine Digital Economy,” the DICT encourages the public to participate and learn more about its efforts to achieve digital transformation of the country.

“Your DICT has adopted the CHIP framework to implement plans, programs, and initiatives aimed at accelerating the digital transformation to strengthen the country’s digital economy in the new normal. Through this framework, we shall strive for our economy to come out of the new normal stronger and more promising than before,” DICT Secretary Gregorio “Gringo” B. Honasan II said.

With this, the government expects an average of 5,000 towers per year to be built over the next three years.

“Government also plans to continue the fast-tracking program and projects such as the National Broadband Program (NBP), the Free Wi-fi for all program, and the National Government Data Center,” Nograles added.

The CHIP framework was adapted from the World Bank Digital Economy 2020 report, and outlines and restructures the DICT’S plans and initiatives to accelerate the digital transformation of the country in the new normal.

As the DICT rallies its efforts under the framework, Nograles said, it aims to enhance its plans to be more responsive to the actual needs and demands of the Philippine ICT landscape.

Moreover, the fast-tracking of telco infrastructure roll-out is expected to continue as more LGUS comply with the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 01 s. 2020 signed by the DICT, Department of Interior and Local Government, Anti-red Tape Authority, and other government agencies.

The National Telecommunications Commission, PLDT, Globe, Converge and DITO also welcomed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) initiative to allow telecommunication companies to occupy a portion of the government’s Right of Way (ROW) as part of the government’s thrust to ensure internet connectivity throughout the country. The new DPWH directive will help speed up the implementation of telco infrastructure projects especially along national roads.