OADTA passage sought by group

ADVOCATES of the Open Access in Data Transmission Act (OADTA) are urging policymakers to immediately pass this major legislation, which is expected to improve the country’s broadband connectivity, a crucial catalyst to economic growth in the digital era.

Better Internet PH has pushed anew for the passage of the stalled bill that will allow telecommunications companies (telcos) and internet service providers (ISPs) to install broadband networks without the need for a congressional franchise.

The OADTA intends to address the ills of existing laws, and expand and improve broadband infrastructure in the country, the advocacy group said.

“Outdated laws and regulations, designed for analog telephone and radio broadcast, have stifled the growth of Philippine internet,” said Better Internet PH in its letter.

The nation’s poor digital infrastructure was starkly highlighted during the pandemic when the worldwide use of digital technologies was accelerated to enable trade and commerce to continue amid restrictions and lockdowns.

Under OADTA, both telcos and ISPs are allowed to own, construct and install their own broadband networks even without a congressional franchise, and this will make the internet more accessible, affordable and reliable anywhere in the country.

The call for the law’s enactment comes as the Philippines is trailing in download speeds and having one of the most expensive connections in Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the world, noted the group.

In the absence of any broadband law, the country applies Republic Act 7925, or the “Public Telecommunications Policy Act of 1995” — a law designed for telegraphs and landlines — to govern broadband networks. The current restrictive policy and regulatory environment has prevented capable industry players from participating in expanding the country’s digital infrastructure, Better Internet added.

Latest data show that the Philippines has about 370 existing ISPs, mostly cable TV operators that also offer internet services. However, as non-telcos, they cannot expand internet infrastructure beyond the geographical areas designated by their cable TV license.

OADTA aims to remove these restrictions while also addressing efficiency and cost issues in the rollout of broadband networks and promoting better management of spectrum for wireless internet connectivity.

“Every day without open access is another day that the Philippines remains chained to outdated rules, preventing us from truly adapting to the digital world of today,” said Better Internet.