DICT expects over a dozen telcos to apply under ‘Konektadong Pinoy’ Law

• Photo from Pixabay

By San Matildo

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is anticipating more than a dozen applications from telecommunications companies once the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Konektadong Pinoy Law are released in the first week of October.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said the agency has already held several consultation meetings with industry players. “The telcos only want fair participation in the crafting of the IRR,” he noted.

Aguda explained that one of the major points discussed in the IRR is how to strengthen governance in the telco sector to reduce the harmful effects of the internet.

“We saw one example over the weekend. It started with Black Mask, who organized online, and unfortunately this translated into violence in the street. If the DILG and the PNP had not acted quickly, the situation would not have remained as peaceful as it did,” he said.

He stressed that the law’s framework aims not only to expand connectivity but also to create safeguards. “Part of this is creating better governance around the internet so that we can minimize the ill effects—including preventing the promotion of violence online,” Aguda added.

On market interest, Aguda revealed that both local and foreign players are eager to participate.

“There are about three large foreign companies, though I won’t name them because we don’t want to preempt any announcements. But there are also many local players. What’s encouraging is that interest ranges from local government units wanting to serve their communities better to private companies. Some are already in the Philippines. Many are coming together to participate in Konektadong Pinoy so we can fulfill the President’s vision of connectivity everywhere in the country and affordable internet for all Filipinos,” he said.

So far, more than a dozen companies have expressed their intent. “Since the IRR has not yet been released, we expect the number to grow further once it comes out,” Aguda emphasized.