ICT welcomes national broadband network

THE Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry in Davao Region have high hopes with the recently-approved creation of national broadband network by President Rodrigo Duterte.

ICT-Davao Inc. President Samuel Matunog said Monday afternoon, March 6, the move is seen to have beneficial gains to the country's ICT industry.

“We welcome the project as it will contribute to the IT enablement of government which, in turn, will result into faster, better services,” he said.

Philippine Call Center Alliance Founding Chair Joji Ilagan-Bian echoed this, saying the network is what the country needs for so long.

Apart from resulting into a faster and more efficient government services, Bian said: “More importantly, this is a welcome development as it will stop red tape and corruption, essential in reducing the cost of doing business.”

She added the proper implementation of the broadband network will allow investments and new businesses to grow at a much faster phase.

President Duterte, as reported by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, gave a nod to the establishment of a National Government Portal and a National Broadband Plan during the 13th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang on Monday.

After a presentation made by ICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, Duterte stressed the need for faster communications in the country, added Piñol.

The plan aims to deliver high-speed internet services to far-flung communities, which are unreached by telecommunication companies.

“President Duterte earlier said he would like DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology) to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optic(s) cables and wireless technologies to improve Internet speed,” Piñol said.

Duterte, in his inaugural speech delivered in July 25, 2016, ordered the DICT to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate deployment of fiber optics in the country.

The DICT earlier said the national broadband program would “ensure affordable access to every community and improve broadband connectivity.”

The DICT added the proposed national broadband program would cost around P77 billion to almost P200 billion.