Since 2016, Internet stakeholders in the Philippines have advocated for changes to the country’s restrictive Internet provider regulations. Now, landmark connectivity legislation called Konektadong Pinoy is nearing passage and poised to bring Internet connectivity to rural communities that have been left behind by the digital divide.
Currently, individual Internet providers must secure congressional approval to operate in the Philippines, making it nearly impossible for remote communities to establish their own networks. Konektadong Pinoy will introduce: a simplified licensing process for building networks and offering Internet services; an infrastructure sharing scheme; and a spectrum management policy for regulating radio frequencies. It will also improve network security by introducing cybersecurity standards, national security provisions, and performance metrics—none of which are covered by existing laws.
