DICT renews commitment to bring key changes

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is optimistic on fulfilling its commitment to bring positive change in the country’s information and communications technology (ICT) landscape starting this year.

“Before the end of 2020, our people will feel big improvement in ICT services,” DICT Undersecretary for operations Eliseo Rio said in a social media post.

Rio indicated that further improvement can be seen once 2021 comes.

The DICT is expecting a more competitive telecommunication industry with the new major player commercially operational by the fourth quarter of the year.

The entry of the new player, it said, would result in improved quality of service, faster and less expensive internet connectivity.

Dito Telecommunity, a consortium composed of China Telecom and Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corp. and Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp., has committed to cover 37 percent of the population and provide 27 Mbps minimum average internet speed in year one of its five-year commitment period.

The DICT, meanwhile, has vowed a more secure cyberspace and a data privacy protection regime that is compliant with international standards and ensures the free flow of information.

In addition, the agency is committing a modernized regulatory and policy regime that would result in more equitable allocation spectrum, universal access, and infrastructure sharing.

Around 10,000 more access points nationwide, specifically in underserved and unserved areas, will likewise be constructed this year for the “Free Wi-Fi for All” program.

The DICT is also counting on the operation this year of the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure that will add 2 Tbps of internet connectivity for government use.

The DICT in 2017 signed a landing party agreement with Facebook, which would be called the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure to improve speed and accessibility, as well as reduce the cost of broadband internet in the country.

“DICT Vision 2020 is for the Filipino to experience truly improved ICT services before the end of year 2020,” the agency said.