Telcos, ISPs ordered to provide reliable signal, ample bandwidth

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has ordered the country’s telecommunication and internet providers to ensure consistent and reliable services across government and private sectors during the course of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

The DICT, in a memorandum dated March 12, has directed the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to monitor the compliance of all operating mobile network operators (MNOs) and internet service providers (ISPs).

The MNOs and ISPs are mandated to provide ample bandwidth allocation and availability of service and signal based on their respective service level agreements, the DICT said.

The agency cited the vital role of ICT in observing the Department of Health’s directive on social distancing as a precautionary measure to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

It said the use of ICT will enable the continuity of key government operations and functions through remote online activities as well as continuity of economic activities in the private sector, including the business, banking and finance, among others.

ICT solutions will also aid in the promotion of alternative learning platform for all stakeholders in the education sector, the DICT said.

“According to Republic Act 10844, it is the policy of the state to promote the use of ICT for the enhancement of key public services, such as education, public health and safety, revenue generation, and socio-civic purposes,” Information and Communications Technology Secretary Gregorio Honasan II said.

“Thus, as the department mandated to advance the national ICT agenda, we are striving, thru the NTC, to ensure the availability of adequate internet and mobile connection to all sectors of the Philippine population so they may leverage on the advantages of ICT during these trying times,” Honasan said.

Information and Communications Technology undersecretary Eliseo Rio said earlier that the telcos have already committed that they would increase speed and connectivity for the duration of the crisis and beyond.

PLDT yesterday announced that it will provide a speed boost for Fibr subscribers so the minimum speed will be 25 Mbps until April 30.

PLDT said this would be applied to residents of Metro Manila and parts of Greater Manila that include Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal.

Globe, for its part, said it has extended free and unlimited internet connection via its GoWiFi services to more hospitals nationwide as more COVID-19 cases are being confirmed in areas outside Metro Manila.

GoWiFi is available in 68 medical institutions across Luzon from March 16 until April 15.

“This is to augment the efforts of more medical frontliners and help patients and their loved ones to stay connected and informed in the country’s fight against the pandemic,” Globe said.