Gov't studying proposal to invest in broadband infrastructure

MANILA, Philippines - The government will study the proposal that it should invest in broadband infrastructure to improve the country's Internet connectivity, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said according to National Telecomunications Commission (NTC) head Gamaliel Cordoba, an inter-agency group will study the proposal that government invest in putting up broadband infrastructure, a common practice in other countries.

"Also to be studied is the possible giving of incentives to private companies that provide Internet connectivity to the unserved or underserved areas," Coloma said in a text message.

Coloma said the NTC, National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Science and Technology are tasked to spearhead the inter-agency study group.

The government move comes as the Senate continues to investigate the slow and expensive Internet services in the Philippines.

Sen. Bam Aquino, chair of the Senate committee on trade, commerce and entrepreneurship, said on Tuesday that the government should invest in projects that would improve Internet connection in the country.

"Panahon na ba para mag-invest ang gobyerno para ma-reach ang hard-to-reach areas at maabot ang Internet sa third, fourth, fifth and sixth class municipalities," he said.

Aquino also noted that there is a lack of competition among network providers, resulting in the poor and expensive internet services.

"Absolutely not an ideal situation. A country like Singapore has more than five providers. Tayo dito, we have a very few providers," he said.

"Kung may kumpetisyon sa merkado, marami pinagpipilian, mababa ang presyo, maganda iyong kalidad. This is an industry na we're hoping na dumami ang kompetisyon," Aquino added.